Here are pictures of and feedback on the places in Portland I saw today (Thursday).
House #1
This is the cottage we saw pictures of online. The property is great (back yard, fenced in, driveway), and the house is cute. Problem is location. Apparently anything north of N Lombard is potentially unsafe, and this is two blocks north of N Lombard. Also a little discomfiting: it's on a very busy thoroughfare, just half a block behind a Walgreens and other chain stores (Taco Bell). Great choice for housing, if it were in another neighborhood! I wouldn't feel safe walking home at night alone. (Not posting pics, because they're in our e-mail.)
Verdict = pretty low on the list.
House #2
Also not a terrificly safe location, and this one was HUGE (two dining rooms!). Very cute built-in shelves and cabinets, but cheap kitchen and gross bathroom. More space than we could
possibly fill, including spooky attic and basement. Also more than I would like us to be spending on a rental ($1200/mo.). Here is a pic of the pretty details.
Verdict = off the list.
Apartment #3
Terrific neighborhood, very active part of Northeast Portland, technically the Alberta Arts district. 2 blocks from weekly farmer's market, walking distance to Whole Foods, local public library, and park (not to mention restaurants, cafes, etc.). Also near two yarn stores!
Part of a u-shaped apartment complex (see picture at left), but without the complex-ey feel (reminds me of that apartment building in the movie Singles). Nice features: common yard that we don't have to mow (Peaches!), some area for planting/growing, front stoop to sit on, neighbors seems to be our age and working/quiet (though I can't totally confirm this), very clean and freshly painted. Some concerns: longer commute for me to campus (though I haven't checked the public transportation), seems pricey for what it is (= 1BR with clean and usable basement). It's smallish, but it's big enough for what we need for now. Terrific landlady/landlord. Low security and pet deposits. Some pictures: front door (door on right, unit 1); built-in cabinets next to bathroom; small but sunny bedroom.
On tomorrow's agenda: appointment with rental agent to see some places.
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