Help! Moving to Oregon, need some advice! (Portland, Gresham: apartments, to rent)

[erinmike]

I'm a single, 25 year old female moving from Virginia to Oregon with my dog. I plan on attending MHCC and working at OHSU. I've been reading posts on here about Gresham; I don't really know what the surrounding areas are but I am looking into renting an apt close to school and work. From what I've read it seems that Gresham has a high crime rate and is sort of run-down? I'd be willing to move to Portland but am not sure if that is any different. If you are familiar with the area, I'd also like information on the weather, outdoor activities, night-life, the locals... anything helps! Thank you for your time!

[BLAZER PROPHET]

The light rail system (called MAX) runs along Burnside street and makes for really easy transportation. From either end of the line you can catch a bus to either MHCC or OHSU. There are lots of apartments along or within a block of Burnside. You can easily find one there.

[Terryj]

Gresham isn't a bad place, and yes there are some areas that are run down, but you'll find that in most areas. As far as crime rate, I can think of worse areas around Portland. If your going to work at OHSU and live in Gresham you might want to do as Blazer suggested, take the Max. There is no easy way to get to OHSU if your driving, I-84 becomes a parking lot in the mornings and evenings. The major streets, Burnside, Powell are no better. There are a number of nice apartments located within walking distance of the Max, again like Blazer said. As far as "night life" in the Portland area you'll find just about anything you desire for night life. The people in Portland are friendly and again, you'll find all types. Weather in Portland, yes, you have weather mostly moist to down right wet. The was a saying about people who live in Oregon, "We don't tan, we rust" LOL, Portland does get its share of rain. Outdoor activities, again, you can find almost anything.
Good luck on your move, I'm sure you'll enjoy Portland.

[fjtee]

You don't want to live in Gresham. Stick to Portland. It's not really that big of a city. I think I lived in every quadrant of the city, enjoyed them all, and found shortcuts all over the place.

I bet there isn't nightlife in Gresham, but it's okay in Portland. It's not DC, Chicago or New York, but it's not the worst.

The weather just outright sucks. You'll get 2 months out of the year that are decent. And, as far as the outdoors, well, if you're into hiking, there are tons of places to do that. Mt. Hood is nearby for skiing, boarding and other winter sports. The Columbia River has lots of water sports. Just don't know what you're into, but the greater area has almost everything you could want. Lots of cyclists, too.