New to Portland

[gavigan]

Hi all,

I may be relocating from Seattle for a job, and I have an admittedly basic question (sorry!). I was wondering which neighborhoods you'd recommend for someone who really wants to continue her bike-based commuting habits. I'll be working in downtown Portland or just off the I-5 bridge in Vancouver (the company has a couple of offices), and I'm basically just interested in finding an area that's pedestrian-and-bike friendly where I could feel at home. Convenient grocery stores and coffee shops are a plus - as is a relatively quiet area, since I'm a pathetically light sleeper. I was thinking the north end might be more affordable, but beyond that I don't know much about the different neighborhoods. Do you have favorites for living in/biking around? I've been checking out the bike maps online, but I would love to get your perspective, too. Thanks very much!

[veeco]

Mississippi dist....
close to both
north and south

coffee, bars,
young hip
not super $$$...
yet

[jon]

whatever you do don't live in vancouver. I recently moved there to help a friend out and was a big waste of time/money when i could be spending money on my bike. mississippi/alberta area is nice.

[gavigan]

No desire to live in Vancouver (no offense). Thanks for the suggestions!

[nuovorecord]

NoPo or NE is probably going to be your best bet. The Mississippi and Alberta ave. suggestions I second.

Another area to check out is the Kenton neighborhood, north of Lombard, off Interstate. You have access to light rail if you don't want to ride your bike. Both Fred Meyer and New Seasons grocery stores are on the LRT line; there's good bikeways leading to it, making it easy to ride to the 'Couve or downtown. And, I believe that it's still relatively affordable. It's not as hip as some areas, but it probably will be in a few years.

[Donald]

There's an apartment/condo glut in the Pearl now. Maybe you can find a good deal right downtown and ditch your car for good!

[mizake]

You should check out the Sellwood neighborhood. There are some coffee shops, quiet neighborhood, New Seasons and QFC are nearby. Close access to the Springwater bike path that will take you directly downtown.

[Attornatus_Oregonensis]

I live in Sellwood. It's a great neighborhood, with everything you want and need (except a good place to get your Rx filled). And it's a very easy ride into downtown. But about as far as you can get from the Couve and still be in PDX.

[TiAx]

Kind of depends on your budget, and whether you're renting, or buying.

Agree on Mississippi area. That is hip, in the location you like, and not outrageiously expensive (yet) as veeco stated.

Also agree on the Pearl if you have more $ and want to live really close to DT. There are a lot of condos and lofts there, and they aren't selling as fast as expected. But may be overpriced?

Sellwood is really nice, older neighborhood, but kind of spendy. But you're close to Springwater trail into downtown, and on the old corridor out to Boring. Great riding.

Agree on the 'couv.

[rainperimeter]

Originally Posted by veeco

Mississippi dist....not super $$$...
yet

?!?!

i'm not sure this is accurate.