Apartment search in Portland...HELP! (Burns: apartment complexes, to rent, lofts)

[CA_recent_grad]

I'm a 23 year old female and I recently just got a job in Portland which I have to move over there in a month. I have never visited, and will not be able to visit until the day I move in, so I am choosing an apartment completely blindly.

About myself, I just recently graduated, have lived in CA all my life (except for going to school for a few years in AZ), and love the big city vibe. I decided I'm willing to pay up to $850-$950 for a studio, so I can get used to the area and find someplace cheaper after 6 months or so. I would rather live in downtown, like the Pearl or Northwest areas, but also willing to go to Lloyd district (someone please tell me if that's a good choice).

I have been looking at a few apartments: Riverplace Square, Honeyman Hardware Lofts, Portland Towers, the Georgian, Cornerstone. But I'm very interested in Riverplace Square...good place or not? I read comments online, but people really write only when they're angry or having something to complain about. Thanks!

[Aylalou]

Look up these places i.e. Riverplace Square online and add the word "ratings". Many times you will hear from the tenants. I personally like Lloyd District, but it's the only area I'm familiar with. At first it looks kind of seedy, but you get used to it.

[CA_recent_grad]

I have checked online for ratings, but like I said, people only write when they're angry or complaining about something. I need advice from people who have well-rounded opinions about these places. Also, if it will fit with what I'm looking for: big city/urban vibe, close proximity to things to do, and fairly affordable but also in a safe part of the city (secure entries and parking).

Again, I've never been to Portland, so any advice concerning apartments is greatly appreciated!

[Aylalou]

No, they don't just write when they complain. I've researched apts in Portland and have read people who love it at a certain complex. You can probably get a one-bedroom for the amount you are willing to pay.

I don't think you're going to find people here who know a lot about different apartment complexes in Portland. I am planning on doing this next year. I will go there a week before I plan to rent, and look around at various places. There's nothing like seeing the place before you rent. You can't really tell anything just looking online. If you do what I suggest, ask the tenants who you might pass by how they like living there, the pros and cons. People in Portland are very helpful and friendly.

[CA_recent_grad]

Of course, I wish I could visit before I rent, but there's not enough time for me to visit friends and family before the move. I've been calling all sorts of apartments, and have found plenty of people who give me great advice (one woman even checked out an apartment for me, Portland Towers, and called me back to tell me how it was), so I can definitely see how helpful and friendly people in Portland are. Just thought I'd try my luck on here, since I am having a hard decision between Riverplace Square and a few other small complexes near Northwest. Thanks for your response though, appreciate it.

[Wicked Felina]

You can check the crime stats for the neighborhoods you're looking at via this site:

Portland Police Bureau Makes Geospatial Widely Accessible - Articles.

Click on Crime Mapper and input the address you're interested in. You may even try Portland Police's Data Analysis unit - who knows, you may actually get a real person to answer the phone!

I don't know anything about the apartment complexes near downtown other than I wouldn't want to live there(too busy for me). Good luck in your move ~

[sayulita]

Riverplace Square is nice. It's in with a mix of retail stores condos and apartments on the riverfront. Probably pretty safe and well maintained. However, although it looks close to downtown, it's not really. If you want to be in the hub of things, look for downtown or Pearl district. Parking can be a problem in both areas so factor that into your decision. You might do better by looking at smaller buildings for a place, such as an older home divided into apartments. Do you like old and funky or new and modern? Let us know more about what suits you and we can better advise. What do you want to find when you walk out your front door? The city at your feet? An established family neighborhood? Small town feel but close to downtown(within a few miles)? Do you rely on public transportation or are you needing space for a car.
Give us your wish list!

[CA_recent_grad]

I definitely did want to be more in downtown or the Pearl district. I was also interested in the Northwest area and Goose Hollow. I wanted a studio or 1bdrm with lots of character, and in an area with coffeeshops, stores, things to do. I want to experience the Portland culture for sure. I have a car, and am willing to pay the crazy prices for parking anywhere, but want to take public transportation when I'm not working. I don't want a family neighborhood, or small town feel. I want an urban vibe. I was looking into the Georgian, Barcelona apartments, Portland Towers (in Goose Hollow). Any others I should look into? Thanks!

[sayulita]

I think that most folks wouldn't really know about these specific places unless they lived there. From what you say, here's what I would recommend. Goose Hollow, the Pearl, anything around NW 21st or NW 23rd between Burnside and say, Marshall or Northrup. That will keep you close to the shops and street action. I'm going to PM you as I have an idea that can help you.

[EnricoV]

Here's my take on the last three apartments you named. I'll preface it by saying I've not lived in the neighborhood, so you might want to take that into consideration.

The NW sounds like where you want to be. Lots of shops, restaurants, etc. All three more-or-less fit that bill.

Portland Towers: it's a high-rise, so lots more neighbors at hand. The immediate area doesn't have too much in the way of shops, etc. You're very near the entrance to Washington Park. Apt to have good views. Most of the shopping, restaurants, etc. are going to be across Burnside, a busy street.

Barcelona: it's very near to Burnside, so would probably be the most convenient for public transportation. It looks out onto the flat back-side of a Fred Meyers (department/grocery store), so not the prettiest view out the front. Off the main drag, but not far. Nice looking building from the outside, though. This is going to be the closest place to shops, restaurants, etc.

Georgian: it's deeper into the northwest district, further from the shopping streets of 21st & 23rd, but still not far. So if you're looking for a more placid living situation, I think this would be it.

Oh, and the Cornerstone - in the Lloyd District. It seems like a nice enough building ... I drive by it a lot. It's close to the shopping at Lloyd Center and up on Broadway, but is situated in fast-food world. Not a homey feeling neighborhood, but rather an "apartment building plunked down in a business district" feel. If I were to go for something in the Lloyd District, which is an area I like, I'd look to the east of the shopping center, and nearer to Broadway.


I'd suggest going to Google, and "walking" the neighborhoods using the street view option. It'll give you a good feel for them all.