Just across the scenic Willamette River lies the end of the historic Oregon Trail. With views like this, it's no wonder that so many people decided Jennings Lodge was worth the trip.
Stop any resident ambling along Jennings Avenue and chances are you've met a big fan of Portlandia. Chances are equally good that you've met someone who's thrilled to have some healthy distance from that show's cast of crazy hipster characters. The 7,300 residents of this town wouldn't have it any other way. Whether they're fans of indie comedy or not, everyone agrees that this is the sweet spot, their refuge, smack dab between the busy lights of Portland and Oregon City.
Moving to Jennings Lodge
Luckily, the Oregon Trail is much tamer these days, and your chances of catching dysentery on the way to this bucolic hamlet are slim. All the same, I hope for your sake that once you've braved the wilds of Highway 99, you've come prepared. After all, nobody likes a pioneer who's clueless about the local real estate.
Hunting for Apartments
Jennings Lodge is chock full of apartment rentals, serving the needs of movers-and-shakers and sit-and-nappers alike. From a studio for rent to a friendly apartment complex, you should have no trouble tracking down the ideal spot to roost your lease. Pet friendly apartments abound, which makes sense given the area's profusion of beautifully situated bike and hiking trails.
Fishing for Your Dream Home
If you're more inclined to stake out your own homestead, plenty of options exist for detached rental homes. The area's history as a quiet frontier town has left a legacy with plenty of charming single-family dwellings. As a general rule, the closer you get to the river, the more likely you are to find a property surrounded by plenty of peace, privacy, and space.
Prepping for the Lease
Before you lock your apartment rental down, do your due diligence and make sure everything's up to snuff. Local landlords in the area are flexible, and own plenty of modern constructions that cater to Portland commuters. Just the same, the area has a long history, and if you settle on an adorable prewar construction, you want to make sure it's been tenderly cared for. Also make sure you've inquired about all the lease options. Because the area caters to a mix of young professionals and established families, there are choices aplenty. You're just as likely to find landlords happily offering a 6-month lease as you are to find ones willing to give you a sweet 2-year deal. Monthly prices can rise and fall accordingly, so make sure you've done the homework and asked the right questions.
Even the Pioneers Had Paperwork
Once you're ready to put pen to paper, make sure you've got all the other paper ready to go first. We're talking bank statements, credit histories, and landlord testimonials here. While there's always the possibility that you'll stumble on a friendly neighborhood-type who'll sign you on with a handshake and some lemonade, these are still the descendants of frontiersmen. They have built up a nice life, and they want to know you're gonna pay your bills and respect the place. When in doubt the standard rules apply, and it's necessary to make sure you've got all the required information ready to go to lock that lease down.
Jennings Lodge Neighborhoods
When you get right down to it, Jennings Lodge is itself the neighborhood. We're talking 1.7 square miles here, there's only so much roaming to be done. That said, even the smallest town has its ebbs and flows, and some spots are gonna ebb harder than others.
The Boulevard: Ah, the main drag. Just like grandpa used to reminisce about. McLoughlin Boulevard cuts straight through the town, and also serves as the hub of business activity. With a healthy mix of storefronts and front lawns, any property along this strip is likely to provide you with quick access to shopping while still preserving your quiet hideaway.
The Riverside: Just south of River Road lies the truly pastoral part of town. With larger lots and plenty of trees, this neighborhood is pretty much wall-to-wall peace and serenity straight through to Willamette River itself. Snag a property near the riverbanks and you're likely to have a vista-laden view of Cedar Island Park. Shockingly, this park is, in fact, an island, covered in cedar trees.
Living in Jennings Lodge
Ask a resident, and they're sure to agree with the notion that here lies the best of both worlds. A small, peaceful town, easily walked, easy to bike, and a short and easy drive from Portland and many other smaller cities. Have quick access to the fast lane in life while living in the slow. It's as simple as that.