Norhtwest Heights/Forest Hills neighborhood (Portland, Arlington: real estate, house, neighborhoods)

[jencc]

I woud appreciate any insight on how it is to live in the Forest Hills neighborhood. Is there as much community feeling as our realtor is suggesting? We are coming from New England, where you can have a fairly large yard. Do people miss the space near their homes? What is the "greenbelt" like, and do people hike in Forest Park? I am a mom staying at home for now, and want to make sure we don't feel isolated if we move to this area. Thanks!

[PNW-type-gal]

Originally Posted by jencc

I woud appreciate any insight on how it is to live in the Forest Hills neighborhood. Is there as much community feeling as our realtor is suggesting? We are coming from New England, where you can have a fairly large yard. Do people miss the space near their homes? What is the "greenbelt" like, and do people hike in Forest Park? I am a mom staying at home for now, and want to make sure we don't feel isolated if we move to this area. Thanks!

Forest Park isn't a greenbelt, it's a MASSIVE city park that stretches over miles (I think it's over 5,000 acres).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forest_Park_%28Portland%29

There's also a neighborhood association:
http://www.nwnw.org/

It's also fairly high-priced real estate (compared to the rest of the city), so lots do tend to be smallish, especially new construction. Were I going to buy in any of those neighborhoods, I'd require some kind of engineering inspection or report for any house on a steep slope, though. A contractor or real estate agent's word would not be good enough.

[JakeDog]

Jen- I think you are talking about "Forest Heights"? Double Check. If you are discussing forest heights- that sounds like the neighborhood you just described- it's definitely not my cup of tea- McMansions on small lots with lots of real estate turnover- it is where a lot of temporary executives locate to in Portland. you can't walk to anything from there and the streets are too step for kids to play on. For the same price or less you can live in some real nice neighborhoods (although you probably won't be able to afford as big a home). If you are just looking at areas that are around Forest park, that is a completely different area.

[jencc]

So, what are the good neighborhoods, then? We're looking for somewhere with a close community, good schools, close to town and lots of families. We'd also like a yard. Any recommendations?

[JakeDog]

"So, what are the good neighborhoods, then? We're looking for somewhere with a close community, good schools, close to town and lots of families. We'd also like a yard. Any recommendations?"

Of course it depends on your budget. If you have over $700K I'd recommend Portland Heights, Arlington Heights, or Dunthorpe (or look for a fixer for less). If you budget is more modest I'd recommend the Bridlemile area. Bridelmile is one of the best elementry schools in town, your commute would be basically nonexistant (just head up Patton and down the Portland Heights). The Homes in Bridlemile are not as new or large as Forest Heights, but the roads are flat and quiet (good for kids), there are a ton of families, etc. The biggest downside is the style of homes- ranches (which I like, but many do not) that rarely exceed 2500 sq. feet.
Raliegh Hills is also an option, but the schools may not be as good.
Alternatively, Mt. Tabor is a nice family neighborhood on the East Side, but I'm not familiar with the quality of the schools.
I just find Forest Heights to be a pretty ugly McMansion neighborhood and the roads are way too steep for children to play on.