Single and Moving to Portland (apartments, rent, lofts)

[matt9852000]

I am moving to Portland and know little other than what i have read on this site. What is a good place to live for a young single professional male?

[parasol]

I don't live in Portland but am researching a move there. From what I've read/heard, you should look into the Pearl District. 'Young professional' and 'trendy' are all words I've seen associated with the neighborhood. Definitely do a board search for "Pearl" in the Oregon forum and you'll find some helpful posts.

Also check out this site - a ton of info here - especially the 'neighborhood profiles' at the bottom.

Portland Oregon Guide to Neighborhoods

[JakeDog]

Agreed on Pearl. I'd also suggest the area surrounding NW 23rd.

[Supernova7]

Personally I would never move to Pearl, it's far to ritzy/upscale for my tastes. I spent many years living like that and no more. It depends who you are! Some people love that type of environment ands others don't. Hi Jake

[Supernova7]

Matt- You need to provide a little more as to what you're seeking and what you're interests are. This will help the locals understand your needs better. Being a "professional" says very little. Professional what? What type of people do you like? Do you like the city or the burbs? Driving or rail? You see????

[JakeDog]

Agreed that it matters what type of person you are. The Pearl is upscale urban living (fake lofts that are really luxury apartments). It has a good location if you work downtown and is close to upscale shopping. If you want something more grungy/authentic I'd suggest looking at the close in east-side areas.

[Supernova7]

Jake- I'm "considering" relocating to Portland "as you know" and it hasn't been easy. There are many things to take in to consideration. I have two questions for you...

1) What's the economy look like and what jobs are in high demand?
2) What neighborhood would you recommend for a student on a "very tight" budget? $600 max per mo...One bedroom.

Neighborhood should be centrally located where I can EASILY commute between community college and Portland State Univ. Nothing to wild and nothing to quiet. Say a 15 min walk from my apartment would get me in to the entertainment / personal needs sector: Cheap Movie Theater, Thrift shops like
"The Village/ Salvation Army" Independent music stores, art galleries, intimate cafe's, quaint little restaurants etc... The feel should be ethnically diverse, artsy/bohemian, very peace oriented/laid back atmosphere with friendly people driven towards a counter culture mentality. Basically where you can have a nice time and meet down to earth people with limited financial resources.

If I decide to move to Oregon I plan to make a life for myself there. So far I've heard wonderful things about it except (WEATHER) but that wouldn't be a "major" issue for me. I like overcast skies and people who are socially "far" left. I'm sure I'll have many more questions but that's all for now. Thanks....

[JakeDog]

1) I don't think the economy is as poor as some say, but it isn't as strong as the sunbelt. There are a lot of educated (often over educated) folks, so it can be more competitive for jobs. At that kind of tight budget you could definitely find jobs for service businesses (law firms, accounting firms) or retail that would cover your rent and then some. What do you WANT to do?
2) In my opinion, the Sellwood or Hollywood areas would fit your needs. Another place to consider would be Old Town (once referred to as bum town). It is close to the Pearl, but definitely grungier. There are some complexes there that have income limits for residents and are therefore more affordable. Go take a look on craiglist.

[Supernova7]

Yeah, I'm just trying to get an idea as to the cost of living and the strength of the economy. My fields...Marketing, Financial, Telecommunications..anything that's "white collar" business professional oriented!

What I "WANT" to do....I guess become an independent filmmaker, make 100 million dollars and buy a part of an isolated Island....How's that for utopia??

I looked in to Sellwood and it sounds beautiful but isn't it "suburban?"
What do you think about Goose Hollow or Hawthorne?

In researching Portland $600 for a one bedroom is not going to be difficult to find. Especially since I'm looking for a neighborhood "opposite" of Pearl which is supposed to be saturated with wealthy yuppies.

[JakeDog]

Goose Hollow is an interesting spot- close to everything downtown but suprisingly quiet. You could walk to everything, but the neighberhood itself doesn't really have much going on. Hawthorne is a good choice too. Take it easy on the yuppies- I'm one myself. Sellwood isn't suburban.