I have an Uncle, from the Mid-West, looking to get a summer place in the metro area. He is pretty well off financially and asked me what areas I would recommend. I told him about the West Hills but what other areas would some of you long-time residents recommend? West Linn? Lake-O? Btw, I was a big influence on his decision. Seriously, Oregon has the best summer climate around.
If I didn't have to work, and was only in Oregon for the summer, I might go for a place at the coast instead of PDX. Or hell, in addition to PDX, if he's really loaded. barfo
Somewhere along the Willamette. If he wants low maintenance, get a condo in the waterfront or waterfront pearl. If he wants more land, go in LO.
I prefer Lake-O to West Linn. Btw, houses in a certain range haven't dramatically dropped as you'd expect. Houses in the 800's are still in the 800 range in Lake-O and West Linn. Houses in PHX, for example, have dropped off considerably. In Scottsdale a house sold for $1.1 million two years ago and is now on the market for $650,000.
west linn is too far in the boonies...you want easy access to downtown IMO....alot of LO is lame though unless you live on the lake. I'd suggest a condo in the pearl or on the river....that's the best...condos are also alot less maintenence (although you do pay the fee). My aunt and uncle have one in one of those new ones next to Riverfront...its awesome, clean and quiet. walk right in waterfront park outside your doorstep...you can't beat that.
Why PDX? Is he a city guy? The coast is nice, as is Beautiful Central Oregon. For summer weather and outdoor activities, both have a lot to offer. We've got a home in LO's First Addition Neighborhood on the market.
Age? Marital Status? Hobbies? Lifestyle? You have left so much out, can't make a sensible recommendation. Of the several well-off friends/relations that have visited Portland lately, all of them have really liked the Pearl, and said they could live there. The Pearl gives you great condo living, walk to everything, shopping, eat out, hang out in public, people, events - Rose Garden is very close! Great for "city" people. But, that lifestyle is completely different than an exurban house on acreage, maybe with a view of mountains or a river, room for dogs/horses, lots of green and and lots of quiet. If he would be spending summers here having a great patio/yard with a view of the mountains (Hood or the Coast Range) or a river for family gatherings is ideal. What doesn't make sense to me - if you have money and choices - is to live outside of the urban core - yet be on a small lot or in a townhome. Kinda the worst of both worlds.
He's now currently looking at a Condo in NW Portland (Uptown). http://thewesterly.com/ Not smack dab in the middle of the city but close enough.
As pointed out already, the Westerly is a fair walk to get to the MAX line, about 1/2 mile. I am a very fast walker and don't mind that distance at all, but most consider that a bit far. But, if you Uncle is going to use a car, or too isn't bothered by long walks, you are good to go. Northwest isn't as happening as Pearl, but has one advantage (for me a big one), it is right next to a path that goes straight to Washington Park - Rose Garden, Japanese Garden, Hoyt Arboretum, Wildwood Trail (good trail running or walking).
I would do meriwether or atwater place and be frye's neighbor. still a lot of construction going there, but in a few years when it matures, it is going to be a very nice area to live. with the streetcar line going to south waterfront, getting into the core of the city will be a snap. Have a friend with a condo in the riverplace complex and that is nice too, but they are older and smaller. If he has a LOT of money, there are some lake front houses available in LO, but he would have to figure out upkeep in the winter months when he is not around. this one for instance http://www.trulia.com/property/1076111778-3270-Lakeview-Blvd-Lake-Oswego-OR-97035 This one is nice too, and just under 20,000,000 probably a bargain http://www.harnishproperties.com/8088930
Halvorson's Island, as it was known back in the day when the developer Carl Halvorson (Mountain Park, Black Butte Ranch, Little Whale Cove) lived there with his family. Went to school with his daughter Kallie. Very nice people. It was a fun place to hang out, water ski... There's a secret staircase behind a bookcase that goes up the tower, or there was back then.
Pearl. It's the trendy place to be. Which is great. I live a few minute walk from "Lodo" Denver, which is their equivalent to the PDX Pearl. It's fun times.
