Help choosing neighborhood? (Portland, Beaverton, Hillsboro: apartments, rental, neighborhoods)

[Moving21]

My husband, daughter (age 1) and I are trying to move to Portland. He's possibly going to work for Pacific University in Forest Grove, and my office would be near the intersection of Burnside and Broadway (I don't know what that area is called).

Our ideal characteristics:

- Accessible by public transportation
- Lots to do within walking distance (restaurants, grocery shopping, parks, etc.)
- Family and pet friendly
- Decent schools

We plan to rent for a while before we decide where we want to stay for good. It seems (from looking on craigslist) that rental prices are pretty reasonable everywhere, compared to where we're leaving (So. Cal), so that's not a big issue for us.

Any suggestions for where we could look? We're planning a trip out there for November and hope to check out a few neighborhoods.

Thanks in advance.

[EnricoV]

Those are fairly far apart. I'd split the difference and go for somewhere about Hillsboro or Beaverton. If you look for something near to the MAX line, that'll make your commute into town easier, and you won't have to deal with parking issues.

[Rob Allen]

I'd just drive back and forth between the two places and see what looks good. The halfway point is probably the Tanasbourne area - lots of apartments to choose from there.

[tytus]

Cedar Hill's area in SW Portland/Beaverton would work well. Good schools, shopping, parks, etc. Close to the freeway and various public transportation (Max) stops as well.

Check out zip codes 97005, and 97225. Tanasbourne zip codes are typically 97123, 97124, and 97007. Tons of strip malls in Tanasbourne, but good shopping and availability.