Visit different neighborhoods. Portland, for example, is divided into different neighborhoods like Boise, Hawthorne and the Pearl District, all of which are characterized by different amenities and style. Determine which neighborhood best suits your personality and price range.
Determine the location of your apartment to where you work. Public transit in some cities is more robust than in others, so if you do not have a car, you want to be sure that you can easily get to work and back from your apartment.
Plan realistically around your budget. Oregon has a relatively high rate of income tax, for example, which may result in a slightly lower income than you planned on. Crunch the numbers ahead of time and stay well within your budget's comfort zone.
Search for an apartment that suits your needs on Internet classifieds and in the newspaper. The majority of Realtors in Oregon work only with home buyers and sellers, not renters, so you are on your own.
Contact property managers and visit apartment complexes until you find one that suits your needs.
