Beaverton, Pearl District, or NW Portland? (Gresham, Green: apartment, employment, safe area)

[AmandaPanda3]

I am possibly moving to Portland, OR and I have never been before. I will be working at a shopping center, either at Washington Square or Clackamas Towne Center (?). I am younger and I will be living by myself so I want to find a nice, clean, SAFE area to live in. I've done research and found Beaverton, Pearl District, and NW to be the most suitable. I would love any advice on which one, and what the commute would be like. Thank you!!

[philwithbeard]

Both NW and the Pearl have almost no street parking available (all used up) and apartment parking spaces will be an expensive add-on to your rent. Commuting by Mass Transit to Washington Sq will be a challenge ('cause you won't want to move your car as then you would loose your parking space.) Commuting to Clackamas TC is the end-of-the-line on the Green Max light rail line. About 30 minutes rail ride from near the Pearl to Clackamas TC. In etther case, get a monthly TriMet system Pass.
TriMet: Public Transportation for the Portland, Oregon, Metro Area

But I would suggest to you that if you are going to work retail, Downtown hires WAY more retail workers that the Malls do. This is a Portland thing. There is even an old multi story building downtown that was converted into a 4 story mini-Mall in the 700 block of SW 5th (near the old courthouse) with a food court underground connecting to a smaller building with additional shops across the street.

Also, since this is Northern Left-Coast, you should know that there are a couple of places where they have outdoor malls, walking areas, small shops, but no domed area that needs to be air-conditioned or heated (which wastes green-house-gas making energy.) Most notably, Gresham Town Center, and Beaverton TC.

It is only my opinion, but you should think about trying to find retail worker employment out in Beaverton. Fast commute to Downtown by RED Max line. and quick bus or Streetcar ride up to NW or Pearl.

Last point: a retail worker downtown without a tattoo is uncommon, bordering on rare. Clackamas TC retailers have what seems to be a strong no-tattoo-showing policy heavily enforced on the employees. My personal opinion: Clackamas TC is like stepping into a time warp -- It is still 1999 out there. Even the "hip" stores are at least 10years out of date. Hot bed of Religious Conservative 'burbs out that way, I have been told.