Image source: pixabay

 

If you’re looking for a city where a medley of ethnicities creates a community of unique cultures, Beaverton, Oregon, is about to become your new happy place. 

Located just outside the bustling city of Portland, in the picturesque Tualatin Valley, Beaverton offers a delightful blend of urban convenience and outdoor adventure, all without the noise and hustle of big-city living.

But living in Beaverton, Oregon, is much more than enjoying a comfortable lifestyle with access to a happening city. It’s about immersing yourself in a community that celebrates diversity, where every neighborhood has its flavor and a common goal brings everyone together. 

For the newbies in the city, let’s give you a glimpse of what living in Beaverton entails beyond seeing a friendly face around the corner.

 

A History Rooted in Beavers

The name ‘Beaverton’ is official now, but it wasn’t known as such back in the day. 

It was originally the home of the native people of the Atfalati, who lived in a village called ‘Chakeipi,’ meaning ‘the place of the beaver.’ Early settlers moved in later in the 1800s and called it “Beaverdam” as the Atfalati population dwindled in the late 1700s. 

Well, as you know, the name got a trendy upgrade to Beaverton.  

Moreover, because of its proximity to Portland, many people are easily drawn to its exceptional quality of life. As a result, the moving companies Beaverton has are frequently hired to assist new residents in making Beaverton their home.

But if you want to go deeper into the city’s epic story, the Beaverton Historical Society is like a time machine. 

At this museum, you can learn how this place developed into a vibrant suburban center. Plus, discover fascinating exhibits from the Native American tribes that first inhabited the region and stories of the early settlers who laid the foundation for modern-day Beaverton.

Living in Beaverton: A Perfect Blend of Urban and Suburban

At this point, it’s not out of place to ask, ‘Is Beaverton a good place to live?’ 

Life in Beaverton offers the best of both worlds. The city is part of the Portland metropolitan area, providing easy access to all major city amenities while retaining a close-knit community feel.

Living costs are on the high side by a whopping 24% for residents of this city. Know that once you consider making here home, housing would be one of the greatest expenses in the city at 48% cost higher than the national average

 

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

 

The downtown area has many shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions, making it a lively place to explore. Then, green spaces like the Tualatin Hills Nature Park and Cooper Mountain Nature Park dot the city. 

These are just two examples of stunning natural areas where you can hike and enjoy the great outdoors.

 

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In terms of education, Beaverton’s schools are also highly regarded, with its district performing better than 75.1% of all in the U.S.  

 

Sports: Get Your Game On

Beaverton residents are passionate about sports, and there’s something for everyone here. 

Soccer reigns supreme, with youth leagues and adult recreational teams playing year-round at impressive facilities like the Howard M. Terpenning Recreation Complex. 

Note: The complex also features baseball fields, tennis courts, and a state-of-the-art Tualatin Hills Aquatics Center.

Basketball is another favorite, with local teams often competing in intense matches at the Beaverton Hoop YMCA. Also, as the world headquarters of Nike, the athletic footwear company, Beaverton sure has its game face on. 

For those who prefer a more relaxed pace, golf enthusiasts flock to the RedTail Golf Center, which offers a challenging course and a top-notch driving range. 

Cycling and running are also popular, thanks to Beaverton’s extensive trails and bike lanes network.

 

Foodie Heaven in Beaverton

Beaverton’s food scene is nothing short of spectacular. 

The diverse population of 97,494 residents, including Hispanics, Whites, Blacks, and Asians, brings a delightful array of global cuisines to your doorstep. 

If you want a taste of fluffy Persian rice or some gulps of Puerto Rican mofongo, you are in the right spot: living in Beaverton, Oregon.

Craving some authentic Korean BBQ? Head to Du Kuh Bee. In the mood for fresh, farm-to-table dishes? Try the delicious offerings at Farmhouse Kitchen or local restaurants like Green Fields Bistro that use locally sourced ingredients.

 

Tech Hub Extraordinaire

As a part of the Silicon Forest, Beaverton is a prime location for tech enthusiasts and professionals. 

The presence of tech giants like Intel and Tektronix has transformed the city into a bustling tech hub. 

What this means is plenty of job opportunities, networking events, and innovation galore. Plus, the proximity to Portland means you’re never far from the action, while still enjoying the more relaxed pace of Beaverton.

 

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

 

Going Green in Beaverton

Before you think: Oh, Beaverton is a sleepy city with a slow pace on world trends, pause and think again. 

The city isn’t stuck in the past or embroiled in its rich historical heritage—it’s all about building an awesome future for the planet. 

Beaverton is a proud participant in the Environmental Protection Agency’s Green Power Community program, where everyone works together to use clean, renewable energy sources like sunshine and wind power. 

As part of the city’s plan to build a sustainable future, residents and businesses are jumping on board like nobody’s business, setting up solar panels and using wind energy to seriously shrink Beaverton’s carbon footprint.

 

Note:

Green power is becoming the new normal, making the city a champion for a cleaner, brighter future. Beaverton is designated a Green Power Community by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

 

Climate Action Plan: A Commitment to the Future

Still, saving the environment, you can expect more environmental-conscious policies and programs upon moving to Beaverton. 

Beaverton isn’t just going green; it’s going super green. 

In 2019, Beaverton adopted the Climate Action Plan, to fight climate change. The city’s goal is to be totally carbon neutral by 2030 and have zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. 

But this is not all empty talk. A whopping 133 bike paths are weaving through the city, making it super easy to ditch the car and hop on two wheels. Also, events like Bike Beaverton get everyone pumped about cycling.

However, Beaverton is a weepy city with more rainy days than your average city. It rains throughout the year, with an average of 40.7 inches of rainfall per year, making it inconvenient to cycle all year round.

You should know, this highlights both the pros and cons of living in Beaverton, OR. 

 

Safety: A Priority for Peace of Mind

As an ideal place to live for families and individuals, the laws in Beaverton show a high priority for safety. 

For many who ask ‘Is Beaverton safer than Portland?’ when they are trying to decide which city in the Portland metropolitan area to live in, they are asking the right question.

Yes, Beaverton is considerably safer than Portland. While there is a 1 in 36 chance of being a victim of property crime in Beaverton, this whittles to a 1 in 15 chance in Portland. 

Overall, Beaverton is a relatively safe city, with the degree of crime varying with neighborhoods.

Conclusion—Living in Beaverton, Oregon 

Beaverton, Oregon, is more than just a city—it’s a community that values its history, embraces a love for sports, and is dedicated to a sustainable future.

Living in Beaverton, Oregon, combines the best urban and suburban lifestyle. With excellent schools, numerous parks, and a vibrant food scene, Beaverton offers a high quality of life. Moreover, its status as a tech hub and focus on environmental initiatives further enhance its appeal. 

While the cost of living may be higher, the safety, amenities, and strong community spirit make Beaverton an ideal choice for those seeking a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.