About Washington County/West Metro
WASHINGTON COUNTY/WEST METRO
Washington County sits between the hustle and bustle of the city and the rolling hills of the countryside, offering both 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 Oregon.
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. 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 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. 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 busy suburban town.
Industry and 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 along with numerous small and medium sized businesses employ thousands of area residents.
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. Residents also enjoy exploring the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge, a 1200-acre site that restores and protects wetland habitats. Jenkins Estate is a stunning farmhouse in Aloha that was built in the 1800s. It has English gardens, a greenhouse and a carriage house. 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
In Washington County, 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. The Hoffman Gallery on the campus of Oregon College of Art and Craft features the work of artists from around the country.
Festival and Events
There are numerous festivals 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 Allstate Festival of Balloons in Tigard features the spectacular sight of hot air balloons transforming the sky into a symphony of color. Be transported back in time in Sherwood during the Robin Hood Festival. At the Beaverton Farmers Market, one of the largest outdoor farmers markets in the region, you will find locally-grown produce, fresh flowers and baked goods. Every Saturday from April through October residents can be found listening to live music, indulging in sweet treats and buying fresh foods
