Help choosing a place to live (Portland, Salem: extended stay, real estate, rental)

[archie251]

My company has asked me to open a branch in the Portland area so I will be moving my family there some time after the new year. I have read a lot of post hear and have gathered some great information. I was just hoping some of you might be able to help me fine tune where we would like to live. We will rent at first and can spend up to $1500 per month. We need a 3br single family home with a yard for the kids. Unfortunately, we will have to rent something sight-unseen.

What communities should we consider? My work will require me to be within one hour from both Salem and Vancouver WA. Most important to us is low crime and good schools and a small town atmosphere. We do not want to live in Portland. We like to be able to shop at chain stores/restaurants but don't mind driving a little bit for that. Mountains get the nod over the ocean for us but we would like to be within a couple of hours from each. Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks

[EnricoV]

Wilsonville was my first thought. It's pretty much half way. West Linn would be another good choice. It's a little closer to Vancouver than Salem. They're both nice areas, pretty rural feeling, good schools, and both along a freeway. From looking at listings on Craig's List, looks like you should easily be able to find a rental for that price.

In picking a rental, try using Google Street View to kind of walk the neighborhood. That should give you a feel for it.

[archie251]

Those were two of the areas we were considering as well as Sherwood and Lake Oswego. I've read some threads about West Linn vs. Lake Oswego but how do they all compare to one another?

[Nell Plotts]

I would NEVER rent (or buy for that matter) sight unseen, anywhere. Stop first at an extended stay hotel for a couple weeks and look first. Target one or two communities for your search.

[archie251]

I appreciate your concern but I don't have a choice. I know the risks as I am in the real estate business. I have a friend in the area that might be able to view some properties for me.

[lifes2short]

I live in Sherwood and really enjoy it. It is extremely family friendly, and a great location for what you need. In my daily walks, I see several very nice homes (built within the last 1-3 years) for rent. I know some of these are from people who have been transferred out of the area and with the housing market that it is, they decided to rent them homes out. So from what I see daily, this would be ideal.

BTW, my DH is retired military and many times we had to rent sight unseen. It can be done, and with a great house and neighborhood as long as you do your research. If you need any help for Sherwood, just ask

[archie251]

Sherwood looks like our first choice at this point but we are considering others. Where do you think most people advertise. I've been looking on craigslist but it's just inundated with management companies. Honestly, I'd rather develope a relationship with the owners. I've looked as some of the local papers' websites but there aren't too many listings.

[EnricoV]

I think any of the communities menitoned are great choices. Only downside (or maybe it's an upside ) to Sherwood or Lake Oswego, is you'd probably have to travel further on surface roads before catching a freeway. Which could slow down commute times.

[lifes2short]

From our house in Sherwood to I-5 (the north Wilsonville exit) takes about 5 minutes. Costco is just on the other side of the freeway and it takes me 7 minutes to get there, lol! Anyway, that route is really easy and much, much better than the standard Tualatin-Sherwood Road. There is another backroads route to the south Wilsonville exit as well.

[backinpdx]

West Linn- Wilsonville and Sherwood are excellent choices. If your children are school age, check out test scores and school boundaries for the best schools. If possible, visit schools before you make a commitment. Not all schools are created equal. The link below is to oregon state education's website. AYP and Report Card Download - Oregon Department of Education another point to consider is parental involvement. Oregon PTA should be able to give you the number of members for a school. That is a good indicator of the commitment of community involvment. Good Luck!