Diverse housing market and neighborhood informatio
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9/12/2015
In 2000, I was looking to buy a home in Portland, OR. I considered housing size, lot size, property tax, age of neighborhoods, traffic patterns in neighborhoods, age of neighborhoods, proximity to the two major freeways (I-5 and I-205), and commute time. As a mid-30's single woman at the time, I wanted a home that I could use as a place to "hang my hat" but also that would appreciate. For example: I would look at 1200 square foot homes on a 6900-8400 square foot lot, mostly in Multnomah County. I had a 3bed/2bath minimum. Homes usually needed a little work (painting or nothing super major), normally in well established neighborhoods that didn't have high crime. Property taxes averaged about $200-$250 monthly. Traffic was not normally on a slower street, but not a busy major road. About half in random planned neighborhoods, and some in housing developments. All homes were built in late 60's to early 70's. Costs were in the $180 range, which I could afford. The one thing that continued to give me issue, was the property tax. With no kids, it bugged me that so much of my property taxes were going to schools, and growing up in Oregon, I knew the issues schools and education continue to be plagued with (even 30 years after graduating from HS).
During my search, I decided that perhaps it was time to "branch out" and possibly defect to Vancouver, WA. I must say I was pleasantly surprised. With the same criteria, I realized that for what I was looking at in Portland, I could purchase for around $120, and have more of my needs met. I found larger lot sizes, less taxes, quieter neighborhoods, and better schools. I could SEE tax dollars at work - roads were better maintained, police and fire services were more prevalent, and traffic was not that bad. I ended up making the jump and glad I did.
Ultimately, I purchased a 3 bed/2bath, 1200 home on a whopping 13,000 square foot lot, at $95 monthly property tax. My home was built in 1972, a brand new roof, and only needed to paint the inside. Yes, it's not super up-to-date but that was not my intention for purchase. My home is in an older neighborhood, in between the Mall and SW WA Medical Center. I back up to a City Park so my view is great. My yard was fenced in so that was a bonus. I'm close to I-5 and I-205, and only 10 minutes from Portland International Airport and my commute wasn't horrible like Hwy 26 in Portland. My neighborhood has continued to retain a lower crim
Susan | Five Corners, WA