Thought the PEARL was the place to BE!!! (Portland, Jefferson: for sale, real estate)

[Heatrae]

I am considering a job in Portland, would be moving from Phx upper middle suburbs. I want to make a total change and be IN the city where I can walk to a blockbuster, a cool lounge, great restaurants, comedy clubs, all the energy. (we don't have that here in phx, unless you live in Scottsdale and I have to commute 40 mins every weekend to make that happen.

I want to get a loft/flat that has lots of windows, allows a couple small dogs and at least two bedrooms. I've looked on Craig's list and there seems to be a lot.

My question is: I've been told to stay away from downtown because not as close to walking to all the cool places, and that Pearl is more what i'm looking for. I'm a single 30-something female who likes to get out and meet people. So what is your recommendation.

Also, what would be the best way to connect with new people/friends when I get there. Some online thing? This forum?

Thanks so very much for your feedback!!!

[subsound]

Pearl is the trendy and nice place to be, all the apartments are above nice shops with great restaurants. I hope you can afford 2,000+ a month for a 2 bedroom apartment if you want to live there.

Not sure about dogs though, some will accept small dogs and cats.

[Rob Allen]

It's true that the downtown office/retail core is not a residential area, but it's surrounded by the kinds of places you want. The Pearl itself is ridiculously expensive as noted above, but there are more reasonable areas west, and south, and across the river.

[jojo4]

I like downtown better than the Pearl. There are more things to do downtown, not just shops and restaurants. Library, restaurants, parks, river, mall, PSU, theaters, museums, etc..
Downtown and Pearl is close enough to walk so walking to all cool places is no big differences. You can just take the street car or bike if you want to go further.
Pearl is too busy, too many shoppers and tourist, at least near Powell.

Downtown Condos are almost the same price as Pearl. If you have money, I'd look at the following downtown buildings.
Benson tower and Elliot tower are on the street car route near the museum. Koin tower is near Keller auditorium, the theater. Cyan and Ladd tower are still building.

good luck making friends

[brinegar312]

Go Goose Hallow....never look back...

[Heatrae]

I really appreciate all the feedback. So, is it safe to say that d-town would be about the same price (rent or own), but with access to more things with less tourists?

I can afford the pricetag on the rent and my dogs (2 minpins) shoudln't be a problem.

In my dreams I'd like to be in one of those warehouse buildings that has been renovated. Really need 2BR plus a den. Any ideas on specific buildings dtown or in pearl that you can recommend??

Thanks so very much :-)

[jojo4]

Downtown is more diverse, but it's a moot point really since Downtown and Pearl are in the same walking radius.
Downtown condos are more glassy tower type. If you want big boxy warehouses, the Pearl is the place to be.
2BR + den in renovated warehouse? I think that'll be tough to find. I don't know the Pearl that well though. I've only seen studio or small loft in renovated warehouses. I think the new buildings should have something like that.

Goose Hollow is nice, it is quieter and just a bit away from the actions.

Here ya go, some posh places downtown.
Pearl District Condos and Lofts - Portland Pearl District Real Estate and Homes for Sale
Pearl District Condos and Lofts - Portland Pearl District Real Estate and Homes for Sale
Pearl District Condos and Lofts - Portland Pearl District Real Estate and Homes for Sale

[Minervah]

I could be wrong but I think most of the warehouses were torn down to make way for the glass and steel type highrises. I think I do remember seeing some older buildings advertising loft apartments around Whole Foods. These were mostly studios.

[oldtintype]

There's also a place called the Jefferson in Goose Hollow that is right next to the MAX line as well. They just finished building it not long ago.

[brinegar312]

I used to live right across the street from that complex in the Starbucks building...I watched (and listened to) that construction the entire time I was there. It is a pretty nice area and I agree it's one of the most posh choices over there. It's a little more neighborhood'ish in GH than dt or the pearl - nice to have some peace and quiet...plus the cafe's and nature walking trails all over that hill...

Originally Posted by oldtintype

There's also a place called the Jefferson in Goose Hollow that is right next to the MAX line as well. They just finished building it not long ago.