Need info about Portland please (Salem: rent, neighborhoods, buy)

[trishp]

I moved to Salem about 2 years ago, and I am terribly unhappy here. I moved from a larger city and Salem has very little to offer. I am a 56 yr old grandmother, so driving to Portland to do things as often as I'd like to, is dangerous for those who drive around me. (kind of a little joke there) I have only been to Portland once but I found it to be beautiful. However, I have no idea what neighborhoods would be good for me to try to move to, or much else about the city. I just know that I want to get out and enjoy myself. I am not much of an outdoor person as far as camping, etc. goes. My love is film, concerts, the arts, nice places to dine, etc. Any help anyone can give me would be tremendously appreciated.

Thank you in advance for your help.....

[little peg]

Originally Posted by trishp

I moved to Salem about 2 years ago, and I am terribly unhappy here. I moved from a larger city and Salem has very little to offer. I am a 56 yr old grandmother, so driving to Portland to do things as often as I'd like to, is dangerous for those who drive around me. (kind of a little joke there) I have only been to Portland once but I found it to be beautiful. However, I have no idea what neighborhoods would be good for me to try to move to, or much else about the city. I just know that I want to get out and enjoy myself. I am not much of an outdoor person as far as camping, etc. goes. My love is film, concerts, the arts, nice places to dine, etc. Any help anyone can give me would be tremendously appreciated.

Thank you in advance for your help.....

will you commute back to salem for work? or are you going to stay in the metro area to work and live?

[tiffela74]

what kind of price ranges are you looking into? buy or rent?

[trishp]

Thank you for your replies.

No, I won't come back to Salem to work. If I can move to Portland, I want to get established there.

I'll likely rent at first. Depending on prices. I have two dogs - a lab and a bassett hound, so I'm sure that will complicate matters. I can afford probably $800 - $900./mo. I need at least a two bdrm, but I don't know if that is doable for the amount I can pay.

Thanks again.

[little peg]

Maybe start in the Mt. Tabor area, avoid southeast, on the other hand tigard and tualatin and capitol hill area may have things in your range, close to portland but not in the middle of it, if you like funky try the burnside neighborhoods. good luck

[oldtintype]

Check out Multnomah Village--there's a great dog park there too. You can also find things in the Woodstock area, near the shopping strip in that range (stay west of 52nd) and Woodstock Park is a great gathering place for dogs too! There are lots of areas in Portland you'd like really. And I think you'd be WAY happier in Portland than Salem based on what your interests are!!!

[nancy thereader]

trish, It sounds as if you and I have a lot of the same needs. I will be retiring in June and moving to Portland, also. I don't want to live in a neighborhood with lots of young people, just because I would feel more comfortable with people closer to my own age.
That is why The Pearl District would not be a good one for me. Multnomah VIllage looks very pretty on the virtual walk .

[trishp]

Thank you all for taking the time to reply to my message. Now, at least I feel like I've got some direction. I will start checking out the areas you have each suggested and see what happens. Thanks again.

Happy Holidays

[rye-rye]

I would see a realitor, tell him or her exactly what you are looking for in a neighborhood. Its their job to match your desires to the right location. If anything, you can see the city and get exposed to different lifestyle choices with a qualified guide. Good luck, how exciting!!!