Areas in Portland to Live (Gresham, Hillsboro: sales, apartment complexes, transfer)

[J24]

Hey guys.

I'm more than likely going to be moving to Portland this winter (Nov/Dec). I'll be moving there with a buddy of mine, so we'll be looking for a 2 bedroom apartment that is... decently nice. I haven't the slightest clue as to where to be looking. I'll more than likely just transfer within my company to a location there (I work for Hertz), and as there are multiple locations I'm not sure exactly where I'll be working yet, it depends on where the openings will be. My roommate will be just taking any job at first, so location isn't as big of deal for him.

We're both in our lower 20's (22&23), but we're really not picky when it comes to living in a place with a lot of people our age with an active nightlife or whatever, but obviously it'd be nice be able to meet people our age. Definitely want to live in a somewhat nice and safe area.

Price-wise, we're looking to spend not much more than $1000 total, but if needed we could probably make a $1200 place work if we needed to.

So, with all this in mind, what areas should we be looking in for apartment listings? Do you have any specific apartment complexes that you personally can recommend? As I said, I don't have any idea where to start, so any tips or direction for this is appreciated.


Jason

[BLAZER PROPHET]

Once you know the area you'll be looking in, let us know. I mean, it wouldn't do any good to suggest Gresham if you'll be working in Hillsboro...

[hamellr]

As a young 20-something, I'd be wanting to stick around Hawthorne, Mississippi, or Alberta. They're all (relatively,) centrally located for commuting and are kind of the cool areas to be in. I personally would stay away from the Pearl as it's too trendy for my tastes (at least to live in.)

here is a map to all the Hertz locations in town, https://maps.google.com/maps?q=hertz...h,+Oregon&z=11 My suggestions are all just to the east of the downtown locations, but a ways away from the Airport location. If you work at the Airport location, you have a bit more flexibility as MAX goes to the airport so you just have to be near the line to be able to get there.

[badalchemist]

Affordable, fun, nice/safe...You're going to have to choose any two, not all three, unfortunately.

[BLAZER PROPHET]

Or, if in the airport location, consider Vancouver. Cheaper, better schools, less crime...

[hamellr]

Originally Posted by BLAZER PROPHET

Or, if in the airport location, consider Vancouver. Cheaper, better schools, less crime...

They'd have to pay Oregon and Washington income tax though.

[BLAZER PROPHET]

Originally Posted by hamellr

They'd have to pay Oregon and Washington income tax though.

Washington has no income tax. Only a sales tax and I make all purchases over $10 in Oregon.

[jjpop]

Originally Posted by BLAZER PROPHET

Washington has no income tax. Only a sales tax and I make all purchases over $10 in Oregon.

Just to be clear, if you live or work in Oregon, you pay Oregon State income tax.

People who work at Hertz at PDX but live across the river in Vancouver pay Oregon State income tax.

[J24]

Thanks for the responses guys. I wasn't aware of the tax things between WA/OR. I also wasn't aware that Oregon didn't have sales tax, so that's pretty cool.

So for all these areas mentioned, would I be alright in my price range of hopefully not breaking $1000/month on a 2 bedroom?


EDIT: Just was looking and we have a few future openings in Vancouver, so that might be an option. Would living & working in Vancouver be a decent option as well?

[Nell Plotts]

There is a Vancouver, WA forum on City-Data. If you will be traveling over the interstate bridge regularly keep in mind that one of them (I-5) will be replaced within the next several years and in all likelihood there will be a toll on both bridges.