Help with apartment search 1 year in advance (Portland: extended stay, apartments)

[MLJ2006]

Hi Everyone,

Me and my husband are from Oregon but have been living in DC for the last 5 years. Next summer (July 2012) we plan to move to Portland. We are really excited because we miss family and friends!

We will be in Portland this summer to visit family but to also check out apartment options. Unfortunately, this will be the only trip we can make before our move next summer.

What advice do you have for us? Where should we look? We just want to get an idea of where we can rent and how much rent will be each month. Are property management agencies or looking on craigslist the better way to go...or are there other options?

We want to live as close-in as possible, but would really like to not pay more than 1,000/month for a 1-bedroom apartment.

Thanks for your help!

[Nell Plotts]

I suggest you play with Padmapper.com. That will give you a picture of the location of apartments in your price range. While you are here visit a couple.

The apartment market changes all the time, some of the best deals are in small complexes that may or may not have vacancies at the time you want one (and may not show up on Padmaper). The advise many give is to rent in an extended stay hotel (or couch surf) for a week while you apartment search or have one of your relatives look on your behalf.