What is the best place to live for college student?

Where is the best place to live in Portland for a college student?

• I am planning on moving to Portland to attend graduate school. I have been apartment hunting online, but it is difficult because I do not know what are the good and bad parts of the city. I want a decent, safe, affordable place and will have the budget of a college student. Any suggestions of apartments or places to rent as well as those to avoid? I will be at Portland State University. I like going out once in awhile, but don't party every night. I would prefer a safer community, but don't have to be best friends with my neighbors, although friendly people would be nice to be around. I will probably either drive or take public transit to get around, although I haven't ever had to take it because it is unavailable in my current town. I basically need to figure out where to live when I initially move there and then I can always move once I am there and know the city better.

• Answer:

  Portland is fantastic to live without a car, as it is so easy...which is great because it's better for the environment, peoples health, cheaper, etc. If you're attending PSU, no matter the area you live, PSU will be extremely well served by transit. The streetcar is only a few blocks away and PSU is at the end of Downtown's transit mall of light rail and bus transit. I think you'd like the Downtown overall. But downtown can be cut up more into smaller neighborhoods. Yamhill District has a lot of beautiful old buildings, many bars/restaurants, and is close to the main part of downtown but also Old Town district. The MAX Light Rail goes right past the Yamhill. There is also the Culture District which goes right through the streetcar rail lines and is minutes from PSU. It's got a perfect clash of modern buildings and really old ones. There are many cute little neighborhood restaurants (but not the big ones in Yamhill with large patios and many patrons) and some shops. Quick access to Downtown & the Pearl. There are also many nice little parks, especially the Park Blocks which is great for relaxing and reading a newspaper, and many cultural buildings like the PAM. The northwestern part of downtown is nice, this area is a bit touristy and has many boutique hotels and is sandwiched between the main business district and the Pearl District. Many restaurants, bars, and tons of retail nearby. Lots of grand old architecture but it is bustling. It's near the acclaimed Powell's City of Books and on the streetcar lines, and near MAX. One of the best places for newcomers is the Northwest District. It's at the end of the streetcar line and is home to the best urban strips in the city NW 23/21 Avenue(s). Those streets are filled with life with all sorts of cute shops, bars, restaurants, & whatever other amenities. Another great architecture neighborhood and the hills which is mostly parkland is right at the doorstep. The area is dense, but outside the main commercial roads it's quieter, more residential (that being said there is still a good flow of pedestrians). It's a good introduction to Portland. Near the Pearl District, NW Hills, Forest Park, Goose Hollow.