What is the best area in Portland, Oregon to live?

I am currently living in Fort Lauderdale, FL and need a change. I am thinking about moving to Portland, Oregon and I want to know what are the good areas to live in? I'm a single, 26 year old, professional female. I love music, shopping, great food and wine, etc.

Since you are young and single, and a professional woman,
you'd probably want to check out the downtown core. Around
the Park Blocks there are lovely old apartments that now
attract the younger professionals who like to walk to work and
be a part of the exciting vibes that seem to fill that area of
town. There are also apartment buildings up to the West Hills
of Portland by way of Burnside St. Some are more spendy
than others. But you pay for the convenience of being close
in to the Portland scene. There are also condos' along the
riverfront of the Willamette River which border the downtown
area. And in the Pearl District further down the Willamette
River, there are apartments and condos' galore, as well as
businesses. That area used to be industrial, until the last
20 plus years. It's grown to be the trendy place now and
becoming increasingly popular. But it is also now a very
expensive area also.
You can try the Beaverton area for apartments and
grocery stores as it is a popular suburb of Portland. Rent will be a bit cheaper and there are alot of popular restaurants and
discount shopping stores available. I found it was the best
place to live for all of the everyday needs. And due to that,
I venture into Portland, less and less. I'd advise getting
something fairly centered and rent, but don't lease. And
once you are here, you can check the different locations
and see what you like, before getting locked in. If you like
alot of entertainment and night life, then the city core is
what you'd like the most. And we have Max that can take
you around the city so that you don't have to drive or worry
about parking. And be prepared for a severe drop in
temps than what you are used to. Portland hasn't the humidity level Florida has. And it isn't nearly as warm either. So bring warm clothes until you can adjust.

If you can afford it Lake Oswego is beautiful. If not, the Pearl District is very trendy, urban, and a great place for singles. North West Portland also has that trendy, young urban vibe. Good Luck, it is a beautiful, progressive city that welcomes newcomers with open arms.

NW or the Pearl District.

Any where, I would consider living in Portland, Eugene, or Gresham. I love Oregon, it beautiful and the people are cool too.

I moved from Boston to Portland last summer and live in the Pearl District (NW Portland). Lots of young professionals live here, there is too many restaurants and shops to count, Whole Foods store and a Safeway coming next year and free public transportation to downtown. Pricey, but worth every penny. Prices drop dramatically just a few blocks out of downtown. Everything here is within walking or biking distance and the public transportation is great.

If I had to prioritize where I would live it would be;
1. Pearl District (best place in Portland!)
2. NW Portland (out to 24th Ave)
3. SW Portland (near the MAX rail line)
4. SE Portland or NE Portland

Chris