Neighborhood to retire? (Portland: real estate, condo, townhouse)

[EMGuy]

Hi,

We are coming to Portland on vacation in August. One objective is to scope potential cities where we might want to retire in a few years. Any neighborhoods we should see? Prime criteria is a nice 'hood that is truly walkable to shops, restaurants, cultural activities, movie theaters, etc. Haven't decided type of housing (Condo/Townhouse/House). Definitely don't want a "over 50 type community". Didn't want to go out with a realtor at this point as we are still several years away. We are (hoping) that cost won't be a big issue as we are coming from an expensive real estate area.

Thanks.

[Nell Plotts]

The neighborhoods known as The Pearl, Northwest, Kings Heights, various downtown condo buildings would meet that description. Single family dwellings in those neighborhoods are expensive.

You could also look at the Irvington neighborhood around Westminster Presbyterian Church. We have a number of nice neighborhoods that were 'suburban' back in the day where there are small scale (not strip mall) retail businesses clustered. Very walkable. Those neighborhoods developed when there were streetcars and one car households.

[Nell Plotts]

.. and stay at home moms.

[pdxmilw]

Sellwood is walkable, but doesn't really have "cultural activities." Great access to restaurants, library, and the Springwater Trail, though, and not the hipster and/or hippie/poor barista vibe that a lot of walkable areas in Portland have. Agree that the Pearl or NW would be good choices, too.

[Nell Plotts]

One caution about Kings Heights is that it is on a serious hill although, as a retiree, it is great exercise to walk to the grocery store.