NE Portland Neighborhoods (Burns: apartments, to rent, buy)

[rosecitybound]

Hi,

I'll be moving to Portland for grad school in about a month. I think I'd like to live in the NE portion of the city. i was hoping someone could recommend me a neighborhood in this area that is:

-fairly safe
-close to public transportation
-has ample street parking (I have a car)
-close (w/in about 2 mi.) to bars, a library, and a grocery store
-populated with a decent number of students/twenty-somethings

Also, I'm giving myself about a week after arriving to find an apartment. I'm thinking about staying at the Hawthorne Hostel during this time; if anyone has any more info on it than is available online, I would love to know more (e.g., do they offer any on-site storage?)

Thanks!

[EnricoV]

Info can be had at the Hawthorne Hostel's website. I'm sure you could email them with any specific questions.

[subsound]

Most places in Portland are safer then most large cities, though I wouldn't say I would live in most areas. I have good experience with Lloyd, Hollywood, and Irvengton...and I would say Irvengton would fit most of your bill. It's a bit more expensive then the surrounding areas, just don't buy a house, but a bit nicer and safer in my experience to rent. You are near a good number of nice places to eat and hang out, plus the 8, 9, 10, and 77 go right by the areas with the majority of apartments. You can also walk and catch the Max near Lloyd (about 8 blocks from me, but it varies), not something I would do to commute every day but works well to get to the airport without paying for parking.

The two issues are parking and library. Parking is there and availible...however a lot of people park near the commercial areas so in a good number of places only one car can really fit down the street. I haven't been able to find a really close library really, save the one down town...which is just a quick bus ride really.

[EnricoV]

Closest libraries to the Irvington district would be the Hawthorne (39th between Belmont & Hawthorne) Branch, or the one in Hollywood.

Biggest trouble with Irvington is a grocery store. Nothing really close. Closest large store is the Fred Meyers over on Broadway, or the one at 39th & Hawthorne. The area around 28th & Burnside is the "entertainment" center. Though Burnside from there to the river is becoming surprisingly thick with a nice selection of bars & restaurants.

[subsound]

I always hit the Safeway by Lloyd Center, it's not a close one like next door...but I think the exercise helps. Depends on where in the neighborhood you are.

You can also hit the 77 east to the Hollywood Transit Center and go to Trader Joe's.

[hymalaia]

there is also a Whole Foods at the north end, at the intersection by Fremont. Irvington is a big though, so it all depends where you are in the neighborhood. In the more northern eastern corner it might be an issue but the other 3 corners all have something. Also, I wouldn't really consider 28th + Burnside very close to Irvington. It's not far but it's just far enough to make walking a PITA. There is more accessable stuff on Broadway, even if it's slightly less pleasant and more spread out.

[lemonbutter]

Alberta Arts area and Laurelhurst both have what you're looking for. If you look near Burnside/28th, I think you'll find inexpensive rent and amenities within walking distance plus public transportation is prolific there.