We Are Moving

A funny thing happened to Alice and me while preparing a post about pinot noir wines in the Portland vicinity.

The roof caved in.

Tandem Property Management, our landlord, formally announced plans to raise our rent more than 50 percent – from $1,050 to $1,600.  Before last weekend began, though, the property manager onsite promised we could lower the increase by $200 if we agree to move to a next-door remodeled apartment when our lease expires.

We salivated at the bait thrown before us, but on Monday, July 20th, as we prepared to bite into the offer, we learned an additional sizable security deposit would be required.  As well, we must use professional movers to complete our end of the deal, and other contingencies were raised to destroy any hopes we might return to the apartment we dearly love.

With one hand, they offered salvation; then applying the other, Tandem took hope away.

Emotions on display

Alice was distraught.  I watched as her voice broke – almost going into tears – after she realized how empty Tandem’s offer really was.  We both tried to explain the difficulty this rent increase posed to Alice’s medical recovery, but the property manager didn’t bat an eye.

The land barons of Hillsboro, who affectionately call this area the Silicon Forest because of Intel’s corporate presence, are doubling down on their perception that well-heeled geeks will flood the area.  And somehow, we’re being punished for touting the Portland area on this website.

Consequently, we advise anyone attracted to move here, “Caveat emptor.”  Let the buyer beware.

On Monday afternoon, we made a good-faith deposit on a different apartment just outside Hillsboro but closer to Portland.  It is far away from the KinderCare location where Alice forged a bond with its toddlers and babies.

Everyone will miss one another.  But we cannot stay and be tempted any longer by the mirage that an affordable apartment exists here for us and Millie, the cat.

We will have to pony up a larger security deposit than ever before to make this move.  Somehow, we’ll do it, keeping in mind the following: We are merely pawns in the real estate appreciation game being played in Portland.

Plaudits to dependable friends

Some good friends stepped up and are helping Alice and me survive this change in environs.  Their names: Pauletta and Terry Hoffman, and Diane and Scott Chill.  The Hoffmans are inspirational cheerleaders, and the Chills led us to a suitable apartment complex where we will make our future home.

Unconscionable increases in rent are turning Portland into an unenviable place, and websites are springing up warning prospective new residents about the pitfalls here.  A Google search turns up some interesting links when you key in the following phrase: “Should I move to Portland”.

You’ll see some of the bad, as well as some of the good.  And for something more personal, this blog should do.

In the photo on top, I’m waving goodbye to the first-floor apartment that Alice turned into a showplace.  The attractive landscaping is performed regularly by Mexican-American helpers who obey Tandem’s instructions as best they can.

In less than a month, all our possessions will be moved from the inside, and any subtle reminders denoting we lived here – including our homespun welcome mat – will be gone forever.

Here’s the good news: At our new location, we can barbecue outside on a charcoal grill.

The flaming barbecue in Doylestown will soon become part of our Portland apartment life.
The flaming barbecue in Doylestown will soon become part of Portland apartment living.

6 thoughts on “We Are Moving”

  1. I am so sorry this is happening with you guys! This sounds like it should be on Law and Order “Heinous Crimes.” It sounds totally ridiculous; something else is afoot! As an awesome instructor taught: if it doesn’t pass the sniff test, there is something smelly going on. I wish mom could be closer, I wish I could do something to help you. I am not so sure that I wouldn’t have to file a claim about the roof, the rent, and a whole lot of other possible incidentals.

    Love Ed and Joan

  2. Soooo the roof really, literally didn’t cave in? I am sure a landlord can’t raise a rental property that much, have you checked your rights?
    Ed

    1. We checked with Washington County’s housing department, and learned there are no protections in place here to prevent landlords from jacking up prices as much as they want. It’s either lump it or like it.

  3. Darn, you seemed so happy there in the lovely apartment! Glad you found another that sounds promising so sooon! Best wishes for a smooth move into it!

  4. What a travesty!! So sorry, Mason. I am going to forward your email to a friend who, as we speak, is in Portland this week visiting her son and his children. She has been saying for the last couple of years that when she and her husband retire, they want to move out there mostly to be near her son but also because she loves, loves, LOVES the area.

  5. Wow what a bummer but wishing you both a happy move and and lots of great memories in your new place.

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