Portland neighborhoods for retireees (Eugene: apartments, rental, condo)

[Carolgre]

My husband and I are researching places to retire to. We currently live in New York, which is becoming much too expensive to live in. We don't drive and would like a neighborhood in Portland that is easily accessible to stores, libraries, doctors' offices and supermarkets by either using our feet (we love to walk) or public transportation. We know that The Pearl District is the best area but we fear it might be a little too expensive for us. We live on our combined social security, plus interest from a 401K account. I've looked on Craigslist for apartments + Portland but don't really know which are safe neighborhoods. Any advice you can give us on this board would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

Carol

[StealthRabbit]

I don't consider the Pearl to be a great retirement district. (traffic, access, services, prices, hub-bub, 'attitude'...)
I would look into something in a nice neighborhood with good accessible services (library, parks, medical, + good direct bus service.) I would also search and inquire of areas with strong senior programs (Portland Parks and Recreation might help)

for my taste (quiet, classy, traditional, walkable) I would look in this order;

Eastmoreland;(Reed College) Laurelhurst; Sellwood; Hollywood; (MAX Access)

But I don't know Portland inside and out, and I'm sure there are equivalent other nice spots that might not be so spendy.

There are lots of nice areas, and prices to match varied budgets and activity levels. It is also very nice to be near a friendly college. Concordia University area (NE) is venturing strong into community involvement and support. (unfortunately they don't have a rec center with a lap pool, which would be a must for me). I would love to take classes and do international educational trips. Might check area around UofP. If I was to choose 'Portland Central' I would try to get as close to Park St and PSU as I could afford. The proximity of museums and entertainment is quite good, and the free library at the Portland Art Museum would become my second home! (actually 3rd... AFTER a good lap pool )

[diane_lakecrest]

Originally Posted by Carolgre

My husband and I are researching places to retire to. We currently live in New York, which is becoming much too expensive to live in. We don't drive and would like a neighborhood in Portland that is easily accessible to stores, libraries, doctors' offices and supermarkets by either using our feet (we love to walk) or public transportation. We know that The Pearl District is the best area but we fear it might be a little too expensive for us. We live on our combined social security, plus interest from a 401K account. I've looked on Craigslist for apartments + Portland but don't really know which are safe neighborhoods. Any advice you can give us on this board would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

Carol

You might consider SW Portland area. Multnomah Village is very quaint and contains alot of what you are looking for. You are minutes from downtown PDX, and bus lines run regularly. My husband & I live in Eugene (south 110 miles) and are in the process of purchasing a 2 unit townhouse in the Village, so we can stay in the 600 sq ft unit downstairs when visiting our PDX family, and rent the upstairs 1700 sq ft (2+2) fully remodeled unit. If you are interested in renting first, let me know.

[nancy thereader]

Would you mind if I asked you a few (dumb?) questions ? Is Multnomah Village part of Portland itself ? What exactly is downtown PDX ? Isn't PDX the airport ?

[diane_lakecrest]

Multnomah village is a small community with shops, antiques, restaurants, etc. It is located and considered SW Portland, off Multnomah Blvd, Barbur Blvd, and I-5. Downtown Portland would be the center hub, where there are considerable 8-5 businesses, but also a thriving drive to bring people "back" to the city core. PDX is the airport code for Portland, and also an abbreviation for Portland. Sorry for any confusion.

[diane_lakecrest]

Multnomah Village - Home, Guide to Multnomah Neighborhood in Portland Oregon , here are a couple of sites that explain in more detail what Multnomah Village entails.

[Carolgre]

Originally Posted by diane_lakecrest

You might consider SW Portland area. Multnomah Village is very quaint and contains alot of what you are looking for. You are minutes from downtown PDX, and bus lines run regularly. My husband & I live in Eugene (south 110 miles) and are in the process of purchasing a 2 unit townhouse in the Village, so we can stay in the 600 sq ft unit downstairs when visiting our PDX family, and rent the upstairs 1700 sq ft (2+2) fully remodeled unit. If you are interested in renting first, let me know.

Thanks for your reply regarding Multnomah Village. It sounds beautiful. We currently have one year left on the lease in our New York City apartment so, at this point we're just doing research for a year or two down the road. Does Multnomah village have many rental units? Also, does it have a public library? Is it possible to walk to most places (supermarkets, banks, etc.)? And, last of all, is it fairly accessible to public transportation into Portland? I know I'm asking a lot of questions but we need to be absolutely certain before we pack up all of our furniture and make such a big move. We need to be sure we'll be able to get around without a car. Hopefully, this will be our last move and we don't want to make a mistake. What also has us a little nervous about Portland is that fact that it doesn't have any knd of rent controls. What we do absolutely know is that we are SICK of the fast pace and coldness of New York City.

Thank you so much for any further advice you can give us.

Carol

[nancy thereader]

I am actually looking for a condo when I retire this coming spring (I just hope that the prices in Portland do not go up before I get there ) . I would like to be able to live close to Portland itself & definitely near the wonderful transit system , but perhaps in an over 55 place. Does anyone know anything about Claremont ? Or any other area? Thanks so much.

[nancy thereader]

Thank you , diane . The link to Multnomah Village was great (is that an Indian name?) I really enjoyed seeing the wonderful site of all the styles of homes in Portland.

[Supernova7]

Nancy- I think Goose Hollow would be perfect for you. It's quiet, serene, beautiful and minutes from downtown.

Carol-Sellwood/Westmoreland or Eastmoreland I heard are wonderful communities. You mentioned that you'll be living on Social Security retirement, I'm not sure how much that totals in coparison to the costs in those commmunities. I suggest you notify the local community counsel and learn about senior housing, every city has affordable housing set aside for the elderly, disabled and poor.

Public Transit is EXCELLENT in Portland and NO you don't need a car as long as you are near the city. I agree with an earlier poster about "college towns/communities" You have a lot of resources, stores, restaurants, theaters etc., and many social activists groups that are dedicated to helping the elderly and less fortunate. It's a good community to live in regardless of age.