Often, you cannot mention Beaverton without associating it with its northwestern neighbor, Portland. But by itself, the city pulls its own weight as the sixth-largest in Oregon. 

Located in Washington County, in the Pacific Northwest, is an urban-suburban city renowned for its historic landmarks, wineries, and corporate headquarters.

If you’re thinking about ditching the rat race of urban cities and settling in a place with gorgeous scenery and a booming job market, moving to Beaverton, Oregon, is a fantastic choice. 

However, there are some things you need to know that will inform you of your move to Beaverton and help you settle down faster.

Let’s look into the details with this comprehensive guide to all things Beaverton.

Buckle Up on the Cost of Living

Beaverton isn’t exactly what you’ll describe as wallet-friendly. 

With a cost of living 24% above the national average, you’ll feel the pinch. The high cost is largely driven by housing costs, which are a whopping 58% higher than the national average. 

Still, Beaverton, OR, movers are constantly in business as many people choose the costs in the city over that of its western neighbor, Portland.

In case you’re wondering why this is so or asking how far Beaverton, Oregon from Portland, Oregon, the neighbor to the left is only 7.5 miles away and can take about 10-15 minutes to get to, depending on the traffic situation. 

Anyway, the higher living costs in Portland drive many people to Beaverton.

Also, you can expect to spend a premium on transportation—it’s 22% higher than the national average. Meanwhile, groceries and utilities prices are both 8% more than the national average.

But hey, here’s some good news: Oregon boasts no state sales tax. That means you can spend less on your everyday shopping than you would in some states. 

• Average Rent: $1,730
• Median Home Sale Price: $639,900

Raincoats or Rainbows: Weather in Beaverton

Let’s be honest: Oregon has a reputation for being a bit damp, and Beaverton gets its fair share of rain and dramatic skies. 

Expect about 40 inches of rain each year, which keeps the scenery lush and green. The best advice would be to just keep an umbrella handy and embrace the drizzle.

But Beaverton is not all drizzle and gloom. The summers are delightful, with warm days and cool nights. Plus, the winter temperatures rarely drop below freezing during winter.

Although it’s a mix of sunshine and cloudy or wet days, you’ll love the mild, temperate climates—Beaverton will feel like a cozy sweater on a crisp day.

Average Season Temperature:

• Winter: 41°
• Fall: 53°
• Spring: 51°
• Summer: 68°

Note:

Beaverton’s climate is perfect for exploring the nearby mountains or hitting the local farmers’ market when it’s not raining. 

Getting the Greens from the Job Market

It’s a tech-lovers paradise in Beaverton—all thanks to its proximity to the “Silicon Forest.” 

Companies like Intel, Tektronix, and Nike (whose world headquarters is here) offer a wealth of job opportunities, especially in tech, engineering, and marketing. 

Other major sectors of Beaverton’s economy include healthcare, retail, and manufacturing.

Whether you’re a software engineer, a marketer, or a sneakerhead looking for a career at Nike, moving to Beaverton, Oregon, gives you access to a growing and stable job market.

The area’s tech industry is robust and continues to expand, attracting talent from across the globe. Nike, for instance, employs a massive 12,000 people in Oregon.

• Population: 96,945
• Median Household Income: $88,899
• Unemployment Rate: 4.1%
• Poverty Rate: 10.7%

Plus, the job market’s stability is due to the presence of these major companies, which provide direct employment. They also stimulate the local economy by supporting numerous ancillary businesses and startups.

Note:

Numerous tech meetups, conferences, and networking events take place throughout the year. So, if you’re job hunting, these events are the perfect pitching ground for your talents. 

Transportation in Beaverton

Beaverton is spread out, so you might want to aim your means of transportation towards getting a car. 

But if you don’t have a car to navigate to Beaverton, Oregon, the city has a decent public transportation system with buses and light rail, making it easy to explore car-free for weekend adventures.

Served by TriMet, Portland’s efficient public transportation system, it includes buses that run on over 80 lines. Another efficient transportation system in the city is the MAX Light Rail, connecting Beaverton to downtown Portland and surrounding suburbs.

Beaverton is bike-friendly, with plenty of trails and bike lanes, so on sunny days, cyclists can get ready on their two-wheelers. When you need to travel further, Portland International Airport is just a 30-minute drive away.

Schools for Top Minds

If there’s one thing Beaverton does not slack on, it’s education. 

Education is a top priority in Beaverton, as evidenced by the school quality rating of the Beaverton SD 48 J School District. The Beaverton School District is one of the best in the state, bettering 92% of all Oregon’s school districts. 

Also, with about $17,025 in education expenditure per student, you can expect nothing but high academic standards and a wide array of extracurricular activities. 

The district includes several nationally recognized schools, including:

• The International School of Beaverton (ranks among the top high schools in the country)
• Jacob Wismer Elementary School
• Elmonica Elementary School
• Highland Park Middle School

Is it Safe Here? Crime Rate

One of the things to consider before moving to Beaverton, OR, is the safety level. 

Beaverton is a relatively safe city with crime rates below the national average when it comes to violent crimes. Even though Oregon is considered among the most dangerous states to live in, you still can rest easy concerning murder, rape, and assault crime in Beaverton.

The most common issue is property crimes, which are slightly above the national median but below the Oregon average. There is a 1 in 36 chance you will be a victim of either theft or burglary in Beaverton.

However, the community-focused police department and active community involvement are contributing to making Beaverton a safe place to live and raise a family.

Things to Do in Beaverton, Oregon

If you are outdoorsy and the presence of fun activities will inform your relocation choice, Beaverton, Oregon, might not have the word “party” in its name, but don’t be fooled. 

There are many awesome places to explore in Beaverton with these awesome picks:

• Explore the Tualatin Hills Nature Park

The Tualatin Hills Nature Park is a must-visit if you love the great outdoors. This 222-acre wildlife preserve has miles of scenic trails that weave through lush forests, wetlands, and meadows. They offer sights of nature at its finest.

• Visit the Beaverton Farmers’ Market

Every Saturday from May to November, the Beaverton Farmers’ Market becomes the heart of the city. It’s one of the region’s largest and most diverse farmers’ markets, offering fresh produce, artisan goods, delicious food, and live music. 

• Other things to do include:

• Unwind at Cooper Mountain Vineyards
• Discover local art at the Beaverton Arts Mix
• Savor global flavors at BG Food Cartel

Bottom Line—Moving to Beaverton, Oregon

In a nutshell, moving to Beaverton, Oregon, is a good decision. 

The city has a relatively balanced cost of living, a booming job market, and excellent schools. Also, with an efficient transportation system and a low crime rate to boot, Beaverton is good for families and professionals.

Whether you’re moving for work, family, or just a change of scenery, Beaverton welcomes you with a promise of a fulfilling lifestyle. So, get your things ready and prepare to fall in love with this charming Pacific Northwest beauty.