Rent downtown can be steep, and by the time you add up the additional ticky-tacky expenses, it can become too steep a financial slope for some of us to climb. A reasonable place to look next is the suburbs, where the rent situation is much better, but the looming problem of transportation gets bigger.
Rockin’ the suburbs
Rent downtown can be steep, and by the time you add up the additional ticky-tacky expenses, it can become too steep a financial slope for some of us to climb. A reasonable place to look next is the suburbs, where the rent situation is much better, but the looming problem of transportation gets bigger.
While the ‘burbs aren’t always the most convenient places to live, there are certain advantages to living there.
Rebecca Schaller and Sandhyarani Dash, both graduate students, live in the suburbs. When asked about the advantages, both immediately respond with “space!” For Schaller, that means she can have a vegetable garden, and for Dash it means she gets far more apartment space for less money.
Schaller also points to the biggest advantage for anyone with a set of wheels. “You don’t have to worry about where to park your car,” she said.
The following are four good apartment options for those looking to save a little cash and banish the transportation problem. Located right off the MAX lines, these communities offer many of the same amenities as high-rise apartment buildings downtown.
Rock Creek 185
18700 N.W. Rock Creek Circle
Portland, Ore.
866-514-2078 ext. 8500
MAX Stop: Willow Creek/Southwest 185th Avenue, plus numerous bus lines very close
Rent: $525–665 for one bedroom, one bath
Amenities: Air conditioning, patio, covered parking, laundry room on-site, fitness center, pool and tennis courts; pets allowed
Notes: Close to Downtown Beaverton, this is a great place for those leading an active lifestyle. Aside from the numerous amenities, Somerset West Park is directly across the street and it offers a great place to run or play two-hand touch with friends.
Center Plaza Apartments
12388 S.W. Center St.
Beaverton, Ore.
503-626-6607
MAX Stop: Beaverton Transit; plus bus lines to and from the transit center
Rent: $655–745 for one bedroom, one bath
Amenities: Indoor heated pool, fitness center, some paid utilities, free parking, clubhouse, washer and dryer available in unit, outdoor landscaping with ponds; pets allowed
Notes: The indoor heated pool allows swimming year-round, and the clubhouse is very comfortable and houses a billiards table. The kitchens are small, but how much room do you really need to cook ramen noodles anyway?
Russellville Commons
10320 S.E. Pine St.
Portland, Ore.
866-328-4729
MAX Stop: East 102nd Avenue
Rent: $600–703 for one bedroom, one bath
Amenities: Fitness center, swimming pool, private garages, washer and dryer in unit, private patio or balcony, clubhouse, 14-foot ceilings in all units
Notes: Though the neighborhood could be better, the apartments are the nicest under review. The units are the most modern, and the tall ceilings really make the place sing. The private garage will almost guarantee your ride stays safe.
Center Commons
5845 N.E. Hoyt St.
Portland, Ore.
503-231-7777
MAX Stop: Northeast 60th Avenue
Rent: $625–825, depending on the building you move into
Amenities: Washer and dryer in unit, private balconies with view, playground, day care facility on site, fitness center; pets allowed
Notes: Judging by a phone call to the office, it is possible that the management is lacking and that can translate into problems for renters. On the plus side though, there are three buildings you can move into and this should allow you to customize your living situation more than you would be able to with most communities.
