Thinking About Moving to Tigard, OR

📍 Tigard, OR at a Glance

• Population: 54,539
• Location: 8 miles southwest of downtown Portland in Washington County
• Incorporated: 1961
• Known For: Family-friendly neighborhoods, excellent schools, and the annual Tigard Festival of Balloons

🗳️ Politics & Civic Life

Tigard leans moderately progressive, reflecting Washington County’s purple-to-blue political landscape. The city council operates on a non-partisan basis, focusing on practical governance and community needs. Residents are actively engaged in local issues, from transportation planning to environmental initiatives, with well-attended town halls and strong neighborhood association participation.

🚓 Crime & Safety

Tigard maintains crime rates well below the national average, with property crimes being the most common concern. The Tigard Police Department emphasizes community policing and maintains strong relationships with residents. Most neighborhoods are considered very safe, with active neighborhood watch programs and responsive emergency services contributing to the overall sense of security.

🍽️ Dining & Entertainment

The dining scene in Tigard offers surprising diversity, from authentic Korean cuisine at BCD Tofu House to craft cocktails at The Knock Back. Local favorites include Banning’s Restaurant & Pie House for comfort food and Symposium Coffee for artisanal brews. Washington Square Mall provides major retail therapy, while smaller strip centers offer ethnic markets and specialty shops that reflect the community’s cultural diversity.

🏛️ Local Government

Tigard operates under a council-manager form of government with five elected council members and a city manager handling day-to-day operations. The city is known for its responsive government services and proactive approach to growth management. Recent initiatives include downtown revitalization efforts and sustainable development policies that balance growth with livability.

🚍 Transportation

Transportation options include TriMet bus service with multiple lines connecting to Portland, and the WES commuter rail provides weekday service to Beaverton and Wilsonville. Highway 217 and Interstate 5 offer quick access to the greater Portland metro area. Many residents appreciate the developing network of bike lanes and sidewalks, though the city remains primarily car-dependent for daily errands.

🏘️ Housing & Real Estate

The housing market features a mix of mid-century ranch homes, newer developments, and modern townhomes. Median home prices hover around $550,000, making Tigard more affordable than Portland proper while still offering excellent amenities. Popular neighborhoods include Bull Mountain for upscale homes, Metzger for established communities, and the developing downtown area for urban-style living options.

🌳 Parks & Outdoor Life

Cook Park stands as the crown jewel of Tigard’s park system, offering 79 acres along the Tualatin River with trails, sports fields, and picnic areas. The Fanno Creek Trail provides a scenic greenway for walking and cycling. Residents enjoy over 15 neighborhood parks, plus easy access to the broader Portland metro area’s outdoor recreation opportunities, from Forest Park to Mount Hood.

💼 Job Market

With a median household income of $78,000, Tigard residents benefit from proximity to Portland’s diverse economy while enjoying local employment opportunities. Major employers include Washington Square Mall, Providence Health & Services, and numerous tech companies in the nearby Sunset Corridor. The city’s strategic location makes it ideal for professionals working throughout the metro area, with reasonable commute times to Portland, Beaverton, and Lake Oswego.

🧑‍🏫 Education

Tigard-Tualatin School District serves most of the city with highly-rated schools including Tigard High School and Fowler Middle School. Private options include St. Anthony Catholic School and several Montessori programs. The district’s focus on STEAM education and college readiness consistently earns recognition, making it a major draw for families. Portland Community College’s nearby campus provides accessible higher education and workforce training.

🌞 Climate & Weather

Tigard enjoys a mild Pacific Northwest climate with warm, dry summers averaging 80°F and cool, wet winters around 45°F. Annual rainfall totals about 37 inches, mostly between November and March. Snow is rare, making year-round outdoor activities possible. The temperate climate supports lush greenery and beautiful gardens that define the region’s natural beauty.

💬 Community Sentiment

Residents consistently praise Tigard’s family-friendly atmosphere, cultural diversity, and strategic location. Common themes in community feedback include appreciation for the school system, frustration with traffic on 99W, and excitement about downtown development. The growing diversity—with significant Latino and Asian populations—enriches the community fabric, creating a welcoming environment that balances suburban comfort with progressive values.

✨ Why People Are Moving to Tigard

People choose Tigard for its unbeatable combination of affordability, accessibility, and quality of life. The city offers a more relaxed pace than Portland while maintaining easy access to urban amenities, making it perfect for families seeking great schools and safe neighborhoods, as well as professionals who want a shorter commute without sacrificing career opportunities. With its growing downtown, diverse community, and strong civic engagement, Tigard represents the best of Pacific Northwest living—where natural beauty meets modern convenience.