Moving 2 Portland- Are there any Relaxed, Cute Neighborhoods- Near PSU? (apartment complex, to rent)

[terrio]

Hi- The job outlook is good and it looks like we might move to Portland in the next 2 weeks. Being that we know the city on a very superficial level- I'm hoping you can help us find a place to live.

We live in a huge but quiet apartment complex. & have been spoiled with a fitness center, a dishwasher and our own washer/dryer. I can do without the fitness center. My partner will be attending PSU in the fall. We would like to pay about 900- maybe 1000 for a 2bdrm. Or under that for a 1bdrm that is huge (if that exists).

I'd like a neighborhood thats calm (not noisy), has easy access to PSU, is safe, parking would be great, & has places to walk to whether that be a park, a walking trail or shops.


I like the Nob Hill area- but it looks $$$$. Pearl is cute- but its too metro for me. I like the Hollywood Neighborhood. I saw on Craigslist apartments in the Cathedral Park area, Goosehollow, Sellwood and a neighborhood called Brooklyn- they look cute. But honestly, I can't tell if some of these are just too far.

Are there any neighborhoods, apartments, streets you recommend we check out? Are there any we should avoid?

[jojo4]

PSU just finished an awesome new rec cen. so you can enjoy that. Nice climbing wall, pool, basketball court, etc...

For your price range, I suggest Lair Hill. It is adjacent to PSU are and you will save $$$ on transportation. It is central so you can always get to any neighborhood pretty quickly. Or you can look at apartments right around PSU, but I think they are a bit more expensive. The neighborhood is also very quiet in general.

[rhodan653]

Lair Hill (very close to John's Landing area - just across I-5) is worth checking out. We live in that area currently. There is a wide range of apartments and condos available. The only "noise" is the white noise hum of the highway as it is close to I-5. Access to everything is very good and PSU is within a mile or two. Good luck!

[Rob Allen]

Start with the buildings right around PSU itself, on the Park Blocks, and then head generally south-southwest, to buildings like Cyan and Harrison, then south into Lair Hill. You're pretty likely to find something good before you get far from campus.

[philwithbeard]

Two web sites which you may already have found:
City of Portland neighborhood maps:
Citywide Neighborhood Maps
Hint: look for the small scale PDF printable version.

and of course the TriMet mass transit system:
TriMet: Public Transportation for the Portland, Oregon, Metro Area
Hint: look for Interactive map.

FYI: Liar's Hill is on the North end of John's Landing; just south of South Waterfront "condo canyon" and I think SW Macadam ave and SW Kelly ave. runs either thru, or at the bottom, of Lair's hill. However, From What I Know, in practice many include the small area between I-5 and SW Barbur blvd around SW Hamilton St. as part of Liar's Hill. The problem is convenient grocery store, fast food, and neighborhood fun spots. Lots of Apartments, but I don't know about vacancies rates.

And when we say "Hill" we mean about a 200-300 foot drop in the terrain to the river's edge. The ridge on the west side of SW Barbur Blvd goes up another maybe 200 ft. Big grocery store (Fred Meyer's, Kroger by another name) is about 2 miles south on Barbur Blvd.

Some apts in Lair's hill get a good view of Mt. Hood, Portland's volcano; about 60 miles away. view add cost to rent.

Phil

[sofia76]

If washer/dryer in your own unit is a MUST for you, check out the Multnomah Village or Hillsdale area ...
If not, check out NW Nob Hill area (though parking could be an issue if you have more than one car).

Your biggest issue, in my opinion, is going to be finding a place with washer/dryer in your own unit - you might have to be willing to share for $900/1000 if you look outside the SW.

Cathedral Park is too far in my opinion. Not in literal terms, but on a daily basis, I wouldn't want the commute.

[sofia76]

Also, I'm not sure who recommended the Cyan/PDX apartment building - but that place is very expensive - well over a grand for a studio!