Moving from San Bernardino to Portland OR and scared shirtless

In a little less then two weeks I am leaving for Portland. I am absolutely scared sh*tless, but I cannot stay. There is nothing left for me here. The economy, the climate and the people (mostly) suck.

I'm hoping for a change in scenery and life curcumstance. I am scared though. This will be the first time I have my own place, the first time I have been truly on my own. I've lived in this housing project for 35 years, I'm going room to room throwing stuff away I cannot take with me. Mom was a horder, and so am I to an extent, so lots of stuff to toss... I've basically been cleaning out a room a day, only two days in and I've already filled two city trashcans. I'm going to start calling the SA to come pick up stuff. This move is becoming real to me. I don't have an apartment yet, I know its going to be hellishly hard for me. On top of that I need to keep my cats. This has me scared and second guessing myself but I know in my heart the time is now. I MUST move now. God help me.

I know there are a lot of Portlanders here so any advice on section 8 housing solutions (and any other general advice) would be appreciated. Housing is my biggest issue because even though I will have a section 8 rental certificate and must stay in Multomah county, the payment threshold is set quite low, and because I have zero income right now this is going to be extremely difficult.

I don't really have any advice to give, but good luck! In the long run, it's gonna be a good place to be. I'm sitting in Portland now. I think they're gonna shoot some fireworks off, but we're just gonna stay in, watch TV, and see how our new adopted cat handles it.

*taps mike* This thing on?

*chuckles*

Finding apartment advice in general would be appropiate as this is the first time I've rented my own place.

If you have a car, the suburbs are much cheaper out here. If you want to be in the city or on transit, look at the east side of Portland or areas like Milwaukee or St. John’s.

Zillow is a good tool for rentals. I’m happy to ask more specific questions as, I’m sure, are many GWJers. Rents are high here in the core city unless you get a smaller place, but nothing like California.

I’ve got no real advice other than to be prepared for frustration, but try not to let it get to you. Portland’s housing market sucks and finding a reasonably priced place that isn’t literally an upcycled garden shed can be aggravating. You will likely not hear back from 80% of the places you try to contact and most of the places you do hear back from will be snatched out from under you. I found my current place by responding to a craigslist ad that was 8 hours old, only to be told that the apartment had already been claimed but that another unit in the same building hadn’t responded to a lease renewal offer they had sent out two days previous if I wanted to be put on a waiting list just in case (I did).
It’s a lot of work but it’s worth it.
Otherwise it’s typically a bit easier and cheaper to look at the suburbs and satellite communities that border Portland rather than Portland itself. Traffic is a pain commuting to and from those areas but our public transit and bike infrastructure is pretty extensive and makes driving more optional than most cities.
If you are brave, you could check out /r/askportland. There are A TON of “how do I move to Portland” threads and a couple actual local landlords on there that can probably offer more concrete advice. It’s also a bit friendlier than the official Portland subreddit, but just be warned that there will likely be people actively trying to discourage you from moving. All the Portland subreddits are to certain degrees xenophobic towards transplants.

I just don't know much about the specifics of Section 8 housing. Realistically, I think it's going to be tough to find anything in Portland proper. I would check out rentals in Gresham in particular. Portlanders like to talk bad about Gresham for some reason. But it's still basically Portland. Try and look for somewhere near the MAX lines. Portland of ten years ago, everyone had roommates. I don't know how much that's changed today.

Craigslist used to be a big thing in Portland rentals, although I feel like now it's pretty much gone to sh*t. I'm not a big fan of looking up the big apartment aggregator sites. Mostly when I've moved, I've been looking directly at apartment rental company sites. I like Bristol Urban Properties(? They've changed names a few times), but I may be in a bit different market than you.

r/portland does a weekly "I'm hiring" thread. Some pretty good stuff shows up there, particularly for trades/unskilled labor. I don't know what your resume looks like or what sort of thing you're looking for, but the job market seems pretty okay for now. https://www.reddit.com/r/Portland/co...

You'll have a rough time finding a place if you don't have a job or any kind of income set up. Enough so that I would strongly suggest putting off the move or considering another part of the country if you don't. Our vacancy rate is super low right now, and our homeless rate is pretty damn high. A lot of people in your exact situation end up on the street.

kazooka wrote:

I just don't know much about the specifics of Section 8 housing. Realistically, I think it's going to be tough to find anything in Portland proper. I would check out rentals in Gresham in particular. Portlanders like to talk bad about Gresham for some reason. But it's still basically Portland. Try and look for somewhere near the MAX lines. Portland of ten years ago, everyone had roommates. I don't know how much that's changed today.

Craigslist used to be a big thing in Portland rentals, although I feel like now it's pretty much gone to sh*t. I'm not a big fan of looking up the big apartment aggregator sites. Mostly when I've moved, I've been looking directly at apartment rental company sites. I like Bristol Urban Properties(? They've changed names a few times), but I may be in a bit different market than you.

r/portland does a weekly "I'm hiring" thread. Some pretty good stuff shows up there, particularly for trades/unskilled labor. I don't know what your resume looks like or what sort of thing you're looking for, but the job market seems pretty okay for now. https://www.reddit.com/r/Portland/co...

You'll have a rough time finding a place if you don't have a job or any kind of income set up. Enough so that I would strongly suggest putting off the move or considering another part of the country if you don't. Our vacancy rate is super low right now, and our homeless rate is pretty damn high. A lot of people in your exact situation end up on the street.

Losing my spot at the end of this month. I *think* I have enough money to make ends meet till I find work/ An apartment.

Finding human services type agencies that focuses on housing, job placement, vocational rehab, and/or transitional assistance might be something to consider.

If you are presently working with a social worker or case manager, they should be able to provide some assistance or resources.

Reaper81 wrote:

Finding human services type agencies that focuses on housing, job placement, vocational rehab, and/or transitional assistance might be something to consider.

If you are presently working with a social worker or case manager, they should be able to provide some assistance or resources.

No case worker yet as I haven't moved. My plan is to get down there, rent month to month till I find a job, then use the job to show income so I can use my section 8 certificate.

For those of you interested, the maximum I can spend is listed by zip code here:

Edit for: thats not right, wrong link, looking for the right one.

Lets see if it works this time:

http://www.homeforward.org/sites/def...

I don’t know how Section 8 works- is that the most you can be charged or the most you can spend to be eligible to use the voucher? Because if it’s the latter you will be EXTREMELY hard pressed to find anything at those prices in most of the areas listed.

ruhk wrote:

I don’t know how Section 8 works- is that the most you can be charged or the most you can spend to be eligible to use the voucher? Because if it’s the latter you will be EXTREMELY hard pressed to find anything at those prices in most of the areas listed.

Unfortunately it's the latter until I can find a job to add to that.

Due to your circumstances and suddenness of the move you should really consider looking at the surrounding areas in the metro rather than Portland itself. Gresham (much of which is in Multnomah County), Milwaukie, Vancouver, and (to a lesser extent) Beaverton/Hillsboro will all be cheaper and easier to rent in than Portland. You’ll have a somewhat easier time getting established in the area and you can always move those last few miles into Portland itself at a future date.

ruhk wrote:

Due to your circumstances and suddenness of the move you should really consider looking at the surrounding areas in the metro rather than Portland itself. Gresham (much of which is in Multnomah County), Milwaukie, Vancouver, and (to a lesser extent) Beaverton/Hillsboro will all be cheaper and easier to rent in than Portland. You’ll have a somewhat easier time getting established in the area and you can always move those last few miles into Portland itself at a future date.

Need to be in Multomah county to qualify for section 8 but thanks I will keep this in consideration.

Gotta say, this is sounding like a really bad move. I know it's something you don't want to hear, but everytime you give us more information, it sounds worse and worse. This is a relatively expensive city, and you don't have a place to stay, you don't have work lined up, and you don't really know anyone. If you run into trouble, social service programs here are about as likely to hook you up with a bus ticket back to San Bernadino than they are with housing or work. They're already overloaded. I don't want to completely discourage you--I know how much a good a change of scenery can do, but I think you need to look for some better alternatives.

Beyond that, I don't think you're going to find an apartment at those rents anywhere west of Gresham. Maybe Hillsboro? Not sure what their rental situation is like, but Intel is always hiring out there, and they're far enough out from the city that things might be cheaper.

I want to second kazooka. Hate to add to it but you are definitely NOT prepared for a move and it seems like you are about to put yourself in a dangerous situation.

Why Portland? Seems like it's not an easy place to move to unless you have time to find what you need. I fear you're going to end up in a shelter where time will once again be forced upon you. Next step after that is the streets, eh?

Also, as someone who learned this the hard way, your problems will follow you to your next locale. There's a honeymoon period when you move anywhere, but whatever you're trying to get away from will eventually catch up and you'll repeat any negative patterns you have where you live now. Obviously there are extenuating circumstances like getting away from an abusive ex or whatever, but if you struggle with depression you'll eventually end up depressed, if you're anxious you'll eventually end up anxious, etc.

Hillsboro is pretty pricey right now, though Beaverton has more options available. There are more apartments being built, but unsurprisingly many of them are "luxury" apartments. Inventory in general right now is pretty low, and a lot of places only require 30 days notice for folks moving out, so it's hard to know what's going to be available more than a few weeks out. I don't know how section 8 housing plays into all that on top of it.

Wellll. My reasons for moving to Portland are to *try* and find work in my field, and theres literally nothing in SB for me. No entry level business jobs in the IE. A lot of companies *advertise* marketing but they are likely to try and sell you on a job selling knives or cell phones out of a supermarket parking lot. Nothing, So I think I'd rather be homeless then keep living here. I think I have enough money to make ends meet till I find something.

Besides I'm about to be homeless here too.

I got a call back with a place that has a studio and a 1 bdrm. They already took 4 apps and apparently its first come first serve. The app fee is 40. I asked if I get the app fee back if they dont choose me, the answer was no. I asked what prevented them from collecting 400 app fees for one apartment, at which point the guy confessed he was new and will have mgt contact me. So maybe this will work out if I keep diligently plodding away.

You guys know of any realtors in the area who may be willing to find me a spot?

The app fee is 40. I asked if I get the app fee back if they dont choose me, the answer was no. I asked what prevented them from collecting 400 app fees for one apartment,

That's the way we roll in the SF bay area
Same with crap like first month, last month + one month deposit.

fangblackbone wrote:
The app fee is 40. I asked if I get the app fee back if they dont choose me, the answer was no. I asked what prevented them from collecting 400 app fees for one apartment,

That's the way we roll in the SF bay area
Same with crap like first month, last month + one month deposit.

So, looking for realtors, social service agencies or really anyone who may give me an inside at this point.

I talked with the housing lady (who is totally sick of me btw) what would happen if I didn't find a place by the time limit, it turns out that I would be kicked back to SB, NOT lose my voucher. I think I can afford my expenses until things fall in place for me.

Two months should be enough time for me to get employment if I'm not picky, then with income and a job I will prolly get things worked out with section 8.

Fingers crossed.

Anyone here have experience with forrent.com? I'm noticing a lot of interesting options there, as well as hotpads.com.

Drazzil wrote:

Wellll. My reasons for moving to Portland are to *try* and find work in my field, and theres literally nothing in SB for me. No entry level business jobs in the IE. A lot of companies *advertise* marketing but they are likely to try and sell you on a job selling knives or cell phones out of a supermarket parking lot. Nothing, So I think I'd rather be homeless then keep living here. I think I have enough money to make ends meet till I find something.

Besides I'm about to be homeless here too.

If you talked more about your field and expertise you might find people in the Portland area who can help network.

I'd begin talking to staffing agencies in Portland NOW, interview and explain your situation.

Drazzil wrote:

The app fee is 40. I asked if I get the app fee back if they dont choose me, the answer was no. I asked what prevented them from collecting 400 app fees for one apartment, at which point the guy confessed he was new and will have mgt contact me.

This is normal in PDX, nearly every place does it. It’s ostensibly used to cover the costs of background checks and the like but it’s pretty frequently well over the cost of those checks so It’s basically just free money for the landlords. If you’re dealing with corporate-run apartment buildings you’ll frequently run into “market-rate pricing” as well, where the quoted rent will fluctuate on a daily basis based on opaque algorithms of perceived value. They’ll quote you different prices every time you talk with them until you physically sign a lease. Oregon has fairly strong renter protections in many ways but Portland is a popular destination for moving so the landlords know that even if one person balks at being nickel-and-dimed for everything there’s still a line of other people waiting who will be willing to pay. If you’re concerned about the fees always ask how many other applications there are beforehand, if you aren’t at least second in line don’t bother applying because you won’t get it.

ruhk wrote:
Drazzil wrote:

The app fee is 40. I asked if I get the app fee back if they dont choose me, the answer was no. I asked what prevented them from collecting 400 app fees for one apartment, at which point the guy confessed he was new and will have mgt contact me.

This is normal in PDX, nearly every place does it. It’s ostensibly used to cover the costs of background checks and the like but it’s pretty frequently well over the cost of those checks so It’s basically just free money for the landlords. If you’re dealing with corporate-run apartment buildings you’ll frequently run into “market-rate pricing” as well, where the quoted rent will fluctuate on a daily basis based on opaque algorithms of perceived value. They’ll quote you different prices every time you talk with them until you physically sign a lease. Oregon has fairly strong renter protections in many ways but Portland is a popular destination for moving so the landlords know that even if one person balks at being nickel-and-dimed for everything there’s still a line of other people waiting who will be willing to pay. If you’re concerned about the fees always ask how many other applications there are beforehand, if you aren’t at least second in line don’t bother applying because you won’t get it.

And I figured as much. I was fourth. It looks like things will become even more difficult for me. I spent my whole life taking care of mom so I've never rented a spot on my own, thus no rental history. It looks like I'll be air bnb'ing a spot till I can at least get a job and show income.

I can afford it if I act quickly.

Have you considered one of those weekly / monthly hotel type places? Pay like $150 a week, will be cheaper than any Air BNB.

I'm still not clear why it has to be Portland, a very expensive place to move to, but it sounds like you are set on it.

LeapingGnome wrote:

Have you considered one of those weekly / monthly hotel type places? Pay like $150 a week, will be cheaper than any Air BNB.

I'm still not clear why it has to be Portland, a very expensive place to move to, but it sounds like you are set on it.

I've been waiting to move to Portland for like fifteen years... And a weekly monthly type motel thing may be just what I'm looking for. And hey as an aside J-sus F-ck! When did Air BnB get so expensive?!

Drazzil wrote:
LeapingGnome wrote:

Have you considered one of those weekly / monthly hotel type places? Pay like $150 a week, will be cheaper than any Air BNB.

I'm still not clear why it has to be Portland, a very expensive place to move to, but it sounds like you are set on it.

I've been waiting to move to Portland for like fifteen years... And a weekly monthly type motel thing may be just what I'm looking for. And hey as an aside J-sus F-ck! When did Air BnB get so expensive?!

I did some prelim research on motels. Air BnB seem to be a wash. Was there a specific place you wanted me to look into?

So I called literally ALL the 211 referrals and came up with little. Either they are property management companies, or are defunded or have a large waiting list. I dunno where I go now

As for the trip to Portland I think I have things covered now. Janet the case manager from the Transition Housing program CHAT program says they can't help me from San Bernardino, but once I get to Portland I will DEFINITELY find space in their shelter that does take cats, and as soon as I call her when I'm in town she will get someone to help me find an apartment.
It looks like I'm set. Any comments?

Nice!