Portland (Beaverton, Milwaukie, Phoenix: sales, real estate, loft)

[leavinglasvegas]

Hello everyone, as you can tell by my name I need to get out of this hell-hole Lost Wages. It really is hell because tommorow it's going to be over 100 degrees! Anyway I was thinking of moving to Portland, the city is pretty big which will be good for my job doing real estate appraisals. I'm in my mid 20's, I love to snowboard, like clean water, love the ocean/beaches, like down to earth people, don't like people who judge other people or think they are above them. I would also like to get a loft where you don't have to put curtains up, not that I don't enjoy the sun, but I think I can manage with having it only a couple months out of the year. I love night life and exciting people, so what part of Portland do you think would fit me? Also is anyone in the real estate business up there, if so how is it?

Thanks

[Ryan]

Definitely look into Vancouver; It's also a very large city but very suburban and much nicer. It's right next to Portland (right across the river), and very low crime, unlike Portland. Properties prices have been climbing high as of late, but they're still a great deal. Most people prefer living on the east side in Camas and Washougal, all towns surrounding Vancouver all more rural and nicer family areas. On the west side, the better parts are in Felida, Vancouver Junction, and Battle Ground. The expensive properties are closer to the Columbia River and the less expensive places are closer to I-5. The schools in the area are great to excellent. Lots of businesses, both large and small and great shopping. Vancouver's also got some of the best deals on NICE condos anywhere in WA, and better appreciation than Portland. Also, there's no income tax in WA, and no sales tax in OR, so you get the best of both worlds working in one state and shopping in another. Good luck.

[Eugguy]

PEARL DISTRICT of Portland.

[leavinglasvegas]

Sweet, I'll definately check out both. How long's the drive from one to another? Who has better weather? I've heard good things about Hawthorne district in Portland? Wheres the best nightlife, not particualary drinking, but live concerts, bars, etc. Who is more vibrant when the sun goes down?

Thanks for the infor, any of you want to know about Vegas, Colorado, or Kansas/Missouri I can tell you.

[Ryan]

Any urban city will have better nightlife than it's suburban counterpart. That being said, there's lots more to do in Portland, but I, myself, wouldn't live there. Vancouver is right next door; maybe a 5 minute drive into Portland, but has a way more laid back atmosphere and has a much nicer quality of living, imo.

[Redrover]

Eugguy's suggestion of the Pearl District is only a viable suggestion if money is no object for you. Although I live in Texas, my sister lives in Oregon and has friends who live in Portland. (We just returned from up there on Tuesday.) One of her friends has a small almost efficiency sized loft in the Pearl with not even a separate bedroom and she paid almost $600,000 for it. Admittedly it is a beautiful space and really conveniently located but I couldn't live in such a claustrophobic space with no storage. Look at Vancouver.

[redcrown]

I live in Beaverton..it sounds like downtown Portland or close to it might be a good fit for you. The Pearl district is VERY expensive. I dont venture into downtown much, but I have puttered around the "Alphabet District" (according to street signs) and it seems very clean and green. Pretty streets, lots of interesting shops. The Hollywood district is kinda fun too. I would look into vancouver more before you dive into it...I dunno, vancouver is in the news constantly regarding crime..seems like a bit ghetto to me. And traffic from vancouver into portland in am, and portland to vancouver pm is TERRIBLE. I personally like the west side, but it is definitley suburban.

[Barbara Bronson]

Just moved our daughter to Portland. She is in an apt. in the Sellwood/Milwaukie area for now. Sellwood is on the SE side, very cute neighborhood, safe and very pretty streets, nice little business area, lots of restaurants all over. The weather was very beautiful while we were there, this was in late April. Everything was in bloom and it was lovely. We are considering a move up there but we want some acreage outside of town. My husband likes the area west of town with Mt. Hood views. Any suggestions? (we are retired so don't need to worry about jobs.)

[jenlyn]

LeavingLasVegas..We live in Phoenix, AZ and cant wait to get out. We are going to check out Portland but I really am interested in Colorado..the Denver area..Any info about Denver? Im not sure I can handle all the cloudy days in Portland..I love the AZ sun but not every single day!! Thanks!

[rainkissed]

Many loft condos in the Pearl but very trendy and somewhat pretentious in its own way, people have moved from places like New York! (in the past people from east coast cities would not have had Pdx on their radar). Vancouver is nice, I happen to live there but maybe not the environment for a young single 20-something. I'd recommend inner SE, especially Sellwood/Moreland/Hawthorne areas. Younger, hipper, more singles, funky shops, good restaurants, close to downtown and more down to earth. The area has older houses, great parks, condos on the river. That sounds like your best fit, but there are many great neighborhoods in and around Portland. Snowboarding and skiing within an hour or so at Mt. Hood, easier access to that on east side.