Moving to Portland, but don't know what area (Gresham, Beaverton: apartment, rental market)

[Abbie11890]

So my boyfriend and I are moving to Portland in June but we haven't decided on a neighborhood. We visited a few months ago but not for long enough to get the real feel of each area. We would like an area that is not too expensive to rent, within maybe 5 miles of PSU, but not right near the university. We would like a fairly quiet area, so definitely not in the middle of downtown. If you can help us narrow it down based on experience, it would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

[urbanlife78]

Well 5 miles, that is any neighborhood in Portland, and not too expensive is relative, so it depends on how much you are looking for. My guess would be anything south of Division and west of 39th.

[davemess10]

except i wouldn't classify anything in that area as not too expensive.

[urbanlife78]

Originally Posted by davemess10

except i wouldn't classify anything in that area as not too expensive.

Again, it all depends on their definition of not too expensive and what they are looking for, an apartment? a house? But overall much of Portland isn't too expensive to begin with.

[Abbie11890]

We're looking to pay maybe $800 a month for a 1-2 bedroom.

[Nell Plotts]

Were I you I would look for transit service that brings you close to PSU. Parking can be a huge expense and even with a permit for the garage it is competitive.

Rents along the streetcar line may be more than you want to spend but you may be able to find something in the John's Landing area and cycle to the south end of the streetcar line. Max service to PSU is still a 'work in progress' IMHO so I don't think that part of our transit system makes sense. The other area I would look is along the route of bus 14 which runs out Hawthorne on the east side or routes 54/56 to the south west. Look at their schedules on line, you will want service into the evening during library hours.

[Bkk4now]

Check out Willamette Week online or just google "Portland tight rental market" and you will gain some valuable insight to the ever increasing struggle many Portlanders are facing trying to find affordable housing.

This scenario combined with a poor economy and lower salary rate than other cities makes Portland a more difficult city to afford than you would think.

Any apartment "close in" to the city center (but within a quiet neighborhood) will come at a premium. Avegage studio costs $700 to $800. Outer suburbs like Beaverton, Gresham, Tigard may be a little cheaper, but then you are "way out" and will need a car for basic transport.

[ankagula]

Abbie, you can get an apartment for about 800 in a good location, try craigslist, there's a ton of 2 bedrooms in the 700 range, in the city. I'd advise being with walking distance of the "green" and "yellow" train lines, as they both go to PSU. Cool neighborhoods are Mississippi Albina, Irvington, Piedmont - if you can just take the bus, which goes everywhere, Buckman, Lents, and Hawthorne are great. Move close to the Willamette river if not close to the train. Portland is super fun. Bring your bicycles!