Renting a place in Portland can be a bit of a blood sport—so let us here at Portland Monthly help you. A couple of times a month, we’ll be compiling a quick list of digs for rent in the city right now, at a variety of price points. This time, all our picks are under $2,200/month. We’re on the lookout for non-cookie-cutter spaces—think antique detailing to useful amenities—without breaking the bank. This week: homes with more windows than wall space, ’60s diner-esque tiling, and locations in the heart of Hawthorne. 

$2,195 Queen Marie 2 Bedroom 

An apartment fit for a queen—or two queens, for that matter—this gorgeous space on SE 20th is absolutely massive. The 1,500 sq ft floor plan would be roomy for four people, let alone two. Some highlights include two separate living areas that could double as extra bedrooms, and an adorable little nook with a window only a few steps away from the real star of the show: the kitchen. Imagine, if you will, the potential display space for antique Goodwill cookware, fun mugs and plants. And the sheer amount of free cabinet and countertop space? Incredible. Our obsession with the kitchen aside, this place sits three blocks from the wonders that exist on Hawthrone, and is a less-than-10-minute walk to Magpie Vintage, Farina Bakery, and the ever-enormous weekend brunch line outside of Jam on Hawthorne.  

$1,900 SE 2 Bedroom Loft 

This gorgeous loft wants all other “light-filled” spaces to hold its beer. We counted at least 20 windows in the top unit of this duplex alone. Adorning the baby blue exterior is a red brick chimney that extends the height of the home, white-trimmed windows, and a front porch with just enough room for a comfy couch. The interior is in amazing condition; this place has either never been touched or meticulously maintained. From the white stucco ceilings and bright white walls to the gorgeous dark hardwood floors and aforementioned windows, this place will feel sunny on even the rainiest of Portland days. The shared living area is also massive, and there’s both an attic and a basement for tons of extra storage space.  

$820 Victorian Studio  

This itty-bitty studio in Buckman is undeniably charming. The blue and white Victorian exterior looks like a home you’d find somewhere along the Oregon Coast, and the quaint kitchen, complete with a farmhouse sink, glass door cabinets, and butcher block countertop, makes the space feel extra cozy. The open floor plan connects the kitchen to the living area, with the island providing a distinct separation between the two—and a perfect reason to thrift a matching set of antique barstools. This second-floor studio is surrounded by trees, gets a lot of good light (both from the three east-facing windows, and two chic, built-in hanging light fixtures), and has a surprisingly spacious bathroom,  complete with vintage tiling, a clawfoot tub, and a pedestal sink. And to top it off, this tiny but mighty studio was built with sustainability in mind: it includes a water-saving dual-flush toilet and an EnergyStar refrigerator.

$1,245-1,295 Belmont Studios 

These vintage studios off of SE Belmont are quite the find, and of the three units currently available, it’s tough to choose a favorite. Each studio has a similar vibe: large windows, hardwood flooring, and some of the most functional, thought-out open floor-plan concepts that a studio could have. The cheaper of the two units feature spacious, bright living areas which open to a massive walk-in closet that could easily be converted to a little WFH office, as the walk-in has a smaller closet space itself. The priciest of the three options also includes an enormous walk-in closet, which opens to a bathroom, entirely hidden from the living area. Aside from functionality, a major selling point of these studios is the super retro, black-and-white checkered kitchen tiling that feels like you’ve entered the world’s smallest ’60s-themed diner (tiny for a diner, average for a studio). There’s also enough checkered floor space in the kitchen to create a little nook at the window, complete with antique built-in shelving, perfect for house plants and cookbooks—for décor or actual use.  

$1,250, Lynwood Studios 

A previously featured Rent Crawl find, the Lynwood on SE Hawthorne currently has three studio apartments available for lease. The complex will suit those who appreciate period detail but would prefer a refrigerator made in this century. The 1920s brick exterior (complete with adorable flower-filled planters adorning each window and a shared outdoor patio with twinkly lights) fits right in with the let-the-good-times-roll vibe of Hawthorne. But inside, you’ll find modern upgrades like stainless steel appliances, marble countertops, and walk-in closets. The Lynwood’s location is also aces:  less than a five minute walk from local favorites like Grassa, Lardo, Oui Presse and more.