Would like Opinions for certain neighborhood.... (Portland, Burns: apartments, rentals, condos)

[chestnut2609]

Hey Everyone,

My Husband and I are from Tampa, Florida. I am still in Tampa but my Husband is in Portland working, I will be meeting him there in a month or so. He is trying to find an apartment, which is difficult to do especially when you are totally familiar with the area.

For anyone who may be from Tampa, we lived and really loved South Tampa. South Tampa is pretty different from the rest of Tampa. There are lots of local restaurants and shops, and lots of pretty cute urban neighborhoods.

We keep going back and forth from trying to find an apartment in the NW or Pearl District, to something a little more neighborhood-like (we were thinking Hawthorne).

My Husband saw an apartment yesterday that he loved and it looked really nice to me too (he took pics) - I am just concerned about the neighborhood. NW Flanders and 4th avenue is the address - can anyone tell me if this is a decent neighborhood? I don't want to be afraid to walk the dog at night by myself.....

Thanks in advance for advice!

[Rob Allen]

That's Chinatown, about midway between the Pearl district and the homeless shelter cluster on Burnside. My favorite Chinese restaurant is one block away, at 4th and Everett (Golden Horse Seafood). It's definitely an urban neighborhood. I don't know what it's like to walk the dog at night there. Maybe your husband could wander around the area at night and see what he thinks?

[Jillaceae]

Personally, that would not be my favorite place to live, and it isn't very "neighborhood", much more commercial. I don't know that I would feel the safest walking around by myself. It also isn't very far from a soup kitchen, so there are a lot of homeless about. You will also hear the the trains from the train station a few blocks away. (Also very close to the bus station. Bus stations can be sketchy)

Of course, you would be oh-so-close to the lovely Chinese Gardens!

[Nell Plotts]

I noticed a couple condos for rent at the Portland Plaza on Craig's list recently. Then there was another rental in a house behind Portland State that looked very nice.. the name Molly was in the ad, if that helps. I don't know any of these folks, but I do know close-in west Portland very well. I have no concerns about those locations, although the Portland Plaza doesn't have a real sense of 'neighborhood'. The units up on the hill behind Uptown usually mean a lot of stair climbing. Prime rentals in NW Portland (west of NW 20th to Forrest Park) are not easy to find as the residents network like crazy - not that they can't be found, it just takes a lot of work.

In the neighborhood called Goose Hollow, near the Multnomah Athletic Club, there are a couple older apartment buildings worthy of consideration. I didn't catch whether or not you have a dog... THAT may be an issue, however, I wouldn't hesitate to walk a dog in the evening in that neighborhood.

[Minervah]

I live in the Hawthorne area and love it to pieces. It has everything including the oppurtunity for me not to have to own car.

[Rainbow08]

Is Hawthorne in between the Pearl and Chinatown?

[Lilly12103]

I would stay away from living in or near Chinatown at all costs. If you want to be on the West side of the river downtown check out near PSU, Pearl, or NW.

[lilypad]

Originally Posted by Rainbow08

Is Hawthorne in between the Pearl and Chinatown?

Hawthorne District is in southeast Portland. You would need to take Ross Island Bridge, Hawthorne Bridge, or Morrison Bridge to get to this area. It is my favorite area of Portland, eclectic, lots of cute shops, beautiful architecture and homes. As already mentioned, the transportation system is easy to access here to dowtown, etc.

[Rosiegirll]

I agree with those that suggest staying away from Chinatown. On the West Side, you might like the Multnomah Village Area. Also, on that side of town there are some nice areas near the Macadam Avenue area and on the East Side you might like looking at the apartments near the Lloyd Center and also the Sellwood area.

[Rainbow08]

Originally Posted by lilypad

Hawthorne District is in southeast Portland. You would need to take Ross Island Bridge, Hawthorne Bridge, or Morrison Bridge to get to this area. It is my favorite area of Portland, eclectic, lots of cute shops, beautiful architecture and homes. As already mentioned, the transportation system is easy to access here to dowtown, etc.

Hi lilypad,

Thanks. I've just come back from Portland after almost 3 weeks.
Walked all over the city including Hawthorne district and then took the bus when I got tired from too much walking. The city is small enough to walk around in general. The Hawthorne district appeared have have had better days though.