Why People Are Moving to Beaverton in 2025

📍 Beaverton, OR at a Glance

• Population: 98,216
• Location: 7 miles west of downtown Portland in Washington County
• Incorporated: 1893
• Known For: Nike headquarters, diverse dining scene, family-friendly neighborhoods

🗳️ Politics & Civic Life

Beaverton leans progressive, reflecting Washington County’s moderate-to-liberal political landscape. The city council operates under a council-manager form of government with active citizen participation through numerous boards and committees. Community engagement is strong, with residents regularly participating in town halls and neighborhood association meetings. Local politics focus on sustainable development, affordable housing initiatives, and maintaining the city’s livability.

🚓 Crime & Safety

Beaverton maintains lower crime rates than the Portland metro average, with property crimes being more common than violent crimes. The Beaverton Police Department emphasizes community policing and maintains strong neighborhood watch programs. Most residential areas are considered very safe, particularly in established neighborhoods like Sexton Mountain and West Slope. The city invests heavily in public safety infrastructure and emergency response services.

🍽️ Dining & Entertainment

Beaverton’s dining scene reflects its cultural diversity with authentic international cuisine alongside Pacific Northwest favorites. Notable spots include Decarli for Italian, Du Kuh Bee for Korean, and Afuri Ramen for Japanese cuisine. The BG Food Cartel offers rotating food trucks, while Cedar Hills Crossing and Washington Square provide shopping and entertainment options. The Patricia Reser Center for the Arts hosts performances ranging from symphony concerts to comedy shows.

🏛️ Local Government

Beaverton operates under a council-manager system with a mayor and six city councilors. The city provides comprehensive services including its own police department, library system, and parks maintenance. City Hall is known for being responsive to resident concerns, with regular community forums and an active online presence. The government prioritizes sustainability, earning recognition for environmental initiatives and urban planning.

🚍 Transportation

Beaverton benefits from excellent public transit connectivity through TriMet’s MAX Light Rail Blue and Red lines, connecting residents to Portland International Airport and downtown Portland. Multiple bus lines serve the area, and the WES commuter rail connects to Wilsonville. Highway 217 and Highway 26 provide major arterial access. The city maintains an extensive network of bike lanes and walking paths, earning recognition as a bicycle-friendly community.

🏘️ Housing & Real Estate

Beaverton’s housing market offers diverse options from affordable condos to luxury homes. Median home prices hover around $550,000, making it more affordable than Portland proper. Popular neighborhoods include Cedar Hills, Five Oaks, and Murrayhill. The city features a mix of established mid-century homes and new developments. Rental options are plentiful, with many apartment complexes and townhomes catering to young professionals and families.

🌳 Parks & Outdoor Life

With over 100 parks and natural areas, Beaverton provides abundant outdoor recreation. Tualatin Hills Nature Park offers 222 acres of trails and wildlife viewing. Cooper Mountain Nature Park features hiking trails with stunning valley views. The Fanno Creek Trail connects multiple neighborhoods for walking and cycling. THPRD (Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District) operates numerous recreation centers, swimming pools, and sports facilities throughout the area.

💼 Job Market

Beaverton anchors Oregon’s Silicon Forest with Nike’s world headquarters employing over 12,000 people locally. Other major employers include Reser’s Fine Foods, Phoenix Technologies, and numerous tech companies. The median household income is approximately $71,000. The proximity to Portland expands job opportunities significantly, with many residents commuting to downtown Portland or other tech campuses in Hillsboro. The unemployment rate typically runs below state and national averages.

🧑‍🏫 Education

Beaverton School District, Oregon’s third-largest district, serves most of the city with highly-rated schools including Sunset High School and Westview High School. The district offers robust STEM programs, International Baccalaureate options, and extensive extracurricular activities. Private school options include Valley Catholic School and German International School of Portland. Portland Community College’s Rock Creek campus provides higher education opportunities nearby.

🌞 Climate & Weather

Beaverton experiences a mild Pacific Northwest climate with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Average summer temperatures reach the mid-80s°F, while winter temperatures typically stay above freezing. The area receives about 40 inches of rain annually, mostly between November and May. Snow is rare but possible. Spring and fall offer spectacular weather with comfortable temperatures and colorful foliage.

💬 Community Sentiment

Residents appreciate Beaverton’s small-town feel within a metropolitan area, praising its diversity, safety, and family-friendly atmosphere. Common compliments include excellent schools, abundant parks, and convenient location. Some concerns include increasing traffic congestion and rising housing costs. The community is generally welcoming to newcomers, with active neighborhood associations and community groups helping people connect and integrate into local life.

✨ Why People Are Moving to Beaverton

Beaverton continues to attract new residents seeking the ideal balance of career opportunities, quality of life, and Pacific Northwest charm. The combination of top-rated schools, diverse neighborhoods, and proximity to both urban amenities and outdoor recreation makes it particularly appealing to families and young professionals. With its strong job market anchored by Nike and tech companies, commitment to sustainability, and welcoming community spirit, Beaverton offers an enviable lifestyle that’s distinctly Oregon—accessible, progressive, and naturally beautiful.