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Living in Tualatin Oregon - EVERYTHING You Need to Know
What is it Like Living in Tualatin Oregon?
Tualatin, Oregon, located in Washington County, is home to approximately 28,000 people. Located south of Portland, Tualatin offers easy access to outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and fishing. The city is near Interstate 5 and Highway 99W, providing easy access to other towns and attractions. Tualatin embodies the Pacific Northwest lifestyle with its lush greenery, scenic views, and proximity to the Tualatin River. Tualatin residents and visitors enjoy recreational activities such as kayaking, hiking, and exploring the nearby Bridgeport Village shopping center. The Best of Tualatin includes a charming downtown, modern shopping centers, and residential neighborhoods with stunning views of Mt. Hood.
One of the bigger attractions in Tualatin is the Bridgeport Village shopping center, a retail and dining destination that offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and even a movie theatre. It is a popular spot for locals to gather and spend time with family and friends. Another attraction in the area is the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge. Situated along the banks of the Tualatin River, this wildlife refuge provides a serene escape into nature. It offers walking trails, bird-watching platforms, and opportunities to observe various wildlife species in their natural habitats, including birds, beavers, and deer. Tualatin has several other parks, including Tualatin Community Park, Ibach Park, and Browns Ferry Park. These parks offer amenities such as playgrounds, sports fields, picnic areas, and walking paths, providing plenty of opportunities for residents to enjoy the outdoors.
There are several major employers in and around Tualatin, Oregon. One of the largest is Lam Research Corporation, a leading global supplier of wafer fabrication equipment and services for the semiconductor industry. The company has a significant presence in Tualatin and employs many professionals in the area. Legacy Meridian Park Medical Center, one of the larger hospitals in Oregon, is located in Tualatin and is a major employer in the area.
The cost of living in Tualatin, Oregon, is higher than the national average but still somewhat affordable compared to other cities in the region. Housing costs in Tualatin are a big factor in the higher cost of living in the area. The average home value in Tualatin, Oregon, is around $635,000, making homeownership challenging for many. Various housing options are available to those living in Tualatin, Oregon, including single-family homes, apartments, condos, and townhouses.
If you're searching for a small town that offers easy access to larger cities, a delightful downtown area, top-notch schools, and plenty of outdoor activities, Tualatin, Oregon, could be the ideal place for you! Continue reading to discover more about what it's like living in Tualatin, Oregon, including information about its neighborhoods, schools, cost of living, and some pros & cons of living in this charming city. The information in this blog should help you decide whether Tualatin, Oregon, is the right fit for you!
Skip Ahead to:
1. The Moving to Tualatin Team
2. What is the Cost of Living in Tualatin Oregon?
3. Housing in Tualatin, Oregon
4. Best Neighborhoods in Tualatin, Oregon
5. The Community Atmosphere in Tualatin
7. Living in Tualatin Oregon Tips/Info/Blog Posts
8. Top Business & Employers in Tualatin
9. Top Destinations & Attractions in Tualatin
10. Pros and Cons of Living in Tualatin
11. FAQs About Living in Tualatin
Living in Tualatin Oregon - Photo by Todd Davidson
The Moving to Tualatin Team
Let our team of trusted professionals help you buy or/and sell a home in Tualatin, Oregon. Elizabeth Davidson has sold real estate in Tualatin, Oregon, for over 12 years. Her knowledge of Tualatin and the surrounding areas will be of great value as you navigate this challenging real estate market. To learn more about Elizabeth, CLICK HERE to check out her About Me video. If you're considering buying a home in Tualatin, Oregon, CLICK HERE to sign up for Listing Alert. Just enter the price range and other criteria you're looking for, and you'll receive an email as new homes hit the market in Tualatin that match your criteria.
Todd Davidson is an experienced mortgage broker and can help you get the best financing option for your home purchase. Not quite ready yet? Todd can help you put together a plan to get you there. Whether you're thinking a few months or a year or more if you want to buy a home in Tualatin, Oregon, CLICK HERE to email Todd and schedule a call, or just call him at 971-275-2465. Together our Moving to Tualatin team can help you make moving to or within Tualatin, Oregon, a reality!
What is the Cost of Living in Tualatin Oregon?
Are you thinking of moving to Tualatin, Oregon? If so, the cost of living will play a big part in your decision-making. I calculated the REAL cost of living in Tualatin, Oregon, by factoring in today's costs for housing (rent and own), utilities, food, transportation, healthcare, and other necessities to live. To live in Tualatin, Oregon, and rent, you would need to make $50,000 a year. To live in Tualatin, Oregon, and buy a home, you would need to make $83,000 a year. Rental amount is based on current low end cost of studio or one bedroom, purchase is based on recent low end sales of a three bedroom and monthly payment with 20% down.
Thinking of Buying a Home Soon?
Click below to check out my most popular blog post, "Your Step-by-Step Guide for Buying a Home". Good info on the steps to buy a home as well as a handy Rent vs Buy Calculator comparing the costs of renting vs buying. Plus links and contacts to help assemble your dream home buying dream team to help make it happen!
Housing in Tualatin Oregon
The Tualatin real estate market is made up of predominantly detached, single-family housing. The way the city permits work, this is the main type of housing allowed. The city is working to make changes to the Tualatin Development Code to allow for a more diverse mix of housing, including duplexes or multiple homes on one lot, which will better reflect the community's needs.
The traditional homes in Tualatin, nestled along quiet, tree-lined streets, are a little more expensive than the average home in Oregon. At the time of writing, the median price of a home in Tualatin is $687,000. This highly desirable city has so much to offer, and people are willing to pay to become a part of the community.
If looking to buy a home and move to Tualatin, Oregon, you will find that the housing market is very competitive. Tualatin's great location and amenities make it one of the more desirable places to live in the Portland Metro area. It will take a knowledgeable mortgage broker and realtor to navigate the challenging housing market and get your offer accepted. I would love to help you with the mortgage. Reach out today to get pre-approved for a mortgage and out shopping for a home to make living in Tualatin a reality for you.
Best Neighborhoods in Tualatin Oregon
There are plenty of fantastic neighborhoods to choose from when moving to Tualatin, Oregon. The variety of sizes, styles, and prices make it easy for anyone to find a place to call home and fit right in. Below are just a few of the great Tualatin neighborhoods to consider if looking to move to Tualatin, Oregon:
Living in Tualatin Oregon - Fox Hills Neighborhood in Tualatin, Photo by Todd Davidson
Fox Hill
The Fox Hill neighborhood in Tualatin is between Borland Rd and Nyberg Ave. Most of the homes in the area were built in the 80s. Unlike many newer communities, you will find homes in Fox Hill with larger lots, mature, established landscaping, and tree-lined streets.
With relatively quick access to I-5 and I-205, the Fox Hill neighborhood sits roughly twenty minutes south of Downtown Portland. With Browns Ferry Park and the Tualatin River close by, you'll have plenty of outdoor recreation. A quick 5-mile drive, and you'll be at the hub of Tualatin, Tualatin Commons, where many activities occur, such as the Pumpkin Reggatta and Crawfish Festival, just to name a couple. You're also near one of the area's best outdoor shopping centers Bridgeport Village, where you'll have access to great shops, restaurants, and a movie theatre.
Victoria Woods
If you are looking for luxury living in Tualatin, Oregon, the Victoria Woods neighborhood in Tualatin might be a good choice. Located toward the south end of Tualatin, just off of Boones Ferry Road, the Victoria Woods neighborhood has an assortment of beautiful styles and a variety of sizes to suit your needs.
The Tualatin neighborhood sits close to Ibach park, one of the town's premiere parks and natural areas. The park features basketball courts, baseball field, tennis courts, soccer fields, playgrounds, and an extensive trail system. So outdoor recreation is just a short walk or bike ride away from you living in Victoria Woods. With Tualatin High School and Byrom Elementary close by, the city of Wilsonville and its amenities just minutes down the road, and I-5 two minutes south, this Tualatin neighborhood is in the perfect location for you to access anything you'd ever need.
Living in Tualatin Oregon - Victoria Woods Neighborhood in Tualatin Oregon - Photo by Todd Davidson
Ibach Park Estates
If you are looking for kid friendly and bikeable, the Ibach Park Estates neighborhood in Tualatin would be a good choice if you're considering moving to Tualatin. Situated around Ibach Park, residents of the neighborhood are a short walk or bike ride away from an abundance of outdoor recreation, with the tennis courts, basketball courts, baseball fields, soccer fields, playground, and hiking trails located in and around the park. With Tualatin High School, Byrom Elementary, and the city of Wilsonville close by, this Tualatin neighborhood is in the perfect location if you need access to schools, or shopping outside of what is available in Tualatin.
With mid-sized and somewhat more affordable homes than other neighborhoods in the city, Ibach Park Estates is definitely one of the most popular neighborhoods in Tualatin.
The Community Atmosphere in Tualatin
Tualatin, Oregon is a vibrant community that is constantly growing. Located just outside of Portland, Tualatin residents get the best of both worlds: big-city amenities and small-town living. The backdrop to the Tualatin neighborhoods is beautiful, with scenic landscapes that paint a picture of tranquility.
Despite being one of the fastest-growing communities in Oregon, Tualatin has managed to retain its small-town feel. This is due in part to the close-knit atmosphere that pervades the community. Tualatin residents take pride in their town and are always looking out for their neighbors. Whether it's organizing a block party or lending a helping hand, people living in Tualatin, are always looking to create a positive community atmosphere.
Public Schools in Tualatin
Tualatin is a great place to live for families with school-aged children. The public schools in the Tigard-Tualatin School District are top-notch. There are six schools within the Tualatin city limits: Bridgeport Elementary School, Byrom Elementary School, Tualatin Elementary School, Mitch Charter School, Hazelbrook Middle School, and Tualatin High School.
Tualatin High School consistently ranks among the best high schools in Oregon. For school year 2024-25 Niche.com ranks the district #12 in the state. Students attending school in Tualatin, Oregon, have the opportunity to take advanced placement courses and participate in a wide range of extracurricular activities. If you're looking for a safe and nurturing environment for your children to grow and learn, living in Tualatin, Oregon, would be perfect for you. If you are looking to move to Oregon and the quality of schools is of importance, then you should consider moving to Tualatin, Oregon.
If you are considering relocating to Tualatin, check out the school links in the link section below for more information on Tualatin schools, rankings, and boundaries.
Living in Tualatin Oregon - Photo by Todd Davidson
Living in Tualatin Oregon Tips/Info/Blog Posts
NEW BLOG ALERT SIGN UP > CLICK HERE
WANT TO KNOW WHEN A HOME MATCHING YOUR CRITERIA GETS LISTED? SIGN UP FOR LISTING ALERT > CLICK HERE
REALTOR CONNECT > CLICK HERE
DOWNLOAD FREE HOMEBUYERS GUIDE > CLICK HERE
DOWNPAYMENT ASSISTANCE INFO > CLICK HERE
OREGON BOOKS AND OTHER RESOURCES > CLICK HERE
Top Businesses & Employers in Tualatin
If you're considering a move to Tualatin and would be looking for work. This city of over 27,000 people is home to some big-name retail and manufacturing companies.
Bridgeport Village is a prime example. This upscale shopping center offers an open-air, European-style shopping experience that's sure to please even the most discerning shopper. Its 75+ businesses employ a lot of Tualatin residents.
Are you looking for something a little more industrial? Tualatin is home to a number of large businesses. A few of the biggest include, Lam Research, Lumber Products Inc., Oregon Scientific, Columbia Corrugated, and Pacific Foods.
If you're thinking of moving to Tualatin, there should be ample job opportunities for you waiting!
Top Destinations & Attractions in Tualatin
There's so much to do and see if your visiting or living in Tualatin, Oregon! Whether you're looking to take the kids out for a day of fun and adventure or hoping to wind down after a long day's work, you'll have plenty of options in this charming city! Where to start?
The stunning scenery and diverse landscapes offer so much in terms of outdoor adventures. The Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge is a great place to start, where you can see a variety of wildlife in its natural habitat. The Tualatin River runs through the city. Residents of Tualatin and surrounding areas enjoy fishing, kayaking, and paddle boarding on the river. The city has fantastic parks, including Ibach Park, Browns Ferry Park, Jurgens Park, and Tualatin Community Park.
And, of course, no visit to Tualatin would be complete without enjoying the delicious foods from the local restaurants. From Hawaiian BBQ to classic pub-style fare, there's something to suit every taste. And several restaurants take full advantage of the city's local produce, using only the top products from their backyard to serve up to their patrons.
Parks, hiking trails, wine tours, and day spas–there's truly something for everyone visiting or living in Tualatin, Oregon.
Pros and Cons of Living in Tualatin Oregon
Living in Tualatin Pros
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Proximity to Recreation: With all the parks, nature trails, and proximity to the Oregon Coast, Mt Hood, Willamette Valley Wineries, and the Columbia River Gorge, you'll never run out of things to do living in Tualatin.
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Freeway Access: You are only a few minutes from the I-5 freeway living in Tualatin. So if you need to head north to Portland or south to Salem or Eugene, it's a breeze to get to the freeway to get to your destination.
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The Neighborhoods: There are some great, family-oriented neighborhoods if you want to move to Tualatin, Oregon. Fox Hill, Victoria Woods, and the Ibach Park Estates are great. And there are other good ones too. With the abundance of parks, trails, and other amenities in these Tualatin neighborhoods, your family will keep busy, your kids safe, and you'll develop relationships with your neighbors.
Living in Tualatin Cons
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The Weather: The Pacific Northwest is well known for the rain and grey skies, and you'll find this is true living in Tualatin, Oregon. With 42 inches of rain a year and 147 rainy days on average, living in Tualatin can be an adjustment if coming from California, Texas, Arizona, or another warmer and sunnier climate.
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Traffic: The traffic during peak commute times can be rough getting in and out of Tualatin. Though living in Tualatin, you are very close to the freeway. It does get very congested during commute times. Also, Tualatin-Sherwood Road, the road between Tualatin and Sherwood, is quite congested during certain times of the day. None of this will be a big deal if you're moving from California or other high-traffic cities, as it's likely much worse where you'd be coming from.
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No Farmers Market: This is more of a personal con. I love a good Farmers Market. Tualatin had one at Tualatin Commons years ago, then at the library. Today there isn't one. I head to Tigard or Lake Oswego most Saturdays during the spring and summer and get my fresh produce from those markets. So if you're living in Tualatin, Oregon, and want to visit a farmers market you'll need to travel to one of the surrounding towns.
Living in Tualatin Oregon - Tualatin Commons - Photo by Todd Davidson
FAQs About Moving to and Living in Tualatin Oregon
What is Tualatin known for?
This incredible city is known for its outdoor recreation, fabulous parks, and friendly community. Tualatin is also home to many locally-owned businesses that add to the city's charm. From quaint coffee shops to upscale boutiques. And last but not least, the city's residents are known for their warm welcome and friendly attitude.
What is the weather like in Tualatin, Oregon?
Tualatin's weather is typical of the Pacific Northwest–plenty of rain clouds and fewer sunny days during the year compared to many cities. The town receives, on average, 42 inches of rain each year, getting some sort of precipitation 147 days throughout the year. Temperatures rarely dip below freezing, so when living in Tualatin, you rarely have to worry about snowy or icy roads. One of the best parts about the weather if you're living in Tualatin, is that all the rainfall does wonders for the stunning greenery, creating a lush canopy of vibrant colors, making it an extraordinary place for those living in Tualatin, Oregon, 141 days out of the year when the sun is shining!
What cities are nearby Tualatin, Oregon?
Tualatin is surrounded by a number of small towns and cities. The most notable is Portland, about 11 miles away, where locals can find an extensive selection of big city amenities. Other close-by cities include Wilsonville, Sherwood, West Linn, and Tigard, which all surround Tualatin. Beaverton is about 7 miles to the north, and Canby is about 9 miles to the south. To check out other Portland Metro Cities.
Does Tualatin have good schools?
If you are looking to move to Tualatin, Oregon, you will be happy to know that the schools are very good. The Tigard-Tualatin School district is known for being one of the best in the state of Oregon. 88% of seniors graduated this past year compared to 80% state-wide. In addition the Tualatin schools offer a wide array of extracurricular activities to its students, including music, drama and sports. If you're living in Tualatin and you have kids they'll have plenty of opportunity to get an amazing education.
What is there to do in Tualatin, Oregon?
There are tons of things to do if your visiting or living in Tualatin, Oregon. The parks are fantastic, nature trails are amazing, and the Tualatin River runs through the city. One of the better things about living in Tualatin is how central it is to other attractions in the state. The Oregon Coast is an hour and a half away, Mt. Hood is an hour and a half away, the Columbia River Gorge is 40 minutes away, world-class wineries surround the city, and Portland is 15 minutes away. You'll never get bored living in Tualatin, Oregon.
I want to move to Tualatin, Oregon. How do I make that happen?
The information on this website will help you research and prepare to move to Tualatin, Oregon. Our Facebook Group > Moving to Oregon, can prove to be another valuable resource. We have a large community of people spread throughout the state to ask questions to, who are eager to answer. You will find yourself surrounded by others going through similar challenges that might prove to be a good resource as well. If you are looking to move to Tualatin and purchase a home, contact me directly. The first step would be to get pre-approved for a mortgage. I am a Mortgage Broker, and I would love to assist you and your family with all your mortgage needs during this exciting time! If you just want to to research home prices and homes for sale in Tualatin, Oregon, CLICK HERE. No info or login needed to see all the homes for sale in Tualatin, Oregon, currently.
Summary
Overall, Tualatin is a great place to live. It's close enough to big cities like Portland and Beaverton for people who want easy access to urban amenities, but it's also far enough away from the hustle and bustle to maintain a small-town feel and a slower paced lifestyle. The cost of living is relatively affordable, albeit slightly higher than many other Oregon cities, and the community is friendly and welcoming. If you're thinking of moving to Tualatin, Oregon, you won't be disappointed.
For FAQs about moving to Oregon or living in Oregon, check out my blog, 31 FAQs About Living in Oregon. For more information about living in Oregon, check out the homepage of LIVING IN OREGON.
Video's on What it's Like Living in Tualatin Oregon
Elizabeth Davidson - Realtor - About Me
Elizabeth Davidson - Realtor - Listing your home
Helpful Links for Moving to and Living in Tualatin
Tualatin Public Schools living in Tualatin
Tualatin School Rankings, Great Schools
Tualatin School Rankings, Niche.com
Tualatin Utilities living in Tualatin Oregon
Tualatin Demographics and Neighborhoods
For Sale / Rent in Tualatin living in Tualatin
Tualatin Childcare / Pre-Schools