Best area for married 30-somethings AND fun-seeking 20-something? (Portland, Eugene: real estate, rent)

[MordinSolus]

I've spent a little time in Portland, but not a lot so I need some help. My brother's wife is probably going to be getting a job in 'Silicon Forest' just outside Beaverton, apparently about 6 miles from downtown Portland. I live in Los Angeles but I've enjoyed Portland, I like to invest in real estate and I want to help out my brother and his wife so I figured I would buy a house up there, rent it to them and stay there in Portland from time to time.
This brings up a lot of questions though. If they have kids, what's the best nearby area for schools? What's the best place nearby for restaurants, shops and entertainment? What's a safe area nearby for them and their dogs? What's an up and coming place in the area with good prospects of improving home values? And is there a place that conveniently provides quick access to her job, good school, fun for me, safety for a family, and be a good investment?
Thanks.

[Nell Plotts]

Really there is no 'bad' area. The neighborhood called Bethany has much to speak for it. There are homes around a small golf club, condos near the shopping area, and recently (within the last 5 years) homes constructed along a green space north of Laidlaw Road. Alternatively you could look along the MAX line, the neighborhood called Orenco would be a good place to look. Cedar Hills east of the NIKE campus has older homes, a strong neighborhood.

[MordinSolus]

Thanks. I'll look into those areas.

[bler144]

Personally, while not opposed to Californians moving here, my experience has been that California landlords have a negative impact on the housing market. Colorado and particularly California money was a huge part of the run up in prices in Eugene in particular last decade.

Anyone moving here at least eventually has to deal with the consequences of the alignment of high market prices vs. a middling economy once they settle in. Someone just picking up relatively cheap property in Portland while making their money elsewhere won't feel this impact until if and when the housing market bombs out completely.

So I'd rather the OP not get involved, but certainly I understand why he would view the Portland market as appealing in its present state, where property looks "cheap" and the balance of sales/rent prices are at least somewhat in line compared to L.A. or SF.

That's just my personal view, however, having had a few California landlords myself and pretty carefully watching the market for the last 12 years.