New Hub Point, AKA - I'm Moving
I've been in the immediate downtown of Portland for 3+ years now. However there has always been a desire to increase the square footage of the residence and to get a bit more connected in location to transit.
When I lived in the south west, at the Portland Center Apartments they were great. 1000 sq ft., about $1200-1250 a month, Almost every major bus line went by within 2-3 blocks away, the streetcar stopped at two places on Harrison, overall it was the perfect place to be. Then Portland Center Apartments sold out to become condos. They converted all three buildings to nice modern places, yet still the same buildings, just cleaned up and fancied up really. As soon as they did that two of the buildings they had selling as condos and then decided the third would be apartments. We've checked, but they've increased the prices, in a mere 2 years, over 190% above the rental rates that existed previously. So with that the apartments, now called Harrison Place Apartments, were written off as a loss to the Cali immigrants.
Were Joleen and I have lived recently, in the north west around 19th and Lovejoy, the connectivity was decent. The streetcar came very close, in at least one direction, the #77 came by that way too, and just a few blocks up on 21st the #17 went by. This was convenient, but a complete travesty compared to how connected we were before. The rent has been less, around $870-$950, but the square footage has been a paltry 650 or so sq ft. In addition to that the building, as with most in the north west area, was practically falling apart.
Fast forward to today. Joleen and I are moving to the south east. I've wanted to live on the east side of the river for some time and am finally going to get the chance. We'll be bumping our square footage to about 900sq ft, going from one to two bedroom, we'll also have storage, off street parking, and internal washer and dryer. All of this for about $1225 a month. The difference in cost will easily be covered by eliminating our storage use and a few other things we'll no longer need since we have extra square footage.
The other truly awesome thing is, we're moving over there, one might think we're going to be even less transit connected. The contrary is true. Instead of 2 buses and a streetcar like we had before, we'll now have the #9, #17, #19, #70, #4, #66, and I think another all within 1-3 blocks away (ok, so the #4 is actually 9 blocks away - Walking ETA is about 6-8 minutes so it really isn't a big deal).
I also scoped out a few other things, and in regular Portland tradition, even though I'm connected to so much transit I won't have too many needs for it. Everything is a mere few blocks away. A food coop is on the corner directly across the street, a grocery store is further down the street. There are bars, pubs, restaurants, and easily a dozen other establishments within 2-10 blocks.
Usage, Californication, and Uppity Types
I'll admit it, when I first moved here I thought the Streetcar was the greatest thing since sliced bread. I was euphoric and refused to live anywhere that wasn't 1-8 minutes from the MAX (walking). I didn't touch a bus with a ten foot pole. I was the standard American, I hated buses, but I loved riding on the flanged wheeled smooth riding vehicles.
I spent months commuting out to Hillsboro for a while on the MAX, then cut that back to just Beaverton, and have in the past 2+ years been able to cut it back to no MAX use at all. I'm 100% downtown mostly. I do have a slightly longer commute but I just bike it. I wouldn't want to every try commuting on the MAX again, not because I don't like it, but because just living closer to where one works is the ideal situation.
The other thing that has changed is I've grown used to and accustomed to using buses. I still have the regular complaints of almost anyone that uses TriMet buses. The seats are crude and uncomfortable, buses are noisy and very clunky. Many of the buses (especially the older series) ride like bricks, which is absolutely horrible. The newer buses are much more A-grade and the seats could be more comfortable. Sound Transit has the same type and they are plush seats. Often more comfortable than most car seats. Overall though, in disregard of all my fussing about buses, I use them a ton now.
With this move occurring, I'll be using buses 100%. The only time I'll use the streetcar is to go talk with Fred or maybe to get from south waterfront to 23rd. The MAX I'd only use to either get to the airport or maybe out to Best Buy. I'm guessing though I'll find that the buses I have connecting to my area though will get me to these types of places anyway. Don't get me wrong, buses and light rail definitely compliment each other in very positive ways. Light rail wouldn't have the ridership without feeder lines. But now that I'm used to the buses, and I don't have that stupid American idea that they're "low class" or whatever, I really am looking forward to it.
At least I know one thing, I won't have to worry about taking a "bus bridge" if the #17 or the #9 has to be re-routed.
I'm done rambling for now, all have a good ride wherever and however you're going were you're going.