What's Forest Grove like? (Portland, Hillsboro: job market, transfer, neighborhoods)

[BhamRez]

My husband's job was transferred to Hillsboro so we're moving from Bellingham, Wa. and are interested in Forest Grove. What's the "vibe" there? Conservative, liberal, progressive, dog-friendly, environmentalist...what? How's the job market these days? Who are the major employers? Are there plenty of restaurants, grocery stores, etc.?
Thanks!

[Rob Allen]

Forest Grove is a nice quiet college town surrounded by farmland, on the edge of the Portland metro area. The college is Pacific University, and it's probably the major employer in town. There are restaurants and grocery stores, quite a nice downtown area. The commute to Hillsboro is easy.

[John Shaft]

It is more of a true independent town than a suburb of Portland (it's just far enough away to maintain that separate-ness). Very small town feel. That probably means it's more conservative than urban Portland. It is right on the cusp of some really beautiful land (hills, wine country, farms, etc.) Great sake factory. Easy commute to Hillsboro (30 minutes or less depending on where).

[davefr]

Originally Posted by BhamRez

My husband's job was transferred to Hillsboro so we're moving from Bellingham, Wa. and are interested in Forest Grove. What's the "vibe" there? Conservative, liberal, progressive, dog-friendly, environmentalist...what? How's the job market these days? Who are the major employers? Are there plenty of restaurants, grocery stores, etc.?
Thanks!

Middle of the road politically. (definately more sane then ultra liberal Portland).

Yes, dog friendly for responsible dog owners.

Poor for jobs but plenty of stores. Most jobs are the college and agriculture.

FG has some wonderful old neighborhoods and it's really a nice town. The surrounding countryside is wonderful.