About The Beaverton, Oregon Area

Enjoy the ambience of pristine, scenic Beaverton. Just seven miles from Portland, Beaverton’s relaxing county atmosphere is right on the pulse of the Portland metropolitan area.

Beaverton is well known for its cohesive community of neighborhoods. The 83,097 residents enjoy the plentitude of opportunities afforded them by their proximity to Portland. With over 100 well-cared-for parks covering 1,000+ acres, the city is lush and green. Experience the great outdoors in any direction you go.

Location

Beaverton is a city located in Washington County, part of the larger Portland metropolitan area. It is situated in the Tualatin River Valley located in the northwest corner of the State of Oregon. Its neighboring cities are Portland to the east, Hillsboro to the west, and Tigard to the south. Beaverton is seven miles southwest of Portland, and just fifteen miles west of the southeast corner of the state of Washington.

Geography/Terrain

Beautiful Beaverton is one of eight cities located in the suburban area of Tualatin Valley, just seven miles southwest of Portland. The Tualatin River runs through the fertile farming region, and the Tualatin Hills separate Beaverton from Portland. Located in the Portland metropolitan area, Beaverton offers ready access to all the amenities of city life. The Lower Coast Mountain Range lie to the west and the Cascade Mountain Range lie to the east.

Surrounded by evergreen forestlands with rushing waterfalls, the land is typically flat with gently rolling terraced surfaces, which attract many alkers and hikers Altitudes range from 131 to 698 feet. Beaverton is Oregon’s fifth largest city encompassing 18.6 square miles of land. One of the most significant features about the Portland metropolitan area is that it is situated on top of an extinct volcanic zone, the Boring Lava Field. This volcanic field has been extinct for over 300,000 years, leaving behind a legacy of up to 50 cinder cones and small shield volcanoes making for great photographic journeys. Beaverton lies 75 miles east of the Pacific Ocean, lending to its marine air.

Distance To Three Closest Major Cities

Portland is seven miles east of Beaverton, while Vancouver, Washington is 16 miles to the northeast. Salem, the capital of Oregon, is 43 miles to the north. Olympia, the capital of Washington, is further north, 120 miles from Beaverton. Seattle is still further north, 180 miles from Beaverton. In addition, Lincoln City is 101 miles southwest.

Jobs

The Beaverton area is known as “The Silicon Forest” because the economic mainstay of the city itself and its neighboring communities is largely based on high-technological businesses. Such large corporations as Tektronix and Nike have made Beaverton their home base

Historically and still to this day, the Portland metropolitan area’s economy has largely come from its export business. Beaverton plays an important role in the Portland area’s export revenue. The manufacturing and apparel industries are also very strong employment resources in this area.

What is unique about the community of Beaverton is their ambition. In 2004, Washington County revealed their “interim plan” which, if accomplished in its 10-year timeline, will lead Beaverton to become the second-largest productive city in the area. Portland being the first. The people of Beaverton continually strive for excellence in order to reach their collective goal.

The median household income is $47,863.

Housing

Beaverton offers a diverse variety of homes to fit every individual’s and family’s needs. For the renter, choose from chic lofts, condominiums, town homes, or apartments. For the homeowner, choose from the wide array of houses in both new developments and well-established neighborhoods. The median prices for homes in the Portland area are $186,100.

Parks/Sports/Recreation/Golf

Following the in tradition of the northwest, Beaverton offers beautiful, pristine parks and open areas for the entire family’s enjoyment.

There are 37,000 acres of open park space in the Portland area, an unchallenged number in any metropolitan area in the United States. Be captivated by the breathtaking views, stunning scenery, and historic sites. Take a stroll in any of the city’s more than 100 parks--Beaverton proudly proclaims that there is a park within ½ a mile of every home. Alternatively, enjoy the over 30 miles of hiking trails. If you prefer a bicycle ride, choose a path along the more than 25 miles interlaced in the city.

Beaverton offers many recreational activities including hiking, fishing, camping, and many varieties of water sports. There are so many things to see and do! Take advantage of the three recreational centers, eight swimming centers and the fully equipped sports complex.

There are two nearby lakes to enjoy, and numerous organized activities to participate in whether it is joining a local softball team, or learning how to dance.

Looking for an out of town adventure? Take a leisurely two-hour drive east through beautiful Columbia River Gorge to Mount Hood for a romp in the snow, or a day of skiing. Alternatively, a 90-minute drive west to the Pacific Ocean and enjoy the salty ocean air. The beautiful scenic areas on and around Mount St. Helens lie to the north in the state of Washington, and wineries a-plenty lie to the south, so pick up a bottle of your favorite wine and head to the nearby lakes and rivers for a day in the sun.

Enjoy the fresh air and scenic views while playing the pleasurable 18-hole course at the Red Tail Golf Course featuring 7,107 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 72. There are 22 golf courses within a 10-mile drive from Beaverton to choose from, with many more in the surrounding areas.

Special Attractions/Events

Located across from the Beaverton City Park is the City Park Fountain. Bring your swimsuit, and enjoy a romp in the inviting pool of water amidst the high fountains. The fountain is open to the public from May through October. In August, enjoy “Flicks by the Fountain.” Free movies are shown at the park on an enormous movie screen measuring 50 wide by 30 feet tall.

Discover the Beaverton Farmers Market, recognized by Sunset magazine as one of the best in the United States. The Beaverton Farmers Market showcases and makes available the area’s premium agricultural products. Experience the traditional feeling of the outdoor market with friendly people and stalls aplenty.

Attend Beaverton’s summer festival in the “Old Town District” featuring a plethora of local food and entertainment.

The city of Beaverton offers the monthly Picnic in the Park series where residents are invited to meet and get to know city officials.

Residents are given opportunities to become involved in their neighborhoods.

That is just the tip of the iceberg. See what nearby Portland has to offer:

Portland claims bragging rights to more than just its parks. It is the proud home of the Portland Trail Blazers. The diverse community comes together to support their professional basketball team, as well as its international basketball team, the Portland Chinooks. The city participates in many larger competitive sports arenas including minor league baseball, ice hockey, soccer, paintball, and even lacrosse.

Portland has countless year-round events and activities to experience. There are many popular festivals and events to attend. In the summer months, be sure to mark your calendar with your favorite events including the Portland Rose Festival and Parade; the Mount Hood Jazz Festival, one of the nation’s premiere jazz festivals; the Bite, featuring excellent food and wine from Portland’s best restaurants and music; and the Safeway Waterfront Blues Festival, featuring spectacular 4th of July fireworks.

Portland has a great number of local attractions, some of the most popular being: the world-class Oregon Zoo; inexpensive to downright cheap shopping with its 0% sales tax law; the internationally known Portland Symphony; the International Test Rose Gardens and the Portland Art Museum.

Portland begs you to turn off your television and hit the road! Enjoy the fresh air in the beautiful scenic parks, forests, and trails either on foot, or by bike. Have fun in the water, and take your pick of venues: river, lake, ocean, or swimming pool. Take pleasure in the gardens unique to Portland. There are countless outdoor venues and activities for you to partake in.

Interesting Facts/Historic Buildings and Places

In the early days, the village that is now Beaverton was called “Chakeipi” by the Native American tribe, which means “Place of the Beaver.” Learning this, the early settlers referred to the then village as “Beaver Dam,” which was later changed to Beaverton. Beaverton has a long, well-documented history dating back to its settlement in the mid 1800s.

It's my job to know EVERYTHING about Portland, OR, Beaverton, Or and Vancouver, WA! Ask me any question. Or request a FREE information package. There's no obligation, and I promise to get back to you quickly...