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Washington County
Nestled between the hustle and bustle of the city and the rolling hills of the countryside, Washington County offers the perfect blend of urban amenities and small-town charm.
Its residents are the youngest, most affluent and highly educated in Oregon. It is also the most ethnically-diverse county in the State with immigrants from Europe, Central and South America, Asia, Indo-China and Africa.
Demographics
Population
Washington County: 500,585
Climate:
Average low: 32
Average high: 80
Annual precipitation: 43 inches
Size in square miles: 727 square miles
Cost of Housing: PROVIDED BY HASSON
Neighborhoods
Washington County includes a portion of the City of Portland and 11 incorporated cities including Hillsboro, Beaverton, Tigard and Tualatin.
Hillsboro is characterized by a combination of small town livability and explosive growth. Home to numerous high-tech companies including Intel and Synopsis, Hillsboro has earned a reputation as the center of high-tech development in Oregon.
Beaverton is highly regarded for its diversity and economic stability. The Beaverton School District is one of the top districts in the state and offers public and private schools as is home to several college campuses.
Tigard is a suburb of Portland that has achieved considerable growth. It is a residential community with excellent schools and parks. It is perhaps best known as the site of the Allstate Festival of Balloons.
Tualatin is named for the Tualatin River which flows along most of the northern edge of the city. It is a former agricultural community that has become a bustling suburban center that includes a mix of residential, commercial and manufacturing areas.
Industry & Employers
Washington County has been dubbed the Silicon Forest because more than 300 high-tech companies are located in the area, making it the economic lifeblood of the region.
Global companies like Nike, Tektronix, Intel and IBM coupled with numerous small and medium sized businesses employ thousands of area residents and help to support the local economy.
Transportation
Washington County has an excellent public transportation system. MAX Light Rail runs from Hillsboro to downtown Portland, Gresham and the Portland International Airport and Tri-Met offers regular bus service throughout Washington County.
Schools
There are several different school districts serving residents of Washington County: Banks School District 13, Beaverton School District, Forest Grove School District, Gaston School District, Hillsboro School District, North Plains Elementary School and Tigard-Tualatin School District.
Several of the schools within these districts receive high marks from the Oregon Department of Education.
Higher education is also accessible in Washington County. Oregon Center for Advanced Technology Education, Oregon Graduate Institute of Science and Technology, Oregon College of Art and Craft, Pacific University and Portland Community College are all located in Washington County.
Parks and Outdoor Recreation
There is an abundance of parkland in Washington County that includes the Tualatin Hills Nature Park, a 222-acre wildlife reserve in the heart of Beaverton.
Its lush surroundings include marshes, grassland, woodlands and wetland habitat and several varieties of flora and fauna. The park is home to numerous species of birds and other small animals and has miles of trails perfect for exploring the urban jungle.
Residents also enjoy exploring the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge, a 1200-acre site that restores and protects wetland habitats, is home to bald eagles, Canada geese, peregrine falcons, migratory songbirds, waterfowl and fish.
Jenkins Estate is a stunning farmhouse in Aloha that was built in the 1800s. It has English gardens, a greenhouse and a carriage house. Operated by the Tualatin Hills Parks and Recreation District, Jenkins Estate welcomes the public to relax in the teahouse or wander through acres of landscaped grounds.
The Sherwood Regional Family YMCA boasts a swimming pool, basketball courts, an indoor track, a rock climbing wall, group fitness classes, sports leagues, and free weights.
Arts and Entertainment
When it comes to arts and entertainment, Washington County has a lot to offer. There are a number of museums, theater companies and choruses that entertain residents throughout the year.
Washington County Historical Society and Museum has a number of exhibits that illustrate the history of the county.
The Broadway Rose Theatre Company in Tigard has been staging performances since 1992. Its annual summer programs include musicals like Aladdin, Chicago and Grease.
The Hoffman Gallery on the campus of Oregon College of Art and Craft features the work of artists from around the country. There is an annual exhibit of alumni artwork that is a local favorite.
Festivals and Events
There are festivals galore in Washington County including festivals for food lovers, art enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers and history buffs.
The Tualatin Crawfish Festival draws thousands of crustacean lovers from across the Northwest and was voted the Best Festival in Oregon by the Oregon Festival and Events Association. The highlight of the event is the Crawfish Cook Off.
The Allstate Festival of Balloons in Tigard features the spectacular sight of hot air balloons transforming the sky into a symphony of color. Festival goers enjoy a pancake breakfast and live entertainment during the June festival in Cook Park.
Be transported back in time in Sherwood during the Robin Hood Festival. Festivities at the annual event include a knighting ceremony, archery contest and treasure hunt. It also features the crowning of Maid Marian.
Locally-grown produce, fresh flowers and baked goods that are the mainstay of the Beaverton Farmers Market which is one of the largest outdoor farmers markets in the region. Every Saturday from April through October residents can be found listening to live music, indulging in sweet treats and buying fresh foods.
Shopping and Dining
Washington County is a Mecca for shoppers. There are outlet stores, malls and boutiques selling everything from clothing and accessories to gifts and gadgets.
Washington Square Mall underwent a major renovation in 2005 and added 100,000 square feet of new retail and restaurant space. There are 170 different shops in the mall like Macy’s, Pottery Barn, Gap and Made in Oregon. The largest Nordstrom in Oregon is located in Washington Square Mall.
Orenco Station, a mixed-use development just a few blocks from the light rail in Hillsboro, offers a mix of quaint shops and ethnic restaurants.
Upscale shopping has also found its way to Tualatin. Bridgeport Village, a 500,000 square foot retail wonderland, is home to Crate & Barrel, Wild Oats Market, Regal Cinemas and PF Chang’s.
Pet Central
There are several off-leash areas in Washington County including Potso Park, Hazeldale Park and Summerlake Park.
Bonnie L. Hays Small Animal Shelter and Cat Adoption Team are also located in Washington County for residents who want to adopt four-legged friends.
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