Interested in moving to Portland Metro, North Oregon Coast, or Southwest Washington? Schedule a call with Alexandra Starrett (She/Her) on ⁠⁠Calendly⁠⁠.

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You’ve gotten pre-approved and your budget feels real; now the big question is, where should you actually buy? In this episode of Queer Keys: Unlocking Homeownership in Portland, Alexandra dives into the second step of the homebuying process—choosing the right neighborhood.

From property taxes and HOA fees to commute times and community vibes, you’ll learn how to balance the financial, logistical, and personal factors that make a neighborhood truly feel like home. Alexandra shares local insights on Multnomah versus Washington County taxes, how HOA dues can shift your monthly budget, and what it’s really like to live near a school or along the MAX line.

You’ll also hear personal stories and practical strategies for evaluating neighborhoods—whether that means mapping your weekly routines, considering emergency response times, or reflecting on where you’ll feel a sense of belonging. Because in the end, the right neighborhood isn’t just about where you live; it’s about how you live.