House for $200k? (Portland, Beaverton, Beaver: rent, condos, crime)

[jamurphy]

Is it possible to find a decent house in a safe, family-oriented neighborhood in Portland OR the immediate suburbs for $200k or less? It's got to be a safe area, no drug deals on the corners, so safety is a big factor. I'm seeing such high prices on houses. It's depressing.

[hamellr]

Suburbs for sure. Within Portland a bit harder but doable.

[jamurphy]

thanks for giving me back a glimmer of hope! I'd be okay in a 'burb as long as we can get downtown quickly. Any suggestions on areas? I know that's a wide-open and subjective question... thanks for the response.

[hamellr]

Depending on what you need in a house, there is a 2 bed, 1 bath around the corner from me in the Central Beaverton Neighborhood for $175k. It's been on the market for nearly two years so that price might be flexible. Easy walk to three different MAX stations, and about 30-45 minute commute downtown.

I like Zillow.com and RLMS.com to get an idea of what kinds of properties are available.

[Daisy32673]

What kind of house are you looking for? What is your limit on commute time? Why not rent for a while to get a feel for the city, pinpoint what area you want to be in and then buy? Prices still haven't hit bottom here yet

[jjpop]

There are single-level 2-bedroom condos along SW Scholls Ferry across Hwy 217 from the Washington Square mall that are listed for $95k.

[jamurphy]

Yes, I would probably rent for a bit first. I agree with you there. I just want to be sure I can buy something when I decide for sure which part of town I'd like to be in. Don't want to go through all this and then find out it won't work out. Thanks!

[hamellr]

Just saw some new Condos on close in Division that were advertising "Low 100's"

[JMPepper]

Houses listing for the low to mid $200Ks are in the neighborhood where we've been renting for almost a year. It's in NW Portland, "north of 26," bordered at the north by Springville, the west by NW Kaiser and the south by part of Kaiser Woods Park. The houses are cheery and 1,300-1,500+ sq ft built in the late 1990s.

Drives to many other parts of the metro are under 30 minutes. It's possible to use public transportation if you don't mind a long commute and transferring bus to MAX train. We have really nice neighbors and haven't had any issues with crime. The sheriff's office can give more crime info. The house models repeat every so many houses, same overall style and the same light tones. Small lots. Next to a park and walking trail. Good luck!

[fearnofish]

There is a really cool app for smart phone from realtor.com that i would suggest you get and play with. It is very handy in finding a house you want to look at.