Safe place to live near Swan Island (Portland: rentals, neighborhood)

[MovingCyclist]

Hey everyone. I'll be moving to Portland for 6 months, working at Freightliner. I was wondering of places to look at/avoid for a rental for myself and one other person. N/NE/NW portland are fine, although I'd like to stay on the N side of the river if possible so I don't have to cross any bridges. Also need it to be at least semi-bike friendly (will be riding to work). Also, within 10 miles of swan island (give or take).

:P Sorry for all the requirements, but any help would be much apprecited.

Thanks, Ryan

[Rob Allen]

I don't know that area well, but a friend lives in the St. Johns neighborhood and loves it. That's north-northwest of Swan Island.

[PNW-type-gal]

St. Johns has some good, semi-good, semi-bad and bad parts. You really have to check it out on a street-by-street basis. In general, the area that sits right on the bluff is pretty good, and the closer you move toward I-5 the higher the chance the neighborhood will be questionable. Likewise, north of the St. John's bridge isn't going to be very good. The area has a lot of positives, though - access to light rail being a major one.

As for rentals, you'll be looking at a lot of places that are set up to rent to University of Portland students.