| Moving to Portland
Posted: 12/23/2008 7:30:49 AM | I lived in Tacoma, WA for 25 years. Then I decided it was time for a change. I decided to move to Spokane, WA to get a away from all the craziness of the Tacoma/Seattle area. Now being in Spokane for 6 years, it feels like it is time to go.
I am interested in moving to Portland. I've been there for vacation, but everyone has a great time on vaction. I am curious about the long haul. I was hoping that some people could give me some insight as to what Portland is like. What is the rent like? buying costs? job market? Anything at all would be nice.
I have no children and I am finished with schooling, so education is not an issue.
Thank you.
 Julya | |
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| Moving to Portland
Posted: 12/23/2008 7:52:07 AM | Only thing I would be worried about would be the price difference in cost of living. Though I haven't lived in Spokane in almost ten years, so maybe they're more similar now.
If ya come down, bring me some white box pies :-P | |
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| Moving to Portland
Posted: 12/23/2008 9:59:43 AM | Rentals. For a not to Cr@&&y apartment one could expect to pay between nine and eleven hundred, a couple hundred more will get a bit more luxury, and a couple of hundred more will get location, location, location. Houses were starting at sixteen a year ago, add four or five more for a luxury home, three to five more for that location thing. Get a hold of the Oregonian and subscribe to the Sunday Only option, It’s packed with information. Animals or Pets? If you don’t have any, don’t get any; size and breed restrictions are in effect citywide, even in the house rental market.
Purchase. As of a year ago 2bdm condos started at 200K, homes around 270K; those can as much as double depending on location and luxury. Values have held with only about a seven to ten percent loss in the last year but if you look at the foreclosure market you might get lucky on a short sale. Find a legitimate broker for this, not the guy with the sign posted out back of the gas station on a commuter route.
Job Market. It’s strong for a variety of specific trades but horrid in other sectors. That Sunday paper would have to be a guide. Your profile indicates you are a publicist. Unless you can continue to work that job from Portland you will likely have a hard time getting financing without a massive down payment on a house/ condo. Even changing jobs in the same field right now could be a problem.
Random thoughts.
Taxes are about a push. Property taxes are twice WA’s but there is no sales tax and auto registrations are a flat fee instead of a sliding scale by value. IIRC, WA doesn’t have an income tax so look at that as part of the equation. It would be a good idea to call your insurance agent to get an estimate of change; Portland Metro might be a bit higher than Spokane.
Traffic is horrendous if one needs to commute for employment, you’ll want to live as close as practical to where you work. Freeways here are one bottleneck after another; example, I live in the middle Southwest, to get to PDX is about a half hour under ideal conditions. That same drive is up to two hours in commuter conditions. To get to Clackamas, which is moderate Southeast, is about the same time frame; except on Fridays for the evening commute when all bets are off.
The Night Life is pretty much confined to downtown and inner Northeast; make a note of that if it’s a consideration. One advantage is the MAX line and *fare-less square*, no fees to ride which makes visiting the area accessible to pedestrians; the usual ticket price applies to any line in or out. Parking fees can be three to ten times the MAX ticket, depending on event.
The Touristy thing should be about the same, one money trap is about the same as another. Upscale restaurants or chic bistros can be found almost anywhere. The Outdoorsy aspects shouldn’t be any different either.
Final thought, this time for your consideration. If you left Tacoma’s craziness behind, why would you want to move into Portland’s. | |
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| Moving to Portland
Posted: 12/23/2008 10:29:30 AM | Thank you very much for your input. It seems that perhaps I might find another location. It sounds like Portland is crazier than Seattle. You have gone far beyond what I was expecting as a response. I truly appreciate it.
Julya | |
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| Moving to Portland
Posted: 12/23/2008 2:01:13 PM | I was going to give you a slight update, but you don’t sound like you need it. If your home and career are comfortable, stay where you’re at till the economy turns around. Take it from an old fart that has to start over from scratch; this ain’t a lot of fun: it happened last March.
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| Moving to Portland
Posted: 12/23/2008 5:23:18 PM | So sorry to disagree with Meinbruder, but I think he gave you a really bad portrayal of the Portland area!
I have lived here for 30 years, in several different areas, and find it an excellent place to live! Compared to Seattle, it is absolutely heaven! ( I have a brother that lives in Seattle and so have spent quite a bit of time there! Portland rocks in comparison.)
First, I don't know where Meinbruder is shopping for apts, but he must only be looking at high rise, high price. I live in a really great two bedroom, two bath townhouse (with two dogs) fireplace, off street private parking, for under $800/month. If you are looking for comfortable, but not luxury, you can easily find apt. for between $500 and $700 per month on the westside, much less in other areas of town.
Commute times very greatly depending on hours, destination, etc. If you live and work where you can communte via light rail, most places have about a 30 -40 minute commute. (I worked in downtown Portland - 5th and Burnside - for more than 15 years and generally allowed 30 minutes in the AM, and 45 minutes in the evening.) There are certain areas where commute is more difficult - i.e. Milwaukie, Gresham, Tualatin, etc.)
Housing prices in Portland have come down significantly in the past six months - and there are real bargains to be had if you can get financed. That is really the key right now. The low end (under $200 thousand market) is fairly limited. Unfortunately, over the past ten years, the market in Portland has been directed at two markets - over $500 homes, and over $200 condos. Both have taken a significant hit. The up side of that is that if you are in the condo market, the prices have come down significantly on newly built condos - especially in the high density light rail corridor. I have seen starting prices on these condos drop about $30,000 in the past six months.
The job market right now is pretty tough, but I think not any worse than anywhere else. The two areas where there is a high demand that does not really seem to be hurt by the economy is in health care and insurance. Most of the major health care providers are currently hiring. Also, Standard Insurance has just lifted their hiring freeze (an excellent company by the way - my niece has worked there for years and pay and benefits are really good.)
Portland has many things to recommend it! Transportation is excellent (learn to use mass transit is the key - light rail, bus, etc.)! Beach is an hour away! Mountains and snow (usually) is an hour away! We have great restaurants! We have an unbelieveable offering of live theater! We have a very active local blues and jazz music community! Portland has been voted one of the most liveable cities numerous times! If you are into biking, Portland is always on the top ten list for bicycle commuters! We have hundreds of miles of parks and trails! The art community is alive and strong (check out first Thursday)! We are also one of the most pet friendly communities. Yes you will need to be prepared to pay pet deposits, but most communities will accept your pet as long as you are a responsible pet owner! We have great microbreweries! Terrific local wine tastings! What more can I say! Portland is a great community! Please don't let Meinbruder rain on your parade!  | |
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| Moving to Portland
Posted: 12/23/2008 9:17:34 PM | We are also known as Dogtown, Rose City and the City of Bridges. Portland is unique and interesting...
LS | |
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| Moving to Portland
Posted: 12/24/2008 10:30:12 AM | Julya,
Here is an interesting take on PDX.
http://www.streetfilms.org/archives/portland-celebrating-americas-most-livable-city/
Peace,LS | |
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| Moving to Portland
Posted: 12/25/2008 2:25:37 AM | I am still interested in the Portland area and continue to be greatful for everyones opinion. I am not rich, I prefer comfortable to price by far. I have 4 cats and I plan to get a white lab when stablized. I am highly interested in Portland because when I went there for vacation I did not want to leave. Also, it is only a short 2 hour train ride to Olympia where my godson stays when he is not on tour (Proud Army Mom here). I want to be able to be at the airport when he comes home. I am 6 hours away now and that is just too far. One of the reasons why I do not want to go back to Seattle is because of people that I am trying to stay away from. My old crowd is not for me. Lots of them turned to drugs and have never been interested, nor wanted to be around people that were.
July
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| Moving to Portland
Posted: 12/25/2008 7:37:46 AM | Be sure to subscribe to the Oregonian for the Sunday issue, if you can't buy it locally, for a while before you decide. I was under the impression that Seattle was just as *livable* as Portland is, as far as cities go.
Good deal leaving the old crowd behind.  | |
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| Moving to Portland
Posted: 12/26/2008 4:42:23 PM | | Portland is a beautiful and diverse city! There are also many suburbs and areas within an hour that are very country! Do it! I'm about half-way between Portland and Astoria and I love it! Great mix of everything and Portland is very technologically sound! Was one of the fastest frowing cities in the US! Do it! | |
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| Moving to Portland
Posted: 1/1/2009 6:16:28 PM | | I would recommend living in Vancouver Washington, which is a very short drive from Portland. Then you would not have to pay Oregon state income tax, as long as you do not work in Oregon. You can go to Portland whenever you want for sales-tax-free shopping and other activities. | |
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| Moving to Portland
Posted: 1/1/2009 7:46:01 PM | Excellent point, shparks! And Vancouver is really making great strides in both housing and entertainment. The downtown revitalization is terrific! The Cascade Grill has great music and Ester Short park has some terrific farmer's markets, activities, festivals, etc.
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| Moving to Portland
Posted: 1/2/2009 11:14:25 PM | I will have to look into that as well. Thank you!
Julya | |
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| Moving to Portland
Posted: 1/4/2009 11:02:12 AM | Being a transplant myself I'll offer my input as well. I'd have to agree with the other poster, you should consider Vancouver, Wa. to pick up on the no-income tax. And being so close to Portland, you can still take advantage of the no-sales tax benefit. This especially came in handy for some of big ticket purchases.
[u]Renting / Owning[/u]
I'd definitely recommend renting for now. I bought a house when I first came and sold it within a year. All the new developments, adjusting rates, etc. it just wasn't a good deal. You should be able to find a nice sizable apartment for about $700-$900. Fortunately, the apartment I picked up afterward was much nicer than my old house. Of course finding places that'll except pets will be a slight issue, especially if you're considering getting a large dog along with 4 cats.
[u]Job Market[/u]:
Its no secret the economy is in a recession but some industries have weathered the tide and are actively searching, as someone else pointed out. Given your profession, I'd utilize craigslist or hit up temp work until something more steady and to your liking comes along.
[u]Night-Life / Entertainment[u]:
Being a young single, the night life is particularly lacking here. Not that I'm one for clubbing and partying but the town does lack a certain amount of variety. But as stated earlier, some new establishment is always propping up in Vancouver. Definitely check out Big Al's, it's become the hot spot of the area and with good reason. Outside of that, there is more than enough of outdoor activities to keep you busy. I'm particularly grateful for the snowboarding spots, but thats not all year mind you.
The area is lacks a bit of diversity. Not to say that there aren't minorities here but it's not a plentiful as to what I'm accustomed to being that I'm large metropolis. Regardless, the people here are very kind and helpful which is the most important factor to me. Hope that helps. And good luck in your future endeavors. | |
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