Moving to Troutdale (Portland, Gresham, Hood River: apartments, violent crime, motel)

[desert_dryad]

I'm moving from Phoenix to Troutdale in about two weeks and was wondering about the city. Any impressions, advice on places to go, places to avoid, etc. Thanks!

[philwithbeard]

If you like truck stop "comfort food" and cheap car gas prices (by Portland's standards) there is the Flying 'J' truck stop and restaurant up by the Interstate in Troutdale. Also the discount outlet mall is near by (Question: do people still go to Outlet Malls much anymore, or is that a 1990's thing? Just so last century?)

Welcome to Oregon, by the way. You are coming at a bad time weather wise, as it will be a lot less sunshine than you're use to, and a bit cooler. But you have the spring and summer to look forward to. Spring should be here by June. (that's a joke, son.)

Phil

[justwaitimthinking]

I lived in the area many years and still drive through frequently, I know a lot about the area. In my opinion, Troutdale was a great place as far as safe communities go (schools aren't the greatest though). Violent crime was pretty much non-existant (I think they had only 1 murder over a 10 year period...you can find the info on CD or other crime data websites). However, things have really changed over the last several years, a lot of apartments in the area are getting older and therefore are bringing in some 'issues.' Troutdale is sandwiched between SE Portland and Gresham, and Corbett to the East. SE Portland is kinda ghetto and so is Gresham, so the issues there are leaking into Troutdale. Really, the best place to be on that side is Corbett (the high school is ranked in the top 1% in the nation), up in the rolling hills (beautiful), lots of acreage or Boring. However, unless you have money, Corbett is pretty expensive housing-wise and Boring can get up there too (unless you are looking at older ranches). I could go on and on, Troutdale like many places has pockets, so it would some time to give you all the info, feel free to email on CD if you have any specific neighborhoods you are looking at and I can give you my take on the areas. In short, I'd stay away from the freeway (I84, Wood Village comes to mind), and west Troutdale, ...the further east in Troutdale the better. Take a look on the map (like a google map), zoom in and you can find 'Sunrise Park' - that is one of the better neighborhoods. You'll want to stay on the west side of 257 and south of Stark. Also, if you drive out Troutdale Road and turn onto Strebin there are newer neighborhoods back there that are very nice.

[Leisesturm]

We 'lived' in Troutdale for about 3 weeks when we first came to Oregon. We had a room in the Motel 6 near the Flying 'J'. Lots of excitement, the Sheriff was kept fairly busy. We got to know the waitresses at the Shari's on a first name basis. Our moving truck took up three parking spaces but they never hassled us about it. We never thought seriously about living permanently that far out of Portland but we got around Troutdale a good bit on our bike. Maybe it's me but I think even without excellent detailed advice as the above one would figure out in a very short time where the dodgy bits were. Definitely come to the area planning to stay for a time in a motel while you explore the town for 'your' best place. Who knows, you might actually like to fall asleep to the rumble of dozen's of idling droop snout Kenilworth's.

H

[justwaitimthinking]

Originally Posted by Leisesturm

Definitely come to the area planning to stay for a time in a motel while you explore the town for 'your' best place.
H

The poster I am sure will do that, however, the poster's question asks for people's opinion as to what they believe to be good/bad areas, not "come here and figure it out" - your post is pointless and doesn't help the OP. Anyone asking for opinions knows it's just that, opinions. You act as if people are too stupid to make their own decisions.

[Leisesturm]

Its too early to be so nasty. I actually paid you a compliment in my post. Let the measure 66 anger go already.

[justwaitimthinking]

Originally Posted by Leisesturm

Its too early to be so nasty. I actually paid you a compliment in my post. Let the measure 66 anger go already.

ok, you got me, I'm still bitter about it, sorry. I mean, does everyone actually think the state will actually stay within budget by stealing more money? Breathe, again, sip on my herbal tea, ah, ok I'm better. So, how's the weather?

[Nell Plotts]

One item to pay attention to in Troutdale is exposure to the wind that comes whistling down the Columbia River gorge. It can suck heat out of a house in the blink of an eye.

[desert_dryad]

Thanks for the replies. I'm maining looking at Troutdale because I'll be working 3 days a week in Hood River but I plan on spending my free time in Portland so it seems like a good 'in between' spot and a lot less expensive on average than Hood River or Cascade Locks.

I did look at the crime data which seems very low, especially compared to Phoenix.

As far as the weather goes.. I can't wait. I hate the Arizona sunshine/heat so rainy/cloudy days will be a welcome change.

[Nell Plotts]

Oh, you'll get that!!