Portland Suburbs (Beaverton, Hillsboro, Lake Oswego: apartments, homes, job market)

[-tr]

Hi there. I recently moved to Klamath Falls from Missouri, partly for school, and partly just because I wanted to. However, I've now discovered that this is not the greatest city, and most of the things that interest me are at least a 3 hour drive in any direction.

So, I just started thinking about moving to a Portland suburb area. Does anyone have any recommendations on which would be best? I'm hoping for a nice area, with cheap but nice apartments, and decent job availability. Obviously, the proximity to Portland should take care of any needs for specific shops and what not.

From what I've read so far Lake Oswego and Tualatin are some of the nicer places, but I'd imagine the costs would be a little high. Anyone have thoughts on Hillsboro?

Thanks for any help.

[Silverfall]

Define cheap.

[-tr]

~$400-600, preferably.

[aroseinrain]

for a studio?

[-tr]

I would prefer a 1 bedroom, but budget constraints may confine me to a studio.

EDIT: I happened to fine a pretty nice looking place with 1 bedrooms around that range (Rock Creek 185 Apartment Homes), so it seems it should be possible. I guess I primarily am just wondering if there are certain places I should make sure to stay away from, or anything else I should know about moving there.

[philwithbeard]

-tr:

From your post, I presume you are single, and have a job in the Portland area. Any specific reason you won't be looking for an apartment reasonably close to your job? Just asking....

Phil

[-tr]

Well I don't have a job yet, but I'm moving there now just to save a (probably) more difficult move later on as the job market for my field isn't very strong here. I guess I'm not against living in Portland itself, I just figured that it'd be more expensive to live there (and not sure I'd attune well to suddenly living right in the middle of a pretty big city).

Also a ~30 min or so drive from most places into portland doesn't seem too bad. Though I can see where you're coming from, it would definitely be smarter while I'm already relocating to relocate somewhere nearer to where I'll be spending so much time. Looks like I'll be expanding my search into Portland as well, then.

Thanks for all the replies so far.

[figmalt]

I've responded to a previous post about these apartments //www.city-data.com/forum/portl...-portland.html

But you should really check it out for yourself.

I think Hillsboro is great, but the commute to Portland gets old. I save money by living with family while I'm in school, but if I were in your situation (with a job in Portland), I'd want to live closer in. Whether that's Beaverton or Portland, you'll have to visit and see what you like.

[aroseinrain]

I looked at forrent.com and found a bunch of hits for a 1 bedroom between $500-$600 around Beaverton

[malone7384]

Let me just add - find a job here before you move. The job market here is horrible. Don't move thinking that you will find a job right off the bat.

Good luck in your search!