Relocating to Portland-Working Downtown -Making 36K (Gresham, Beaverton: apartments, rent, neighborhoods)

[ablogic]

Hi-
I am considering moving to Portland for position in downtown Portland near a MAX Light Rail Stop. I've heard of Beaverton & Gresham at the other end of the line on MAX where the rent might be cheaper. $700-$800?. Can anyone tell me if those area offer rents at that price or any stops along the way to downtown I should consider as well?? Also, do I need a car if I live in the suburbs like Gresham/Beaverton,,,is all the stores w/in walking distance. I would just like to get a monthly transit pass and get rid of the car. Thanks for any information. John

[oldtintype]

If you want to ditch the car I'd live in Portland. It's much harder to be without a car in the suburbs unless you plan to ride your bike a lot. There are inner Portland neighborhoods where you can find a one bedroom between $750-$900 that would make your commute easy and allow you to be car free.

[EnricoV]

There are a number of apartments in that price range out towards Gresham (which I know better than I know the westside, so the same could be true of there). The MAX line runs along Burnside, which is a main street. And there are lots of apartment buildings in that range along there. And, most of the stores, etc., are also along there. So I think living carless could be done easily, depending on your lifestyle and the location of your home.

What I would say is, living in the 'burbs and not having a car will likely impact your social life, and what you have access to in those regards. MAX doesn't run too late into the night. And because they're areas of lower rent, they also tends to be areas of higher crime.

I would agree with oldtintype, though ... having a bike would make you much more mobile.

[drunkwithwords]

You should be able to find a place in Portland for that price range. Also, if you don't own a car, I would shell out a little bit more for a place closer to where you work. I doubt you'd have to spend more than your price range if you find a studio, but I always see one bedroom in the price range you're looking for.

I work downtown and found a place about two miles from work and because I have so many options, I feel like it's worth the price. Also, I'm within walking distance of everything I enjoy. It's just something you might want to consider.

However, you can easily find a place in Gresham/Beaverton for that price range. As for living carless, I think it's possible as long as you're within walking/biking distance to the max. As long as you're near public transportation, you should be golden.

[FSF]

There are plenty of small studio and jr 1bedroom apartments in the downtown area for $800 or less where you would be within reasonable walking distance to work and would not need a car, and the expenses that it would bring with it. You'd be within walking distance to grocery stores, restaurants, and all the amenities that you could want. You'd be within walking distance of MAX and all of the buses that all meet up in downtown and take you to just about anywhere in Portland and much of the suburbs.

[Nell Plotts]

Your employer may offer a free Trimet monthly transit pass. Ask.