Portland living truth: Condo Living ? (Beaverton, Beaver: condos, job market, neighborhoods)

[Legacy Bear]

I apologize if my this is one of those repeat threads, but I do appreciate people's input and hope to receive your patience. I'm currently in Hawaii, and of Asian ancestry. After visiting Seattle, LA, and some international cities like Hong Kong & Japan, I became capitivated w/ dense living. Seattle seemed okay, but the weather at times was a turn off, but more so, the idea of commuting and the duration of the trips still bothered me. Cali didn't really give me that feel, but the people there still seemed divided in most regards.

I know other cities like New York, and San Fran will offer me this feel, but I do not see myself surviving in either NY or San Fran. I was hoping that Portland could offer something close? To say the least, I do not enjoy commute, and want convenience at my finger tips. I guess you could say, I'm not used to the 1-2 hour commutes. I like the city feel though. The thing for me is the transition to a bigger market, which means it'll be more competitive by nature. I've read that Portland and the North West area have been hit pretty hard w/ the recession and rebound is quite slow. Oh yeah, I'd like to be close to the asian community, if that makes sense. Would enjoy the Chinatown/Asian markets.

Would anyone shed some light w/ this? I have a bachelors, and a few years of experience, but would like to improve myself, and maintain my studies. I've forgotten a lot of text book finance knowledge.

I do enjoy condo living and have looked at the new developments. Recently read about Portland trying to plan on the next city and what not. Am I just fantasizing or watchnig too much TV? lol.

Plan on visiting portland sometime this year or next year, but wanted to pursue this relentlessly.

Thanks

[Minervah]

I see you have not gotten any answers but I think that could be because it's confusing as to just what you are asking. Is it about condos in Portland? The Asian community? What kind of jobs are you looking for? What is your bachelors degree and experince in? That will make a huge difference in job hunting as the job market is very, very tight in Portland.

Could you clarify your questions a bit? Your post is just too vague.

[Nell Plotts]

(Posting send interrupted by Prez candidate debate)
Asians are widely dispersed in Portland Metro. What passes for 'Chinatown' is so 1920s. The best Asian grocery is out toward Beaverton on the Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway. There is an Asian variety store that sells packaged food near the convention center. Vietnam refugees settled in a couple SE neighborhoods but they are, for all practical purposes, retirees who sent their kids to college and are assimilated.

First you need to get a job offer.

[Minervah]

Also an Asian supermarket on 31st and Hawthorne. The supply many local restaurants but are open to the public as well.

[danwilsonbsee]

Originally Posted by Nell Plotts

First you need to get a job offer.

Ding ding ding - this is the winner. Portland is not the Utopia displayed on TV and has been hit just as hard (or harder) than many major metropolitan areas. If you move here without a job my only recommendation is make sure you save enough money to move home. Once the weather settles in and you realize you're competing with hundreds of qualified applicants the appeal of Portland quickly diminishes.

[hamellr]

Frankly I'd be worried about anyone from Hawai'i coming to Portland and thinking they're going to like the weather.

Take North Shore Oahu late January weather. Drop the temperature about 30 degrees, increase the periods of cloud to short sun breaks if you're lucky, and decrease the amount of daylight to 8 hours a day.

[Steve Pickering]

Originally Posted by Nell Plotts

First you need to get a job offer.

Originally Posted by danwilsonbsee

Ding ding ding - this is the winner. Portland is not the Utopia displayed on TV and has been hit just as hard (or harder) than many major metropolitan areas. If you move here without a job my only recommendation is make sure you save enough money to move home. Once the weather settles in and you realize you're competing with hundreds of qualified applicants the appeal of Portland quickly diminishes.

Not to discourage you, but these guys are right. Job first, than a move.

[Legacy Bear]

Hey Guys,

Sorry for the lack of flow in my previous post. I know the job aspect is one of the most important thing before a transition like this, but it's difficult enough being in a new environment. I figured, I could try visit this place, and see how things go. Would condo life in Portland make sense? Am I going to get that city feel? I don't necessarily mean I have to be in a central business district, but just somewhere of convenience. Being from Hawaii, the winter life style might be diff't for me, and I realize it'll take some time to get used to.

I like open asian markets where I can buy produce & goods. Would definitely want to stay within these central hubs, kind of like San Fran China Town.

To throw this out in the open, I'm wondering if marriage/divorce rates are indicative of anything in Portland. LOLZ I'm not on the prowl, but would like to meet someone with family values / culture. Not sure how whites feel towards asians, or if starting a family there makes any sense.

I know I had somewhat of a hard time in LA, in certain areas that is. And the notion I got in other states where that people were so superficial and only talking about money. Hope that made some sense?

- - -

In terms of jobs though, would there be any opportunities for me in the financial/banking sector? I've graduated w/ a bachelors in finance, and have about 3-4 years in the field. I am not bright by any means, so that is what worries me.

Thanks.

[Legacy Bear]

Originally Posted by Minervah

I see you have not gotten any answers but I think that could be because it's confusing as to just what you are asking. Is it about condos in Portland? The Asian community? What kind of jobs are you looking for? What is your bachelors degree and experince in? That will make a huge difference in job hunting as the job market is very, very tight in Portland.

Could you clarify your questions a bit? Your post is just too vague.

I appreciate any info given and I apologize again for my vague post.

I have a distant classmate in beaverton and he is a blue collared dude. He has not been able to find anything consistent and has had to jump from one thing to another. He went from security guard, to maintenence, to assembly line.

[Steve Pickering]

Condo and downtown living are "City Living" in Portland and yes you will get the Metro Vibe.

Dating wise...... well that has more to do with you than the area. Changing locations isn't going to make you a different person.

Banking jobs can be had and more so in Portland than anywhere else in the state.