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Living in Forest Grove Oregon - EVERYTHING You Need to Know
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What is Living in Forest Grove Oregon Like?
Forest Grove, Oregon, located in Washington County, is home to approximately 25,000 people. The city is near Highway 26, which runs through the scenic Oregon Coast Range, providing easy access to other towns and attractions. Forest Grove embodies the Pacific Northwest lifestyle with its lush forests, rolling hills, and proximity to the Pacific Ocean. Located west of Portland, Forest Grove offers good access to outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and fishing. Forest Grove residents and visitors enjoy recreational activities such as exploring the nearby Tillamook State Forest, visiting local wineries, and attending cultural events at Pacific University. The Best of Forest Grove includes a charming downtown, modern shopping centers, and residential neighborhoods with stunning views of the Tualatin Valley.
One of the main attractions in Forest Grove is the Pacific University campus, which offers a variety of cultural and educational events throughout the year. The town also has a historic downtown area with shops, restaurants, and a farmers market. The Fernhill Wetlands Park is another attraction in the area, popular for birdwatching, fishing, and hiking. Forest Grove has several other parks, including Rogers Park and Gales Creek Park. These parks offer amenities such as playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas, providing plenty of opportunities for residents to enjoy the outdoors.
There are several large employers in and around Forest Grove, Oregon, including Intel, which has a large facility in nearby Hillsboro, and Pacific University, which is a major employer in the city. Other notable employers in the area include Tuality Healthcare and the City of Forest Grove.
The cost of living in Forest Grove, Oregon, is lower than the national average, making it an affordable option for those looking to live in the Pacific Northwest. Today, the average home value in Forest Grove is just over $500,000, making homeownership possible for many living in the area. For those looking to rent, the average cost for a one-bedroom apartment in Forest Grove is around $1400 a month. Forest Grove offers a variety of housing options, including single-family homes, townhomes, and apartments, making it a great place to call home.
If you're searching for a small town with a tight-knit community, easy access to bigger cities, and plenty of outdoor activities, Forest Grove, Oregon, might be the perfect place for you! Keep reading to discover more about what it's like to live in Forest Grove, including information about its neighborhoods, schools, cost of living, and some pros and cons of living in this in Forest Grove, Oregon. This information should help you determine if living in Forest Grove, Oregon, is right for you.
Skip Ahead to:
1. The Moving to Forest Grove Oregon Team
2. What is the Cost of Living in Forest Grove Oregon?
3. Living in Forest Grove Oregon Tips/Info/Blog Posts
4. Public Schools in Forest Grove Oregon
5. Forest Grove Oregon Neighborhoods
6. Top Destinations & Attractions in Forest Grove
7. FAQs About Living in Forest Grove Oregon
The Moving to Forest Grove Oregon Team
Let our team of trusted professionals help you buy or/and sell a home in Forest Grove, Oregon. Elizabeth Davidson has sold real estate in Forest Grove, Oregon, for over 12 years. Her knowledge of Forest Grove 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 Forest Grove, 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 Forest Grove 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 Forest Grove, Oregon, CLICK HERE to email Todd and schedule a call to get the process started or just call him at 971-275-2465. Together our Moving to Forest Grove team can help you make moving to or within Forest Grove, Oregon, a reality!
What is the Cost of Living in Forest Grove Oregon?
If you're having thoughts about moving to Forest Grove, Oregon, or any place, the cost of living would definitely be a big factor in your decision-making. I calculated the REAL cost of living in Forest Grove, Oregon, by factoring in today's costs for housing (rent and own), utilities, food, transportation, healthcare, and other necessities to live. If you were to live in Forest Grove, Oregon, and rent, you would need to make $44,000 a year. To live in Forest Grove, Oregon, and buy a home, you would need to make $74,000 a year. To see how I calculated, check out my blog post, "The REAL Cost of Living on the Oregon Coast." I show how I calculated these $'s under the Cost/Summary Explanation section. The calculations for the cost of living in Forest Grove, Oregon, were done the same way. I will soon release my blog post, "The Real Cost of Living in the Portland Metro Area." To sign up to be notified when my newest blogs are released, CLICK HERE.
Living in Forest Grove 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
Public Schools in Forest Grove Oregon
If you have school-aged kids, the quality of the public schools would be something to look at if considering a move to Forest Grove, Oregon. Living in Forest Grove, Oregon, your children will attend Forest Grove School District. With an 18 to 1 student-to-teacher ratio, Forest Grove had an 83% graduation rate for the most recent school year, slightly below the state average. Forest Grove School District has ten schools, and 5719 kids enrolled during the most recent school year. Niche.com gives the Forest Grove School District a B-, with academics, teachers, diversity, sports, and college prep scoring a B- or better. If moving to or living in Forest Grove, you can expect your children to have access to a decent education. There are certainly better and worse school districts throughout the state of Oregon. If you are looking to move to Forest Grove and want to do more research on the schools, there is a link below in the Moving to Forest Grove Links section below for the Forest Grove School District website.
Forest Grove Oregon Neighborhoods
If you're looking to move to Forest Grove, you'll have a good variety of neighborhoods to choose from, depending on what you and your family are looking for. Whether it's rural, residential, college, or even a downtown feel, Forest Grove has a neighborhood for everyone:
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Pacific University: This neighborhood is home to Pacific University, a private university in the city. It has a mix of residential and commercial areas.
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Thatcher Park: This neighborhood is located near Thatcher Park and features a mix of single-family homes, apartments, and townhouses.
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Downtown: The downtown area of Forest Grove features a mix of historic buildings and modern amenities, including restaurants, shops, and cafes.
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Laurelwood: This neighborhood is located on the north side of the city and is known for its beautiful homes and tree-lined streets.
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Montebello: This neighborhood is located on the east side of the city and is home to several parks and open spaces.
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Dilley: Dilley is a rural neighborhood located on the west side of the city. It features farms, vineyards, and small residential areas.
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Gales Creek: This neighborhood is located just outside of Forest Grove and is known for its scenic beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities.
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Verboort: Verboort is a small community located just west of Forest Grove. It is known for its Dutch heritage and annual sausage festival.
If moving to Forest Grove, Oregon, and you'd like to buy a home in one of these fabulous neighborhoods, CLICK HERE to sign up for LISTING ALERT to be the first to know when a home matching your criteria gets listed for sale in Forest Grove, Oregon. To connect with a local realtor, CLICK HERE. One of the most important decisions you'll make when moving to Forest Grove, Oregon, is picking an experienced realtor who can help you get the house you want at the best price. At living in Oregon, we work with the best realtors throughout the state and can help you get the right realtor to make your move and home purchase as easy as possible.
Top Destinations & Attractions in Forest Grove
If you desire less traffic, a slower pace of life, more space, and to still be close to the action, Forest Grove, Oregon might be a good fit. What is there to do for excitement in Forest Gove? Below are just a few things to do and see living in Forest Grove, Oregon:
Henry Hagg Lake/Scroggins Valley Park
Formed in 1975 by the construction of the Scoggins Dam, Henry Hagg Lake (or Hagg Lake) is a 1,200-acre reservoir nestled in the foothills of the Coastal Range, just west of Forest Grove, where you can enjoy swimming, fishing, canoeing, and waterskiing (there are two boat launches) or picnicking along the shore. The artificial lake contains 53,640 acre-feet of usable water. The lake has been home to the Hagg Lake Triathlon for the past 42 years. One of the oldest and most scenic triathlon courses in the US.
Surrounding Scoggins Valley Park offers 13 miles of biking and hiking trails, where you can take in the scenery, observe a variety of birds, or encounter a deer. The Park also has an 18-hole disc golf course.
Fernhill Wetlands Park
Fernhill Wetlands Park, located near the confluence of Gales Creek and the Tualatin River, is a 240-acre nature preserve located in Forest Grove, Oregon. This nature preserve serves a critical role in both water treatment as well as being a wildlife habitat. Located just minutes from downtown Forest Grove, this peaceful site attracts wildlife, including herons, hawks, eagles, and beavers. With open ponds and wetlands, visitors can explore the hiking trails, see the many birds that live in the area, and enjoy a picnic lunch in the sheltered picnic area. The 1.1-mile loop that circles Fernwood Lake is paved, so very bike and wheelchair friendly.
The Wineries
With its open space, mild climate, and rich soil, Forest Grove is home to several vineyards. David Hills Winery, Tualatin Estate Vineyards, Apolloni Vineyards, and Montinore Vineyards are popular Forest Grove winemakers offering winetastings in their tasting rooms and beautiful scenery. If you are visiting or living in Forest Grove, Oregon, you must check them out!
Forest Grove Farmers Market
If you're in the mood for some fresh produce and other local goods, then you have to check out the Forest Grove Farmers Market if you live in or around Forest Grove, Oregon. Located on Main street between 21st and Pacific Avenue, the market is open every Wednesday from May through the end of October.
FAQs About Moving to and Living in Forest Grove Oregon
What is Forest Grove Oregon known for?
Forest Grove is known for a lot of things, most of which I described above. The Wineries, Hagg Lake, beautiful scenery, affordability, and being a short drive from Portland are all things that Forest Grove is known for. It's also only a 55-mile drive to the Oregon Coast!
What is the weather like in Forest Grove, Oregon?
Forest Grove is classified as having a “warm-summer Mediterranean climate.” It’s pretty rainy, with an average of 46 inches of rain and 155 precipitation days per year, mainly concentrated from November to April. The average high in summer is in the upper 70s or low 80s. In the winter, the average high is around 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit, with lows rarely reaching below freezing.
What cities are nearby Forest Grove, Oregon?
Living in Forest Grove, Oregon, you're a little more secluded than in most Portland Metro cities. The closest cities are Cornelius, Hillsboro, Gaston, and Banks. Oregon's largest city Portland is 26 miles away. Beaverton, home of Nike, is just 23 miles away. The Oregon Coast is just 55 miles away. So living in Forest Grove, you're a little secluded but not far from a lot of big cities and attractions. To check out other Portland Metro Cities.
Is Forest Grove, Oregon, a safe place to live?
Yes. This small, close-knit town is extremely safe. With a location just far enough outside of a major city, it's not subject to many of the issues you see in larger cities such as Portland or Salem. Crime rates in Forest Grove are well below the national average, you'll feel very safe living in Forest, Oregon.
What is there to do living in Forest Grove?
Living in Forest Grove, Oregon, you will always have things to do. The city is surrounded by natural beauty, including the Tualatin River and the Coast Range Mountains, offering ample opportunities for hiking, biking, and fishing. Forest Grove boasts several parks, including Rogers Park and Gales Creek Park, which feature playgrounds, picnic areas, and scenic walking trails. The city hosts several annual events, including the Pacific University Homecoming Parade, which attracts visitors from around the region, and the Forest Grove Farmers Market, offering fresh produce and artisanal goods. If you're looking for a day trip, Forest Grove is located near attractions like the Tillamook Forest and the Oregon Coast. Whether you enjoy outdoor activities or cultural experiences, there is always something to do in Forest Grove, Oregon.
Who are the large employers in Forest Grove Oregon?
If living in Forest Grove, Oregon, some of the top employers include Pacific University, which employs over 1,000 workers, the Forest Grove School District, which employs over 500 people, and the City of Forest Grove, which employs over 200 people. Other notable employers in Forest Grove include Intel, which has a large manufacturing facility in the area, and various agricultural companies. With a diverse range of employers, residents of Forest Grove can find opportunities in education, technology, manufacturing, and more.
How is the healthcare in Forest Grove Oregon?
Living in Forest Grove, Oregon, puts you near the Tuality Community Hospital, which is a level III trauma center and has 167 beds. This hospital would likely be able to provide you with most of your medical needs. If looking for a specialist and can't find them in the Forest Grove area, you're around 20 miles away from the Oregon Health & Science University Hospital in Portland, Oregon, which is the largest hospital in the state and has over 600 beds.
I want to move to Forest Grove, Oregon? How do I make that happen?
The information on this website will help you research and prepare for your move to Forest Grove, Oregon. We have other resources, including our Facebook Group > Moving to Oregon, where we have a large community of people spread throughout the state to ask questions to and who are eager to answer. You will find yourself surrounded by others going through similar challenges that can provide support during their own transitions, so don't hesitate to ask away if needed as there's plenty of experts on moving to and living in Forest Grove, Oregon, to help!!
If you are looking to move to Forest Grove 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! I also work with a number of realtors and can be of help if you need a contact. If you just want to to research home prices and homes for sale in Forest Grove, Oregon, CLICK HERE. No info or login needed to see all the homes for sale in Forest Grove, Oregon, currently.
Is Forest Grove, Oregon, a good place to live?
Absolutely! It's a small, affordable, growing town surrounded by an abundance of things to do. It's also within a short drive of downtown Portland, making it a fantastic commuter town if you enjoy a slower pace of life and amazing scenery. But the answer to this is up to your interpretation. There are certainly pros and cons of living in Forest Grove, Oregon. Hopefully, the information in this article has answered the question, "is Forest Grove, Oregon, a good place to live?" for you.
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 Forest Grove Oregon
Elizabeth Davidson - Realtor - About Me
Elizabeth Davidson - Realtor - Listing your home
Helpful Links for Moving to and Living in Forest Grove Oregon
For Sale / Rent in Forest Grove
Forest Grove Childcare / Pre-Schools