Moving from Texas to Oregon! (Portland, Eugene: 2015, HOA fees, condos)

[Smile2015]

My husband and I are moving to Oregon, were leaning towards Portland and the surrounding area.

*We both are probably going to be working downtown Portland so the commute is important.
*A neighborhood we feel safe walking our dogs and maybe raise a family is important.
*Nothing too small town or rural but we do not want to be in the hustle and bustle of downtown either.
*Affordable (were not trying to keep up with the Jones)

We both love dogs, going for hikes, having a few drinks at a local bar/restaurant, going to the movies/museums/festivals. Things of that nature. Were both in our late 20's looking for a fresh start!

Any suggestions or advice on neighborhoods or side of town to consider would be greatly appreciated!

[Yankeemama]

Most neighborhoods in Portland won't feel "big city" to you esp. on the East side of the river. There are a great deal of walkable neighborhoods with bars, restaurants and independent shops all over the city. I suggest living in Portland rather than living in the suburbs at your age. Portland metro is a great area to start a family.

[crisw]

Although you might have to define "affordable," as Texas "affordable is very different from close-in Portland "affordable"!

[Smile2015]

I agree with the affordable comment. We can afford to buy a house for $200,000.

[dots45]

You might be able to find a Condo at that price, but you won't find a house in the type of neighborhood you want to be in. $200k will get you a small shack in the Brentwood area or a house out in Rockwood, which isn't a good place to live to say the least. There are some pockets in outer SE outside of Rockwood which aren't awful, but it wouldn't have the local bars/restaurants, etc and it would still be hard to find much on that budget.

[VelouriaPDX]

I don't know of any safe neighborhoods good for a family in the Portland metro where you could buy a house for $300,000 let alone $200,000. You might be able to get a condo in the mid 200s but you'd need to act fast and put in an offer the same day it gets listed. Condos also come with HOA fees that can increase your monthly payment considerably.

[StealthRabbit]

I would stay east side and nearby (unless you are High Tech / Manufacturing) those jobs are west and south (and a few east). If you will truly be in downtown daily, get a place near good public transit or a MAX station (excluding the north Interstate line... it is way too slow ~ 45 min to go the distance you can drive in 10 min (street interface, not in Freeway frontage)

What is your projected budget? (monthly)

Why Oregon?

[Smile2015]

We want to pay $1,500.00 a month. We choose Oregon because we no longer want to live in the south, we can't afford the east coast, and we wont live in the midwest. We have heard such great things from family and friends about Oregon. We want to live somewhere with cooler weather. I get really sick with this hot weather and bright sun because I get horrible migraines. Also, the city we currently live in has over a million people in population and were over the hustle and bustle of the big city life. I'm noticing you can get more house for your money in Eugene but I'm concerned about the employment opportunities. I'm in the legal field and work as a legal assistant.

[Tulippsy]

Oregon is no cheaper than the east coast; in fact it's cost of living is right on par with the more expensive metro areas there. You can live in Pennsylvania for a fraction of what it costs to live here. By the way, the one bedroom condos where I live on the outskirts of Portland are going for 200k. Do your research before you move. Good luck!

[Monicamck]

Smile2015 you sound like us. We are considering moving from Texas to Portland as well. I'm so sick of the weather out here.