Portland neighborhoods that are easily commutable to Gresham? (for sale, rentals)

[nrv0us]

Hello, I am looking at a job in Gresham, but I am not seeing anything about the town itself that makes it sound like a particularly wonderful place to live. It doesn't sound terrible or anything, but neither does it grab me.

I like the idea of a vibrant, walkable neighborhood that doesn't feel like a suburb, and I was wondering if there might be a good part of Portland that offers an easy-ish commute to Gresham. I have two young kids so I'm thinking about schools, crime, family-friendliness, but also access to cultural stuff, decent food, etc. I'm not a McMansion person so I don't particularly need a massive house -- I'd be happier to trade square footage for living somewhere that feels a bit more established.

[Nell Plotts]

Much depends on what you consider to be an 'easy commute'. I am a central city person so I think in terms of close-in neighborhoods such as Irvington, Laurelhurst, Alameda - convenient access to I-84 where you will be driving the opposite of most commuters.

[Yankeemama]

Rose city Park, Center(now called North Tabor), Hollywood, Montavilla, maybe Laurelhurst but not too many rentals for homes and buying there is pretty pricey. Have you checked out the area yet? The city is not very big so you will be surprised how quickly you can get from one neighborhood to the next. Maybe Alberta would be a good fit though it's North Portland. I don't know how close you want to be to work. Good luck.

[Ryant]

I live close-in SE and commute to Gresham. I'm around 18th and Divison and work at 181st. It only takes 20 mins or so and the traffic isn't bad since you're going the opposite of most commuters. It would be faster from Laurelhurst (as I go past there) it'd probably shave 7 mins.

[Minervah]

It kind of depends upon what you can afford. There are lots of neighborhoods as have been pointed out that would be great for you. Just what are your housing needs and if you don't mind giving it, what is your rental/buying allowance?

[nrv0us]

If we were buying, I'd want to limit it at the high $200,000s -- if renting, maybe around $1,500/mo?

[Nell Plotts]

Homes for sale aren't moving at the moment and the market as a whole is dropping. I hesitate to advise anyone how much to spend as prices are a factor of condition, size and location-location-location. Anyone considering buying a house should spend at least a month studying their favorite neighborhoods and when a house goes pending note the address then follow up to see the sales price on Portland Maps. A realtor should be able to print out a list of closed sales in an area that have the characteristics you are looking for. Then look at how much the market has dropped between now-then and adjust your expectations.

It goes without saying that you don't want to 'stretch' your budget to buy a house.