You know what this post is about....location. (Portland, Eugene: condos, townhomes) - Oregon (OR) - City-Data Forum

psichick · 12-23-2008, 10:53 AM

I was wondering if you great people could help me out. I am thinking about moving to OR after my divorce. I dated a man who lived there, and my friend lived up there, so I've visited, and well, loved it. The clean air, the color green, you know what I mean.

Anyhow. The only place I had been to is Beaverton. I really loved the area and how it reminds me of suburbia, but yet, it's close enough to the city that I can go visit if I want. Hopefully, I won't need to get a job in downtown Portland.

I know of Hillsboro, Beaverton, and Aloha. Obviously, there's a LOT more in that general area. I was wondering what areas are good ones. I heard Aloha was pretty run down, but never really visited, so I have no clue. I'm just looking for dog-friendly areas. Suburbia, but grocery/banks are somewhat nearby (i.e. I don't want to drive 10 miles to go to the bank, get fast food, or groceries). Freeway access is nice, but not a must (if I do have to get on the freeways, I don't want to drive 20 to get to it).

(Thought I'd add more info since I see others have done that).
I'm in my mid-30s, will probably return to school for my Master's degree. Obviously, I'll be single and probably not looking, but eventually will. I have no kids, and don't want any (family friendly places are nice, but I guess I don't need a kid town either). I would love to be near parks that I can walk my dogs or even a dog park. As for outdoor activities, besides golfing, I don't do much, but would love to start when I get there. I love variety, and yet, am happy not changing. I guess, I"m more of a "little bit of this, little bit of that" but no extremes one way or another.

I'm starting my search early so I can research the areas, and hopefully visit them before I make my final destination.

Obvoiusly, any other suggestions are welcome. I'll do some research on all the areas suggested (hopefully, there won't be 100+).

Thanks for any help.
psichick

Bendite · 12-23-2008, 12:07 PM

If you are thinking of moving here in the very near future, you might want to put getting a job as number one, then figure out the areas that you can move to that are in a reasonable proximity of work. Oregon has one of the highest unemployment rates in the country, so I strongly encourage you to find a job before you move unless your background is in medicine or some other highly desirable field. Of course, if you are a couple of years out (getting your master's before moving), then that might change things a bit

psichick · 12-23-2008, 12:25 PM

Thanks Bendite. I would definitely make work a priority, hence living in the Beaverton area, as it's somewhat close to Portland if I need to get into the city to find a job. Being a sr/exec admin assist, I will say that it is a common job, but not always an easy one to fill when there's so many of us. If I do move, it probably wouldn't be until 2010 or late 2009 anyways, so let's hope the economy turns around first. I'll be staying home and paying bills until things get a bit better on all ends.

After looking at some schools, it looks like UO or Pacific Univ are my best bets. But I'm still doing research. Obvoiusly, this move wouldn't be anytime soon. Trying to get my ducks in order. lol.

kimhamblin · 12-27-2008, 06:45 PM

I would look into SW Portland. It's a little suburban and a little urban, very easy commute to downtown , accessible to shopping, restaurants etc. The commute from Beaverton to downtown can suck if you have to use Hiway 26, so keep that in mind.

Good luck with the ducks.

psichick · 12-29-2008, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kimhamblin

I would look into SW Portland. It's a little suburban and a little urban, very easy commute to downtown , accessible to shopping, restaurants etc. The commute from Beaverton to downtown can suck if you have to use Hiway 26, so keep that in mind.

Good luck with the ducks.

Thanks for the suggestion. What cities are in SW Portland? I'll have to check a map, but y'know, I know nothing about the area.

I think I need to print out a map, esp one of the highways. I have no idea where H26 goes. lol.

Silverfall · 12-29-2008, 09:27 AM

She's referring to Portland proper like the West slope, and West Hills areas. They can be pretty pricey. Just remember that U of O is in Eugene which is about two hours plus away from Portland depending on traffic. Pacific is in Forest Grove.

Our unemployment rate is 8.1% right now and they are expecting it to hit double digits potentially, so...I agree 1) narrow down your school choice, then 2) get a job first.

I would encourage you to stick along 26 if possible if you plan to go to Pacific. You can take the Max into Portland, of course that assumes your job is within a short bus ride, bike ride, or walk of the max. Orenco Station is a nice area of condos and townhomes, right on the max.

psichick · 12-29-2008, 10:39 AM

Question, I have read the threads about traffic. I'm curious. If I lived in Beaverton, pick a general area, how long would it take me to get to Downtown Portland (again, pick an area). I'm just curious how bad it is. I live in SoCal where if its the commute is equal to miles times three. Or thereabouts. (i.e. 20 miles equals 60 mins in commute). I'd like to know if the commute is about the same, worse, etc.

Also, as an admin assist. I can work almost anywhere, so, let's hope when I'm ready to move, there are jobs outside of downtown. I've never had to work in downtown LA/Santa Ana/San Diego, so I'm assuming I'd never have to work in downtown Portland.

I have a lot of research to do. School, job, commute, areas, thanks so far!

psichick · 12-29-2008, 10:43 AM

Thanks Silverfall. I will keep in mind public transportation.

And yes, I have to do some serious research on schools, not to mention jobs. At least being an admin assist gives me lots of options of WHERE to work. When I move, it'll just be a matter of IF I can find something. I hope unemployment rates don't hit double digits. Not good for OR, or me hehehe.

2Z4 · 12-29-2008, 03:05 PM

Beaverton/West side traffic depends on the time of day - if it's in the morning rush hour(s), Beaverton proper to downtown Portland might be 30 minutes. If it's in the evening on the way back, could be 45 minutes or more. The west side is a nice place to live, but you pay for it with heavy traffic congestion. Also keep in mind that in Oregon, transportation dollars in urban areas are mostly invested into mass transit, such as the MAX line or Tri-Met, not into reducing traffic congestion.

psichick · 12-29-2008, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2Z4

Also keep in mind that in Oregon, transportation dollars in urban areas are mostly invested into mass transit, such as the MAX line or Tri-Met, not into reducing traffic congestion.

That's okay, there was a research done and widening roads/freeways don't do jack either to help congestion, mostly because they're typically about 10 years behind the population rate.

And besides, taking public transportation would be a new and fun adventure for me. lol. No seriously, it could be. I've never even been on a bus here.