Portland Suburbs (Beaverton, Cedar Mill, Beaver: crime rates, schools, taxes)

[Mudd]

Hiya. My wife and I are planning a move to Portland in the next few months. We've been there before and loved the area, and were interested in some of the suburbs. What are some of the nicer areas around Portland (not necessarily in the city) that are good for a younger professional family. By the time we move, we'll have a daughter as well, so kid-friendly is a must. Not as worried about school systems quite yet as we'll have a few years to decide there, but I'd like to know where to have a realtor look.

Thanks.

[tigerlily]

Check out the Cedar Mill area (97229), an unincorporated area of Washington County, so lower taxes. The area is north of Sunset Highway. We have the advantage of Beaverton schools, but less congestion. It's a 15-20 minute drive through Forest Park to downtown Portland.

[Mudd]

We've actually been looking at the Vancouver area (and areas just east of that). I work for a major retailer with several locations in the area, so I can go just about anywhere and be close to work. I'm more worried about things like proximity to shopping, crime rates, and housing costs.

I'll check into the Cedar Mill area as well, for sure, thanks.

[PDXsailor]

Vancouver area is NOT Portland. It may only be separated by a bridge, but the attitudes are very different.

Not knowing what you like to do, or anything like that, the best thing you can do is come to the area and just drive around ALL of it. It is not too big and you can see it all in a couple of days.

[Mudd]

Originally Posted by PDXsailor

Vancouver area is NOT Portland. It may only be separated by a bridge, but the attitudes are very different.

Not knowing what you like to do, or anything like that, the best thing you can do is come to the area and just drive around ALL of it. It is not too big and you can see it all in a couple of days.

That's ok, I'm all right with the fact it's not Portland. I loved the area, but I'm not going to be able to come up and survey the entire city and surrounding area before I move, I'm probably going to move blind, at least initially.

I guess I want a nicer area that's not that expensive (have my cake and eat it too). Once I'm settled there and learn the area, I can move and go from there. I'll probably rent, at least the first year I'm there or so.