Looking for a good neighborhood in NE/SE Portland??? (apartment, rentals)

[carissamessina]

We will be relocating to Portland this summer and we are interested in living either in the NE or SE region of Portland. We are looking for a neighborhood with a good elementary school, has a community feel, old historic homes, and shops around. We would also like to be able to ride our bikes around so a bike-friendly area would also be great! I suppose the most important factor would be a neighborhood that has a good elementary school. A school with an after-school arts program would be great! Our price range for renting a house is around 1000K a month. I know this may be difficult in this type of neighborhood but any advice on an area similar to this description would be very helpful.

[TheSecondHalf]

I don't know about the elementary schools, but I would recommend Sellwood, Irvington or Ladd.

[davemess10]

I'm assuming you mean $1,000 1000K would be some really expensive rent!

But seriously, you are going to have trouble finding the kind of neighborhood you are describing with house rentals that low. Even though many of the houses in the NE/SE are bungalow-type, they can still be pretty expensive to rent. Sellwood and Woodstock are good suggestions. You might look into Montevilla. Or some where up north, like Linton.

There are houses in those areas where the mortage will be lower than that rent. That's the route I'm looking into, as it's a good bit cheaper to buy a house than rent one.

I can't help you too much with the elementary school, but most places in Portland are quite bike friendly (maybe avoid the SW).

[carissamessina]

Thank you for all your advice! And yes I meant $1,000 a month...not $10,000!

[Nell Plotts]

I wouldn't describe Linnton as bike friendly (it is on a steep hill with very narrow streets), Hgy 30 has bike lanes and it isn't far to Sauvie Island but ...

[Dom1964]

Originally Posted by carissamessina

Thank you for all your advice! And yes I meant $1,000 a month...not $10,000!

I have been looking for a house to rent for the past couple of months, and I can tell you that for $1000 a month, you are going to get a very small house (2 bed/1bath under 1000 sq. ft.) or you are going to be looking at a neighborhood that isnt very attractive.

We have been trying to find a 3/2 in the 1500-1800 sq ft range, nothing fancy, and most are asking $1400 - 1500 per month... we are now leaning towards just staying in this apartment until we find a house we want to buy.

[carissamessina]

We will be looking for a 2bd/1 bath house that has at least 1000-1200 sq. foot. I think we are willing to maybe go up to $1200 but keeping it under $1000 would be ideal. What area are you looking in? I would love to find a place in or near Sellwood. Do you think that is possible?

[davemess10]

Originally Posted by Nell Plotts

I wouldn't describe Linnton as bike friendly (it is on a steep hill with very narrow streets), Hgy 30 has bike lanes and it isn't far to Sauvie Island but ...

Sorry, I meant Kenton, North Portland. Got my -tons mixed up.

[Minervah]

Originally Posted by carissamessina

We will be looking for a 2bd/1 bath house that has at least 1000-1200 sq. foot. I think we are willing to maybe go up to $1200 but keeping it under $1000 would be ideal. What area are you looking in? I would love to find a place in or near Sellwood. Do you think that is possible?

A friend of mine found a house that matched that description for $1,200 a month in a nice North Portland neighborhood when she was looking for a place to rent a couple of months ago. It wasn't walking distance from shops, parks, schools etc or in a trendy area but that's what made it so very cheap.

You will more than likely have to compromise convenience for affordable rent. The amenities you want will cost more than what you want to pay. Remember the most desirable neighborhoods are always the most costly.

[carissamessina]

I understand. Can you direct me to a neighborhood then that has older historic homes and is safe for children?