Urban living in Portland (Eugene: real estate, renting, condo)

[HBINDC]

We (young retirees in mid-50's) are thinking of relocating from DC to Portland. We like urban living - being able to walk to a lot of things - and are thinking of either downtown in adjacent neighborhoods close in. Which neighborhoods in Portland would you suggest?

The primary question is - are these places that one can (for the most part, though not entirely) do without a car. Are there a fair amount of pedestrians around? Is everyday (grocery, drugstore, etc) shopping available.

Secondarily is a quesiton about affordability - We would like a two bedroom condo (approximately 1,200 square feet or so), move-in ready for up to about $550,000. Is this realistic?

Also, would any other smaller places in Oregon fit the bill - perhaps Eugene?

[lucero32]

Originally Posted by HBINDC

We (young retirees in mid-50's) are thinking of relocating from DC to Portland. We like urban living - being able to walk to a lot of things - and are thinking of either downtown in adjacent neighborhoods close in. Which neighborhoods in Portland would you suggest?

The primary question is - are these places that one can (for the most part, though not entirely) do without a car. Are there a fair amount of pedestrians around? Is everyday (grocery, drugstore, etc) shopping available.

Secondarily is a quesiton about affordability - We would like a two bedroom condo (approximately 1,200 square feet or so), move-in ready for up to about $550,000. Is this realistic?

Also, would any other smaller places in Oregon fit the bill - perhaps Eugene?

Portland would be a great fit for you. You can easily find a great condo in the Pearl that meets you specifications. The Pearl meets all of your criteria. Not only would you be able to walk to a Whole Foods, Parks, and basic services, but the streetcar/MAX connects you to all of the cities attractions.

Check out the various real estate sites around (RMLS.com, movingtoportland.net, etc...) to get an idea of what you'd like. But for the money you're talking about you should be able to find a great condo facing on to a park.

There are many other great neighborhoods which to varying degrees meet your wishes, but none quite as much as the Pearl.

Good luck with your search...

[ElphinKnight]

Any suggestions for the same, for a couple in their early 30's who might be looking to spend $275-300k on a townhome or small detached home? We'll also be renting for the first year there. I have a car but I'd like to just park it and take public transit, walk, and bike. We have a couple of small dogs as well.

[revboi]

The Pearl District would be perfect for you! I've lived here (came from PA) about a year and a half now. It's growing more and more every day, the streetcar runs right through the neighborhood, there are parks, galleries, shops, etc all within walking distance. There are a lot of dogs too! It's a very pet friendly town. A lot of businesses will even put water bowls outside their doors. I don't even own a car here. I walk to work or ride my bike. It's a very safe area and you'll be amazed at how far $500K can go in this town. Much further than DC. There are 4 new condo buildings going up within 4 blocks of me as we speak. (I can hear the construction outside right now!) Try Hoyt Street Properties. They're pretty much the ones responsible for this neighborhood existing and they handle almost every property I can think of.

[wtg]

Do the neighborhoods have similar amenities? Any downside to either?

[PDXmom]

Originally Posted by HBINDC

We (young retirees in mid-50's) are thinking of relocating from DC to Portland. We like urban living - being able to walk to a lot of things - and are thinking of either downtown in adjacent neighborhoods close in. Which neighborhoods in Portland would you suggest?

You might also consider a close in neighborhood like: Sellwood/ Westmoreland. It will be tough to find a condo in general in this neighborhood. But you will be able to find great townhomes in the 300s and for 550 you could easily find a house. Sellwood / Westmoreland is 5 mins from downtown... many people who live here bike downtown to work. Plus the neighborhood has everything in walking distance... shops, restaurants, New Seasons (like Whole Foods... only better), library, PO, bank, etc. Also, we are connected to terrific hiking trails (Oaks Bottom) and Bike Trails (Springwater Cooridor).

NW Portland/ Nob Hill compares well to the Pearl. In fact when the Pearl was still just run down warehouses Nob Hill was & still is very much like the Pearl. Walkable, livable, neighborhood.

But don't limit yourself to the westside... there are fabulous neighborhoods on the eastside too that fit your bill.

[OREGONRAIN]

I wonder if the originator of this particular post has read any of this.

[ElphinKnight]

Well, I'm a "me too" poster and I've been reading this. ;-) Though, as I mentioned in my post, we're looking more in the $275-300k range and we would like a townhome. If it can have a little - and I understand little - private yard space that would be preferable. What about Alberta, Hawthorne, Mississippi, or Irvington (I've done a bit of research!)??