Possible move to Portland, need info. (Sandy, Wood Village: transplants, real estate, renting)

[scubashawn68]

Ive been to the area many times. We use to live in Seattle. But it's been awhile.

What area's would be right for us?

Here's some of our criteria:

Rent: Would like to stay under 1850/mo, 1500-1700 would be perfect.

Homes: We like older homes, but newer would be good too.

Schools: My son will be entering 7th grade next year, so we need a great Jr. High and High school. The school must be great academically and also great at basketball(My son plays year around AAU basketball).

Any suggestions?

If I left any criteria out please let me know.

[jjpop]

Where will your work be? It would be best to locate so that you don't have a long commute.

[philwithbeard]

'Burbs? high density Urban living? Cultural Downtown? Pampered Condo with 24/7 concierge services? young artistic? established artistic?

City of Portland has many neighborhoods with unique 'vibes'; 'burbs are 'burbs like any other city in lower 48.

One neighborhood within the city of Portland is Multnomah Village, which feeds into the Wilson HS system. Multnomah Village is 90's 'crunchy' feel.

Have you Googled: Moving to Portland
A few hits for sites hosted by Real Estate people with good info on the 'vibes' of a majority of the neighborhoods of the City of Portland. The tone is a bit Rah-Rah cheerleader, but what do you expect from Real Estate people?

Others can post about schools. But, as mention in another reply, keep in mind commuting distance.

[Minervah]

Rent: Would like to stay under 1850/mo, 1500-1700 would be perfect.

For what type and how large housing? A lot depends upon what you are looking for in determining the cost.

[Yankeemama]

Check out renting a home in Laurelhurst, Hollywood, some parts of Rose City Park- all feed into Grant High School and the elementary schools, Laurelhurst and Beverly Cleary are good, too.

[scubashawn68]

Originally Posted by jjpop

Where will your work be? It would be best to locate so that you don't have a long commute.

Looks like the 84 and Sandy Rd.

[scubashawn68]

Originally Posted by Minervah

For what type and how large housing? A lot depends upon what you are looking for in determining the cost.

A single family home with a min. of 1400 sq ft.

[scubashawn68]

[quote=philwithbeard;18138699]'Burbs? high density Urban living? Cultural Downtown? Pampered Condo with 24/7 concierge services? young artistic? established artistic?

We could handle all of those... We prefer to be close to things provided it's a safe area. No condo's...we have a dog who needs a back yard. I am 42, wife is 36 and our son is 12.

[philwithbeard]

I-84 and NE Sandy, eh?

Then I suggest close to the Hollywood district as I-84 and NE Sandy is a very desirable local business district.
(Aside: local inside humor: Hollywood district starts at 42nd street and Broadway, old humor from 1930's movies.)

Hollywood, Grant Park, North Tabor.. Your ideal match might just be Laurelhurst, but I think most of those houses **start** at around $700,000.00 and go up from there, plus not that many come onto the market, all that often. HUGE monster homes on tiny lots; many dating back before 1920's. Renting one of those old Edwardian or Victorians would be... well.... actually I have no idea how to describe such a masterful one-upmanship stroke of luck.

North Tabor Neighborhood could be comfortable. But the overwhelming choice would be the schools that feed into Grant HS, which I think North Tabor does (but I could be wrong on this.)
Maps of Portland Neighborhoods:
Citywide Neighborhood Association Maps
City of Portland Public School maps:
School District Maps - Portland Public Schools

You could of course live anywhere along I-84, say Wood Village or Russel, but why not live in bicycle distance to work? Summers do happen, and until you experience Portland summers you won't understand how transplants like myself can deal with the Portland overcast winters.

But as always, YMMV as to what you want for your family. Enjoy.

[scubashawn68]

Anyone have advise on local AAU teams or Jr. High/ High school teams?