Considering Portland (apartments, rentals, safe neighborhood)

[DannyBanany]

Hello, I am 19 years old and I am considering a move to Portland with a friend of mine. I am wondering, which area of Portland is best for a couple of fun guys in their early 20s who are new to the area? I don't mind living in an "eccentric" area of town as long as it's not overrun by gangs and crime-ridden. In fact, I prefer living in a unique area! I'd love a place with great views too!

I think the maximum that we could spend on an apartment would be 800 per month. Is this a possibility in Portland?

I'm just throwing cities around trying to narrow 'em down! I have a few others in mind too! Thanks!

[sinfree]

I'm actually not from Portland, but I am also considering the area. I have been doing some housing searches and stumbled upon:

Sitka Apartments-Portland Oregon Apartments

You will notice that the rent for these is dirt cheap, especially for the Pearl District, but there are income limits. If the two of you combined plan to share the apartment I think the max income is 32,580 to get the cheap rent... so I guess it depends on whether you guys are going to be going to school, or have good jobs lined up... because if you have much job at all you will certainly thrash that income limit .

If you aren't eligible for the income adjusted rents, then you are probably looking at low $1000's rent in the better interesting neighborhoods, though the locals could probably help you locate some cheaper places in decent areas.

[Nell Plotts]

Try this tool for ratings: Apartment Ratings - Apartments for Rent with Ratings and Reviews from Actual Renters

The rent prices are probably dated but building 'personalities' are often quite stable.

Oh, don't sell your tenancy based on being 'fun guys'. Landlords prefer quiet tenants who take care of the place and pay their rent on time. If the residence is a quality place then the landlord will have a plie of applicants. Two fun guys from out of town won't make the cut.

[mtngypzy]

I lived in PDX for many years, moved to Central oregon 2 years ago. If I were to move back to PDXwould definitely move into the Pearl District. It is the cool, happening place for all ages really. There is a Patagonia Shop, a huge REI with a rock climbing wall inside, great parks to enjoy the awesome PDX summer evenings, incredible restaurants, close to downtown entertainment, funky one of a kind shops and it is right on the max line (that's a little cable car unit that cruises around downtown and it's free!). Rent may be a little outside your price range, but I'm certain if you look hard you can find something really close to the Pearl if not right in it. Good luck!

[DannyBanany]

I think I could live with $1000 per month rent. It'd be split in half so it's not so bad. Thanks for the replies guys! Big help!

[Nell Plotts]

$1000 won't cut it in the Pearl.

[DannyBanany]

Originally Posted by Nell Plotts

$1000 won't cut it in the Pearl.

That's too bad. Is there another safe neighborhood in Portland where there is a concentration of "young life"?

[Nell Plotts]

I don't know what rents you will find buy you could look in NW, the area south and east of NW 29th/Vaughn; or west and south of Portland State, some call it Goose Hollow but it isn't well defined.

[DannyBanany]

Originally Posted by Nell Plotts

I don't know what rents you will find buy you could look in NW, the area south and east of NW 29th/Vaughn; or west and south of Portland State, some call it Goose Hollow but it isn't well defined.

Thanks! I've been craigslist-ing NW Portland too. Looks like it's a pretty nice area. Is there an area that I should probably avoid?

[lac098]

Hi Danny,

if you do a craigs search just type in Pearl and your max rent. When I tried it, there were 24 rentals that came up all within your price range. Although.. a lot were studios or 1 BRS..just check everyday, I'm sure you'll find something. Good luck to you!