Young family moving to Portland (Lake Oswego: 2015, condos, townhomes) - Oregon (OR) - City-Data Forum

Jimbodawg · 10-09-2013, 10:14 PM

Hi,

My wife and I are planning to move to Portland next year. We are going to spend a week checking out various neighborhoods and would like some advice. We are a family of 3. We have a toddler and convenient access to parks and museums and other kiddie activities is important. We are not looking for cookie cutter suburbia, but rather downtown or close to town. We love the idea of public transport, and older homes with character. In a neighborhood with character, restaurants, shops, etc. I do need to use the airport weekly, so access to the red line would be a plus. I would really love to be on or near a greenway/bike path or trail. I have read about Sellwood, East/West Moreland, Hollywood, and St John's. Any recommendations would be great. Also, specific areas would be greatly appreciated. I have heard wonderful things about Vancouver and Lake Oswego, but I don't think they are the right fit for us at this time.

Thanks for all of your help!
(Yes I have a job, Yes I know about the weather, don't care about the tax rates, max budget is 600k)

EnricoV · 10-10-2013, 12:16 AM

There really isn't anywhere that'd be right on the Red Line I'd necessarily recommend for what you're asking for. Your budget is high, so you'll probably be able to find something anywhere you want. Of the areas you mentioned, Sellwood/Moreland would be my first choice. MAX is coming that way by 2015, so making a connection to the Red Line would be easy. Hollywood next. And St. Johns a distant third. The last two, while having great character, are less urban-feeling, to me.

My first choice, though, would be in Northwest. You've got the streetcar that will take you to the MAX line. You're right on the edge of downtown. It's got the kind of character I think you're looking for. The schools are probably the best in the city of Portland. And you have Forest Park almost in your backyard.

Nell Plotts · 10-10-2013, 10:16 AM

And a preschool and after school supervision at Friendly House.

By NW we mean zip codes 97210 and 97209 east of the west hills.

Yankeemama · 10-10-2013, 10:20 AM

I would recommend, Hollywood/ Western Rose City Park (Aves in the 40s and 50s) and Laurelhurst (aves in the 30s and 40s) which are all easy areas to walk to MAX going to the airport. My hubby flies often and so we chose our neighborhood for that reason as well as good schools, walk ability, parks. Good luck with your search.

nestvine · 10-10-2013, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EnricoV

My first choice, though, would be in Northwest. You've got the streetcar that will take you to the MAX line. You're right on the edge of downtown. It's got the kind of character I think you're looking for. The schools are probably the best in the city of Portland. And you have Forest Park almost in your backyard.

Is 600K doable for a family home in the NW area?

Jimbodawg · 10-10-2013, 01:54 PM

Thanks guys! The avenues and zipcodes are a great help to narrowing everything down. What is 'Friendly House?' Or is that a joke?

EnricoV · 10-10-2013, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nestvine

Is 600K doable for a family home in the NW area?

Yes. I checked Redfin, and there were several current listings there under that figure. The ones closest in to town, of course, are not single family dwellings.

Rob Allen · 10-10-2013, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jimbodawg

What is 'Friendly House?' Or is that a joke?

Friendly House

Nell Plotts · 10-10-2013, 03:14 PM

The homes off of Aspen Street are a long walk to Chapman School and activities. We looked at the Vaux condos (the listing on Savier Street between 22nd & 23rd) several years ago but wanted more wall space for our art work (they have an open floor plan). My husband observed it was well constructed (he is an architect). It is close to everything.

There are some townhomes across the street, to the south, but they may be more expensive.

The homes on the hill are in your budget but as they are likely seniors downsizing you may need to budget for upgrades or repairs. Hillside Park is nice, it is off Culpepper Terrace. The neighborhood is close knit. I was on the Hillside bus year ago when a teen put his shoes on a seat. I told him that I was sure his mother didn't let him do that at home. The shoes hit the floor fast. The kids know the parents tattle. We even learned that our daughter had a lead foot that way (she lost the use of the car until that was squared away). The minus is that the bus service only operates during commute periods and then infrequently.

Friendly House is used by everyone. Heck, I was in their preschool during WWII. My children and local grandchildren attended. Back in the day the Friendly House auction was held at my house.

Jimbodawg · 10-16-2013, 10:09 PM

So we have one more full day in Portland. Checked out Sellwood/Moreland, Hawthorne, Brooklyn, Ladd's Addition, and some of Nob Hill. Also had a chance to see the zoo and jogged the 4T trail. Really loved Washington Park/zoo/ my hike in the woods. Sellwood was very nice, very family friendly, but the views from the Washington Park area were incredible!
Any recommendations for our last day in PDX? Areas near Washington park and or similar neighborhoods would be great, and thanks!