I may be moving to Portland OR next year.
I am a nurse
I am a lover of the arts, music, and eclectic/bohemian culture.
I do not drive so I would need an area with great pubic transportation. What areas are safe, eclectic, and affordable?
Thanks!
2006-09-06 08:43:40 · 10 answers · asked by DRNoraSarasin 3 in Travel ➔ United States ➔ Portland
Across the Colombia River in Vancouver, WA.
Portland is not the best or safest city to live in.
You can get public transportation to and from Vancouver.
Go on line and check out the crime in Portland area? Then ask yourself it is where you want to be after dark.
2006-09-11 14:58:21 · answer #1 · answered by Maui Boy 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
That is somewhat of a difficult question to answer since I don't know your budget. But, the other answers already posted DO give really good advice.
It's relatively easy to find housing within 5 - 10 minutes of downtown Portland. Thus, you could potentially live in any number of neighborhoods and still make your way to the art/music areas very easily.
I personally really enjoy the NW 23rd Street area down to the Pearl District. NW 23rd is essentially one of Portland's trendier streets, filled will all sorts of quaint shops, nice cafes, etc. As you go further down (to 22nd, 21st, etc) you get closer to the Pearl District and to the "art galleries" areas. As well, the Pearl District has been going through MAJOR changes over the past 10 years. Many older warehouses are being turned into condominiums and individual owners are getting great tax advantages for buying these units. For example, you can essentially avoid paying property taxes on some units for 5 - 10 or more years.
If you're interested in buying real estate, I'd recommend checking out a local real estate agent. I like the John L Scott website for doing quick searches. Real estate in the above-mentioned areas can be $200 - 500k easy. As you move EAST (across the river) you'll find cheaper housing.
The MAX train system in Portland is awesome. It goes N,S,E,W, to the aiport, downtown, etc. I have never liked buses but have always liked taking the MAX train.
By the way, if you move to Portland it does tend to be a bit overcast during the winter months. So, if you're coming from a really sunny area you should know that it rains, is overcast a lot during the winter, etc. It doesn't rain as much as New York City... but it is overcast a lot. (The beauty of the city, beaches and mountains will make up for it though).
Enjoy!
2006-09-09 04:02:44 · answer #2 · answered by take_me_to_the_beach 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think you would like Northwest Portland. There's a big medical center (Good Samaritan) in that area. Lots of music, arts, bohemian culture. Great public transportation--Tri-Met buses and the MAX light rail train. Plus lots of interesting things within walkind distance.
Enjoy!
2006-09-11 20:19:13 · answer #3 · answered by parachute 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Portland has wonderful public transportation. I like the Pearl District, a little expensive but very up and coming, there is so much within walking distance... Powells for books, excellent restaurants, fantastic farmers market near the university. Craft Fairs...........
I live in Southern California but everytime we go up to visit friends I fall in love with the city all over again and would move up there if husband could transfer his job up there.
2006-09-06 08:55:36 · answer #4 · answered by knittinmama 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I used to live in Newberg, which is about 20 miles away from Portland. I would sugest maybe Beaverton, Theres really nice apartments and townhomes that are right off of the max light rail, It costs like 1.50 to ride to Portland, which totally beats driving and looking for paid parking. I loved going to Portland, Its so cool. Lots to do during the summer .
2006-09-12 12:18:54 · answer #5 · answered by autumn p 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Northeast Alberta area is another area for artists. Its an older community but has evolved into a diverse thriving community. The Last Thursday Art Walk every month highlights gallery and studio art.
2006-09-13 08:11:27 · answer #6 · answered by slwilson1966 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pearl district and Hawthorne district may be best for you. Hawthorne will be more reasonably priced and can be a little sketchy, but there are also great quaint places available. The Pearl is very trendy and professional with a ton of stuff like you are describing, but is very very pricey.
2006-09-07 07:49:52 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I live in the Irvington/alemeda distict and i think it would be a good place for you. there are many bus stops around, and it's just a short walk to Broadway. the train stop isn't to farr away, and from there you can go all over town. the neighborhood is pretty quiet, but there are some pretty cool people around.
2006-09-10 06:18:49 · answer #8 · answered by gabi 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would suggest living in Gresham and Troutdale or the Clackamas County suburbs.
2006-09-10 13:01:35 · answer #9 · answered by Fell In Love 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
there is basically 2 parts of portland area,,, the east side and the west side you def sound like a east side girl
2006-09-08 06:14:54 · answer #10 · answered by cmhurley64 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋