Hip areas/district in Portland (Burns: apartments, rental, lofts)

[tranzenic]

Where are some of the hip areas in Portland to experience city living, walk to shop, restaurants, etc. I generally don't like the suburb, residential, family-oriented areas, but prefer young singles. Of course, safety is a top priority.

I'm currently checking out the rental situation in Portland and don't quite know which areas to look for to narrow down my choices. Please advise.

[billhd]

I don't live in Portland; just researching living there, and found this a helpful perspective: Dirt Cheap Guide to Portland, OR (http://web.pdx.edu/~nac/pdxdirtcheap/#business - broken link) .

[lillyfrog]

I have only been there once but i study portland a lot since I want to move back!!! The pearl district is a trendy place that has pricey condos and the best food plus, powell books is there. I say anything on the NW/SW is best for trendy. You could also check out "pill hill" near the rose garden. Hope this helps.

[suncat]

Originally Posted by lillyfrog

You could also check out "pill hill" near the rose garden.

Actually, "Pill Hill" is the nickname for OHSU, and as hospitals go, it's not too trendy.

[EnricoV]

Originally Posted by tranzenic

Where are some of the hip areas in Portland to experience city living, walk to shop, restaurants, etc. I generally don't like the suburb, residential, family-oriented areas, but prefer young singles. Of course, safety is a top priority.

I'm currently checking out the rental situation in Portland and don't quite know which areas to look for to narrow down my choices. Please advise.

There are a number of areas that I think would fit your needs. Recommendations would depend on your budget, and what your interests are.

NW Portland--older, smaller apartments. Lots of shops and restaurants. Very compact and walkable. But fairly expensive.

The Pearl.---"The" happening section. But really expensive. Former warehouse district converted to lofts and new construction. Still a mix of old/new use.

Lloyd District.---Less expensive, Probably more a mixture of residents, small shops & restaurants along Broadway; Lloyd Center shopping center.

Hawthorne District, Belmont, or Burnside.---Smaller, more laid-back, hippy-ish. Fewer apartment buildings, and more of them newer (60-70s) more houses.

[kimhamblin]

Just wanted to add a bit to the above post:

NW PDX no parking or very tight parking, i.e. don't drive an old truck w/o power stearing!
a little bit hip, has Escape from NY Pizza and Cinema 21, but some posers too

The Pearl locating downtown, but tucjed away in it's own little world. Powells and Whole Foods are nearby, but it's a bit yuppie oriented and pretty expensive

Hawthorne/Belmont- in the SE section of town and a bit mellower, lots of young people, a bit hippyish, shops, restaurants a plenty

Alberta- is in the NE, cool neighborhood for cool people- can be a bit over done, but usually fun. Last Thursday art walk in the summer gets out of control! The night is a whole different vibe there though- be careful where you move into and try and have someone drive by on say a Friday night if you can't do it. A seemingly pleasant neighborhood during the day can be wild at night. Still lots of dealers, but tey don't really mess with people, just a bit intimidating!

Whereever you land- I wouldn't sign a year lease- try to get a 6 mo or monthly lease so you can make sure you like it!

[subsound]

Up in the WNW area too is Knob Hill, very trendy and sort of like Pearl...Pretty neat and interesting. Little parking though, but the 77 and streetcar run right in it.

[John Shaft]

Originally Posted by suncat

Actually, "Pill Hill" is the nickname for OHSU, and as hospitals go, it's not too trendy.

And it's also not really near the Rose Garden.

[FellowTraveler]

Originally Posted by billhd

I don't live in Portland; just researching living there, and found this a helpful perspective: Dirt Cheap Guide to Portland, OR (http://web.pdx.edu/~nac/pdxdirtcheap/#business - broken link) .

I am just scanning this page and it looks like an amazingly good resource. Thank you!

[Lilly12103]

Originally Posted by FellowTraveler

I am just scanning this page and it looks like an amazingly good resource. Thank you!

I checked it out too and while it has some good information, what is up with all the unnecessary cussing? It makes him seem ignorant and immature.