Finding Your Perfect Portland Neighborhood

Setting out on the homebuying journey is a bit like diving into a new adventure. It’s exciting, a little nerve-wracking, but ultimately, it’s about discovering that special place you’ll call home. When it comes to finding your spot in Portland, the neighborhood you pick is a huge part of your story. Let’s walk through the real factors that’ll help you find that perfect Portland neighborhood that just feels right.

Planning Your Future Think about where you see yourself in the next 5 to 10 years. Most folks stay in their homes for about 8 years, so it’s not just about today, but where you’ll be down the road. Will the neighborhood grow with you, offering the right schools and community vibes for your future self?

Neighborhood Feel Portland’s neighborhoods each have their own unique flavor. Do you see yourself in the lively streets of the east side, buzzing with cafes and culture? Or maybe in a quieter, leafy suburb where you’ve got room to breathe and grow? Take a walk, soak it all in, and find the place that feels like it’s singing your tune.

Getting Around Your daily commute matters. Whether it’s a slow grind from Vancouver to Hillsboro or a quick zip to the office, think about how each trip will fit into your life. A smooth commute can turn a good day into a great one.

Schools and Learning Great schools are the heart of a strong community. Whether you’ve got kiddos or are thinking about resale value, dive into the school scene. Sites like greatschools.org and Niche.com can be helpful to get a better idea of the school districts, but take them with a grain of salt and consider how they score schools.

Feeling Safe and Sound Everyone wants to feel safe and cozy in their neighborhood. Use tools like Neighborhood Scout and Portland Maps to get the lay of the land on safety. It’s about finding that secure spot where you can relax and be yourself.

What’s Nearby? Life’s easier when you’ve got what you need close by. Think about how close you want to be to groceries, parks, hospitals, or even your family and friends. It’s all about crafting that perfect blend of convenience and comfort.

Peeking into the Future What’s on the horizon for your potential neighborhood? That open lot might turn into a park, or a new cafe might be brewing up. Keep an eye on what’s coming – it can add a whole new layer of awesome to your home.

In Summary, Consider:

  • Long-Term Plans: Will the neighborhood fit your future?
  • Neighborhood Vibe: Does it match your lifestyle and energy?
  • Commute: How will traveling to work or places you love fit into your life?
  • Schools: What’s the quality of local education?
  • Safety: Do you feel secure and comfortable?
  • Amenities: Are the conveniences and joys of life within reach?
  • Future Developments: What changes might be on the way?

For more insights on finding your ideal neighborhood, check out the full video here.

Thinking about turning the page on this exciting chapter? I’m just a call or an email away. Reach out at 503-303-0822 or hello@agentlivinginpdx.com, and let’s start this journey together. Your ideal Portland neighborhood is out there, ready to be the setting for many happy chapters ahead.

Do your shrubs need a check up?

 

Where’s the house?

Are your shrubs taking over?  The Portland area nearly bursts with greenery in May and June as our wet months combine with warmer weather and sunlight.

As relatively static components of our landscaping, shrubs tend to escape notice as they creep larger over the years.  When you’re ready to sell, you may need a fresh set of eyes to see that your once reasonable plantings have expanded!  Likewise, plants and shrubs growing right up against the siding and windows of the home can promote moss growth and moisture retention, so are best trimmed away from the home.

I found this issue at this home in Beaverton, Oregon.  The plantings in front of the house had all matured to the point where they were too big to all occupy the area directly in front of the windows, and adjacent to the front door.  This created a crowded and bushy impression, and the large vaulted living room felt dark and enclosed. As much as I love plants, this area needed a refresh!

Before: the house was a rental and plantings in front not reassessed for several years.

Bright interiors are key when selling a home in the (sometimes gloomy) Pacific Northwest!  These utilitarian plantings were chosen to be low maintenance and green, and require little care since the house had been a rental.  Had the plants been specially selected or lovingly cultivated, it may have been a different story.  In this case, with the seller’s approval, we removed the largest shrub, pruned and shaped up the others.  The interior was flooded with fresh sunlight, and the home was a hit!  Inundated with showings all weekend, the sellers received multiple offers and accepted one within 4 days of going on the market.  I can’t give full credit to the exterior shrub editing, but it certainly helped to make a great first impression.

After yard prep, and ready for market!
ta da! let the light shine in.