Sherwood, Tigard, Tualatin, Beaverton, Hillsboro (Portland, Forest Grove: apartments, for rent, homes)

[allimiller]

I have read all over the place that Sherwood is supposed to be this really great family friendly town/city-whatever. However, i'm wondering, is it expensive compared to some of the other places I listed?

I think Beaverton is big enough to find more affordable areas. I am looking for the cheapest areas with the hope to buy one day...long way off and rent in the meantime.

I don't really know much about Tigard, Tualatin or Hillsboro...
Hillsboro doesn't seem to have very good schools-but for a few... Think that will be improving as they grow?

I really prefer more established neighborhoods vs. new ones. I'm not fancy and don't care at all about poshy homes. I care more about having nice mature trees around, good schools, parks, etc.

[malone7384]

Hi there,

I live in Sherwood and I have to say that compared to the other areas you have listed, yes it is more expensive. It is a nice place. Small. Great school district but definitely on the pricey side.

[Rob Allen]

I didn't know about Sherwood until malone's post, but I was already thinking that central Beaverton is likely to be the right place for you. Older homes, big trees, the farmers' market in the park across from the library... definitely worth a look.

[davefr]

Originally Posted by allimiller

I really prefer more established neighborhoods vs. new ones. I'm not fancy and don't care at all about poshy homes. I care more about having nice mature trees around, good schools, parks, etc.

What you describe has Forest Grove written all over it.

[allimiller]

Great! Thanks guys!

[Jillaceae]

I grew up in the Tigard/Tualatin area and lived for a while in Hillsboro after college. Based on your criteria, allimiller, I would recommend Tigard.

Particualarly, the Murry Hills area. The home prices aren't particularly cheap, but to be honest, there isn't that much of a difference in home prices in any of the areas you mentioned, and, having looked at apartments in the area (I ended up in Tannasbourne) that area of Tigard is slightly cheaper for rent. And there are some really neat old neighborhoods in the area, coupled with some newer parks and commercial development (you'll be close to a grocery store). Also, you are a bit closer to Beaverton, and so a little closer to the MAX line and more convient to a freeway that heads into Portland. (As opposed to more southern areas of Tigard. Tigard is actually pretty big.)

I've never been a big fan of Beaverton. Beaverton proper is probably the least "nice" area. There are some decent places on the edges, both toward Portland and to the west, but they are a lot more expensive.

I would defintely NOT recommend renting in Tualatin. Most of the places to rent are seriously run down, or new but built very poorly. Things are either cheaper for a reason or seriously overpiced for what you get. When looking for a place to rent in the greater metro area west of Portland, there was nothing in Tualatin I would even think of considering.

As was pointed out, Forest Grove may be an option as well. Sometimes I wish I had lived there instread of the eastern part of Hillsboro; however, something to consider is that Forest Grove is pretty far out there in terms of proximity to Portland. And if you aren't going to be working in the area (Forest Grove or Hillsboro), you not going to have a very happy commute, west or south.