Thinking about moving to or visiting Beaverton? You're in for a treat. This city, just west of Portland, offers the perfect mix of big-city convenience and outdoor adventure. Whether you're looking for a great place to raise a family, start a career or just explore, Beaverton has something for you.
Where is Beaverton and why does it matter?
Beaverton sits in the heart of Washington County, about 10 miles west of downtown Portland. It's a key part of the "Silicon Forest," a booming tech hub filled with major companies. That means job opportunities, innovation and a fast-growing economy. It's also in a prime location for outdoor lovers. Within an hour, you can reach the Oregon Coast, the Cascade Mountains or the stunning Columbia River Gorge. Whether you're into hiking, skiing, or beach combing, Beaverton is an ideal home base.
Culture, community and can't-miss events
Beaverton is one of the most diverse cities in Oregon, with a mix of cultures that shape its food, festivals and overall vibe. You'll find a strong sense of community here, with plenty of local events that bring people together.
- The Beaverton Farmers Market -- This isn't just any farmers' market; it's one of the largest in Oregon. Open from spring to fall, it features fresh produce, artisan goods and delicious local food. If you love farm-fresh fare and a friendly, bustling atmosphere, it's a must-visit.
- Beaverton Night Market -- This event showcases the city's global diversity with food, music and crafts from around the world. Expect everything from authentic Mexican tacos to handmade African jewelry. It's a fun, family-friendly event that celebrates Beaverton's rich cultural tapestry.
- The Patricia Reser Center for the Arts -- Opened in 2022, this state-of-the-art venue is the heart of Beaverton's performing arts scene. It hosts concerts, dance performances and art exhibits, giving local artists a place to shine.
A little Beaverton history
Ever wonder how Beaverton got its name? Turns out, it's pretty straightforward—early settlers noticed a lot of beaver dams in the area, which created natural ponds and wetlands. The town was originally called "Beaverdam" before eventually becoming Beaverton.
- Early settlers -- The area of the Tualatin Valley that became Beaverton was originally the home of a Native American tribe known as the Atfalati, which settlers mispronounced as Tualatin.
- Railroad boom -- The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s turned Beaverton into a key transportation and trading hub.
- City growth -- Officially incorporated in 1893 with just 400 residents, Beaverton has since grown into a thriving city of nearly 100,000 people.
Weather: What to expect year-round
Beaverton has the classic Pacific Northwest climate—mild and rainy winters, warm and dry summers and plenty of green space year-round.
- Spring (March -- May) -- Expect cool mornings and mild afternoons, with temperatures ranging from the high 40s to the mid-60s. Flowers bloom everywhere, making it one of the prettiest times to explore parks and gardens.
- Summer (June -- August) -- Summers in Beaverton are warm but not scorching, with highs in the 70s and 80s. It's the perfect season for outdoor activities like hiking, biking and enjoying patio dining. Best of all, there's little humidity.
- Fall (September -- November) -- Fall brings crisp air and colorful foliage, with temperatures in the 50s and 60s. It's also the return of light rain, making it a great time to cozy up at a local coffee shop.
- Winter (December -- February) -- While it's definitely rainy, Beaverton's winters are mild, with temperatures usually hovering in the 40s. Snow is rare but possible, and the nearby mountains offer great skiing and snowboarding.
Jobs and business in Beaverton
Beaverton is a major player in Oregon's economy, thanks to big employers and a strong tech presence. Some of the top companies here include:
- Nike -- Beaverton is home to Nike's world headquarters, employing thousands of people in everything from design to marketing to tech.
- Tektronix -- A big name in electronics and tech innovation, Tektronix has been a major employer in the region for decades.
- Beaverton School District -- With thousands of teachers, administrators and staff, the local school district is one of the largest employers in the city.
- Intel (nearby in Hillsboro) -- While not technically in Beaverton, Intel's massive campus in nearby Hillsboro provides thousands of high-paying tech jobs for Beaverton residents.
Beaverton also has a thriving small business scene, with plenty of support for entrepreneurs and startups looking to grow.
Schools and education
Education is a big deal in Beaverton. The Beaverton School District is one of the top-rated in the state, with strong academics, arts and sports programs.
- Elementary & high schools -- The district has over 50 schools, including highly rated options like Sunset High School and Southridge High School.
- Higher education -- Portland Community College's Rock Creek campus is in Beaverton, and major universities like Oregon State and the University of Oregon are just a short drive away.
Things to do in Beaverton
There's never a shortage of things to do in Beaverton:
- Hiking & parks -- Explore Tualatin Hills Nature Park for miles of scenic trails or head to Cooper Mountain Nature Park for stunning views of the Tualatin Valley.
- Food & drink -- Beaverton's food scene is amazing. Check out BG Food Cartel, a bustling food cart pod with everything from Korean BBQ to Venezuelan arepas. Or grab a coffee at Lionheart Coffee Company, a local favorite.
- Annual events -- Beyond the farmers market and night market, there's also the Beaverton Arts Mix, an annual arts festival showcasing local talent, and the International Celebration, which highlights the city's cultural diversity.
- Entertainment -- Catch an indie film at the Century 16 Theatre or enjoy live performances at the Reser Center for the Arts.
Getting around Beaverton
Beaverton is well-connected, making it easy to get around whether you have a car or not:
- Public transit -- The MAX Light Rail has multiple stops in Beaverton, making it easy to commute to Portland and beyond. TriMet buses also run throughout the city.
- Highways -- Beaverton sits at the junction of Highway 26 and Highway 217, offering quick access to downtown Portland, the Oregon Coast and other key destinations.
- Airport -- Portland International Airport (PDX) is just a 30-minute drive away, making travel super convenient.
City services and essential Info
Living in Beaverton means having access to top-notch city services:
- City Hall -- Located in downtown Beaverton, City Hall handles permits, community programs and local government matters.
- Police & fire departments -- Beaverton has excellent emergency services, known for their quick response times and strong community involvement.
- Utilities -- Essential services like water, electricity and high-speed fiber internet (shoutout to us) are reliable and well-managed and also 9% less expensive than the national average.
Why Beaverton might be your next favorite city
Beaverton isn't just a suburb—it's a thriving city with its own unique vibe. Whether you're moving here, visiting or just curious, it's worth checking out. To see if Ziply Fiber is available in your neighborhood, please check your address.
