Living in Forest Grove, Oregon
A walkable college-town downtown where Pacific Avenue transitions from craft sake tasting rooms to historic Craftsman bungalows, all within a 60-minute drive of the Oregon Coast.
Forest Grove — A College Town With Wine Country at Its Doorstep
The only Portland-area city with a walkable historic downtown, a university campus, and America's first craft sake brewery all within a half-mile of each other.
Updated April 2026Forest Grove is a city of approximately 27,000 residents in western Washington County, Oregon, known for its walkable downtown core, Pacific University campus, and proximity to the Willamette Valley wine country, located approximately 25 miles west of downtown Portland via US-26. The city sits where the Tualatin Valley's agricultural flatlands rise into the Coast Range foothills, giving the western neighborhoods genuine rural character -- acreage lots, vineyard views, and access to Henry Hagg Lake -- while the downtown core along Pacific Avenue and Main Street operates as an independently functioning commercial district rather than a satellite of Hillsboro or Beaverton.
Unlike Hillsboro, which anchors its identity around Intel, the MAX Blue Line, and large-scale mixed-use development at Orenco Station, Forest Grove trades transit access and tech-corridor proximity for a slower-paced downtown with local ownership -- three independent coffee roasters, America's first craft sake brewery, and a farmers market that draws 2,500 visitors on Wednesday evenings. The median home price in Forest Grove runs approximately $50,000-$75,000 below Hillsboro's, and buyers get more lot size per dollar on the city's west and north sides.
Everything You Need to Know About Forest Grove
Each section below goes deep on a different part of life in Forest Grove. Click any card to explore the full detail.
Neighborhoods
Forest Grove's eight distinct residential areas range from the walkable Historic Downtown and Pacific University District with Craftsman bungalows and Victorian homes to the rural acreage of the David Hill and Verboort areas on the city's western and northern edges. Newer subdivisions like Meadows at Silverstone offer production-built homes with modern finishes.
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Dining
Fourteen restaurants, breweries, and cafes line Pacific Avenue and Main Street in downtown Forest Grove. I've taken relocating buyers to Kama'aina for Hawaiian plate lunch after house tours, and the craft beverage scene -- Waltz Brewing, McMenamins Grand Lodge, SakeOne's tasting room -- gives residents destinations that don't require a drive to Hillsboro or Beaverton.
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Parks & Trails
Fernhill Wetlands covers 750 acres of birding habitat managed by Clean Water Services, with three loop trails and a resident bald eagle pair. Rogers Park features an inclusive Harper's Playground, and David Hill Park has the city's only off-leash dog area. The planned Council Creek Regional Trail will connect Forest Grove to Hillsboro along a former railroad corridor.
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Schools
Forest Grove School District 15 serves approximately 5,700 students across 12 schools, earning a Niche grade of B-. Forest Grove High School holds a GreatSchools rating of 8/10 and offers Career and Technical Education pathways including an annual Viking House construction project where students frame a full single-family home.
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Events & Culture
The Verboort Sausage and Kraut Festival draws 8,000 diners every first Saturday in November for its 92nd year of handmade sausage, sauerkraut, and Dutch community tradition. Forest Grove Uncorked fills downtown Main Street with Willamette Valley wineries and craft breweries each August, and the Adelante Farmers Market runs Wednesday evenings May through October.
Explore EventsShopping
Downtown Forest Grove's Main Street corridor holds Forest Grove Mercantile with 30-plus local vendors, SakeOne's tasting room, and Urban Decanter's wine bar and woodfired kitchen. Safeway anchors the Pacific Avenue shopping center in-city, with Fred Meyer, Walmart, and Home Depot in adjacent Cornelius and Hillsboro within a 10-minute drive.
Explore ShoppingHealthcare
Forest Grove's nearest full-service hospital is Hillsboro Medical Center, approximately 15 minutes east via TV Highway. In-city healthcare includes BestMed Urgent Care on Pacific Avenue, Mountain View Medical Center, Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center with sliding-scale fees, and Pacific University's campus clinics offering dental and optometry services through student-run programs.
Explore HealthcareCommute & Transit
The drive from Forest Grove to downtown Portland takes approximately 37-40 minutes off-peak via US-26, though peak-hour commuters should expect 50-65 minutes through the Sunset Highway tunnel. TriMet Bus Line 57 runs every 15 minutes along TV Highway connecting to the MAX Blue Line at Hillsboro Transit Center, and the free GroveLink bus serves local routes within the city.
Explore CommuteMajor Employers
TTM Technologies operates its advanced PCB manufacturing facility on Poplar Street, serving aerospace and defense industries with 16,400 employees worldwide. Pacific University employs hundreds on its Forest Grove campus, and the Intel Ronler Acres campus in Hillsboro sits approximately 15-20 minutes east via TV Highway.
Explore EmployersForest Grove vs. Nearby Communities
Forest Grove sits at the western end of the Tualatin Valley Highway corridor that connects Beaverton, Aloha, and Hillsboro to downtown Portland. All four cities share the same Washington County tax rate and similar school district structures, but they differ substantially in transit access, commercial density, and proximity to Portland employment centers.
| Factor | Forest Grove This City | Hillsboro | Beaverton | Newberg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | ~$505K | ~$507K | ~$612K | ~$467K |
| Property Tax Rate | ~0.84% | ~0.84% | ~0.84% | ~~0.84% |
| Top School District | B- (Niche) | B- (Niche) | A+ (LOSD) | A (BSD) |
| Commute to Portland | 37-40 min | 25-30 min | 20-25 min | 40-50 min |
| Transit Access | Bus Line 57 + GroveLink (no MAX) | MAX Blue Line + bus | MAX Blue Line + WES + bus | Yamhill County Transit only |
| Nature Access | Fernhill Wetlands, Hagg Lake, Coast Range access | Jackson Bottom Wetlands, Rock Creek Trail | Tualatin Hills Nature Park, Fanno Creek Trail | Chehalem Ridge, Willamette River access |
| Commercial Core | Walkable downtown, Pacific University campus | Orenco Station, Tanasbourne | Cedar Hills Crossing, Progress Ridge | Small downtown, limited retail |
| Healthcare Access | Hillsboro Medical Center (~15 min) | Hillsboro Medical Center (in-city) | Providence St. Vincent (~15 min) | Providence Newberg Medical Center (in-city) |
| Best Suited For | Forest Grove for walkable downtown, wine country access, and lower density on larger lots | Hillsboro for MAX light rail, Intel campus proximity, and larger retail footprint | Beaverton for shorter Portland commute, multiple transit options, and closer hospital access | Newberg for lower home prices, Willamette River access, and wine country immersion |
Forest Grove This City
Hillsboro
Beaverton
Newberg
Forest Grove runs approximately $105,000 below Beaverton's median and roughly comparable to Hillsboro's, but without MAX light rail access. Buyers prioritizing transit should look east toward Hillsboro or Beaverton. Buyers prioritizing lot size, rural character, and wine country proximity will find Forest Grove offers what no other city along the TV Highway corridor can deliver.
My Take on Forest Grove
I've shown homes in Forest Grove for over a decade, and the thing that consistently surprises buyers is how much the city changes block by block. Walk two blocks south of Pacific Avenue and you're on tree-lined streets with Craftsman bungalows and Pacific University's campus cutting through the middle of town. Drive five minutes west on David Hill Road and you're on a one-acre parcel with vineyard views and Coast Range timber in the background. That range -- from a genuinely walkable downtown core to rural acreage -- within a single city boundary is something no other community on the TV Highway corridor offers.
The trade-off is commute distance. Forest Grove sits at the far western end of the corridor, and the US-26 tunnel through the West Hills is the chokepoint that turns a 37-minute off-peak drive into a 60-plus-minute grind during the 7:30 AM crush. Buyers who work in Hillsboro's tech corridor or can work remotely two to three days a week get the best of both worlds. Buyers who need to be in downtown Portland five days a week should test the actual drive before committing.
The market signal I'm watching is new construction pricing in the Meadows at Silverstone and Davis Estates subdivisions, where builders are delivering homes in the $500,000-$600,000 range that undercut comparable new builds in Hillsboro and Beaverton. Combined with the Adelante Farmers Market growth, VEx opening on Pacific Avenue, and SaWa's Donburi adding a second dining anchor on Main Street, the downtown core is adding genuine commercial depth that wasn't there five years ago.
Frequently Asked Questions About Forest Grove
The median list price for a single-family home in Forest Grove, Oregon is approximately $505,000 as of early 2026, based on current MLS data. Entry-level homes along the TV Highway corridor on the east side start under $425,000, while custom homes on acreage in the David Hill and Verboort areas exceed $625,000. Newer construction in the Meadows at Silverstone and Davis Estates subdivisions typically falls in the $475,000-$600,000 range.
The commute from Forest Grove, Oregon to downtown Portland typically takes 37-40 minutes off-peak via OR-8 (Tualatin Valley Highway) east to US-26, according to Google Maps. During peak morning hours (approximately 7:00-8:30 AM), commute times can vary to 50-65 minutes due to congestion at the US-26 Sunset Highway tunnel through the West Hills. Buyers considering Forest Grove should test the actual commute at their planned departure time before committing, as conditions vary by season and day of week.
Forest Grove School District 15 serves approximately 5,700 students across 12 schools in Forest Grove, Oregon, earning an overall Niche grade of B-. Forest Grove High School serves grades 9-12 with an enrollment of approximately 1,898 students and a student-teacher ratio of 20:1. The district operates on a single attendance boundary, so buyers anywhere in Forest Grove feed into the same high school.
Forest Grove, Oregon contains eight distinct residential areas. The Historic Downtown and Pacific University District ($500K-$900K+) offers walkable access to restaurants, breweries, and the university campus in Craftsman and Victorian homes. East Forest Grove along the TV Highway Corridor ($375K-$525K) provides the city's most affordable housing and best transit access via TriMet Line 57. The David Hill area on the west side and North Forest Grove near Verboort offer acreage lots with rural character and wine country views starting above $600K. Newer subdivisions at Meadows at Silverstone and Casey Meadows deliver production-built homes in the mid-$400s to low-$600s range.
Forest Grove, Oregon offers a walkable downtown core with independently owned restaurants and breweries, a university campus that anchors cultural programming year-round, and access to the Willamette Valley wine country and Coast Range recreation within a short drive. The city's median home price of approximately $505,000 runs below most other incorporated cities along the TV Highway corridor. The primary trade-off is commute distance: Forest Grove sits approximately 25 miles west of downtown Portland, and peak-hour drive times can exceed 60 minutes through the US-26 tunnel. Buyers who work remotely, work in the Hillsboro tech corridor, or prioritize lifestyle over commute time tend to find Forest Grove a strong fit.
The effective property tax rate in Forest Grove, Oregon is approximately 0.84%, consistent with Washington County's overall rate according to SmartAsset. On a home valued at $505,000, annual property taxes would run approximately $4,200. Oregon does not have a sales tax, which partially offsets property tax costs relative to other states.
Forest Grove, Oregon is served by TriMet Bus Line 57, which runs every 15 minutes along Tualatin Valley Highway connecting Forest Grove to Cornelius, Hillsboro Transit Center, Aloha, and Beaverton Transit Center. The free GroveLink bus operated by Ride Connection provides local East and West loops on hourly schedules within the city, and the free WestLink route connects Forest Grove to Banks, North Plains, and Hillsboro. Forest Grove does not have MAX light rail or WES commuter rail service; the nearest MAX station is at Hillsboro Transit Center, approximately 10 miles east.
Forest Grove, Oregon is home to Fernhill Wetlands, a 750-acre birding destination managed by Clean Water Services with three loop trails, a resident bald eagle pair, and ADA-accessible restrooms. Rogers Park features an inclusive Harper's Playground, baseball and softball fields, and tennis courts. David Hill Park offers the city's only off-leash dog area, and Stites Nature Park provides walking paths and a community garden. The planned Council Creek Regional Trail will connect Forest Grove to Hillsboro along a former railroad corridor.
Forest Grove and Hillsboro, Oregon share the same Washington County property tax rate of approximately 0.84% and sit along the same TV Highway corridor, but they differ in scale and character. Hillsboro (population approximately 106,000) offers MAX Blue Line light rail, the Intel Ronler Acres campus, and large-format retail at Orenco Station and Tanasbourne. Forest Grove (population approximately 27,000) offers a walkable downtown with locally owned restaurants and breweries, Pacific University's campus, and proximity to wine country and the Coast Range. Forest Grove's median home price of approximately $505,000 runs comparable to Hillsboro's approximately $507,000, but Forest Grove buyers typically get more lot size per dollar, particularly on the city's western and northern edges.
Forest Grove, Oregon provides access to several major employment centers in western Washington County. The Intel Ronler Acres campus in Hillsboro sits approximately 15-20 minutes east via TV Highway. Nike World Headquarters in Beaverton is approximately 25-30 minutes east. Hillsboro Medical Center is approximately 15 minutes east. Within Forest Grove, TTM Technologies operates its PCB manufacturing facility, Pacific University employs hundreds, and SakeOne produces craft sake at America's first sake brewery.
Forest Grove, Oregon has a citywide average Walk Score of 41, which classifies it as car-dependent overall. However, the downtown core along Main Street and Pacific Avenue scores significantly higher (66-78), meaning residents in the Historic Downtown and Pacific University District can walk to restaurants, coffee shops, the farmers market, and the university campus. Residential neighborhoods outside the downtown core score 5-37, requiring a car for most errands.
The cost of living in Forest Grove, Oregon is approximately 103 on the national index (where 100 is the U.S. average), which is lower than Portland's overall index of approximately 110-115. Housing is the largest difference: Forest Grove's median home price of approximately $505,000 runs below Portland's citywide median of approximately $510,000, but with significantly larger lot sizes in Forest Grove's western neighborhoods. Oregon has no sales tax statewide, and Washington County's effective property tax rate of approximately 0.84% applies equally to Forest Grove and nearby cities.
Forest Grove, Oregon experiences a temperate maritime climate typical of the northern Willamette Valley. Summer highs average approximately 80 degrees Fahrenheit in July, with dry conditions from June through September. Winter lows average approximately 34 degrees in January, with overcast skies and steady rain from November through March. Annual rainfall is approximately 42-43 inches, spread across roughly 150 rainy days per year. Snowfall is minimal at approximately 2-7 inches annually. Forest Grove's western position in the Tualatin Valley means slightly cooler temperatures and marginally more rainfall than cities closer to Portland.
Forest Grove, Oregon has a growing downtown dining scene anchored by locally owned restaurants rather than national chains. Kama'aina on Main Street serves Hawaiian plate lunch and is TripAdvisor's top-rated restaurant in the city. Pac Thai has operated as a Forest Grove institution since 2011, and VEx - The Vietnam Experience opened in 2025 bringing authentic Vietnamese street food to Pacific Avenue. The craft beverage scene includes SakeOne (America's first craft sake brewery), Urban Decanter wine bar and woodfired kitchen, and The Growler Garage with 40 rotating taps.
Living in Forest Grove, Oregon means trading the urban density and transit access of inner Portland for a walkable small-town downtown surrounded by agricultural land and wine country. Pacific University's campus provides year-round cultural programming, and the dining scene along Main Street and Pacific Avenue has expanded to include Hawaiian, Japanese, Vietnamese, Thai, Mexican, and farm-to-table options. TriMet Bus Line 57 connects to the MAX Blue Line at Hillsboro Transit Center for transit commuters, though most residents drive. The median home price of approximately $505,000 delivers more interior square footage and lot size than comparable prices in Hillsboro or Beaverton. Remote and hybrid workers find Forest Grove particularly attractive: high-speed internet is widely available, the cost of living runs below Portland's, and the Oregon Coast is a 60-70 minute drive west on the Wilson River Highway.
Let's Find Your Forest Grove Home
Whether you're relocating for work, upgrading for space, or buying your first home, I'll help you find the right fit in the right neighborhood. No obligation, no pressure -- just straight answers and local expertise.
Schedule a Free Consultation No obligation · Responds within 24 hours · (503) 910-7364Neighborhoods in Forest Grove
Forest Grove's residential character changes dramatically within its city limits, from a genuinely walkable downtown core with Craftsman bungalows and university campus frontage to rural acreage parcels with vineyard views on the western edge. The Council Creek Regional Trail corridor, when completed, will connect neighborhoods to schools, transit stops on TV Highway, and the downtown commercial core along a former railroad right-of-way. Most clients who end up in Forest Grove tell me they came for the price point and stayed for the lot sizes.
Historic Downtown / Pacific University District
Walkable college-town core with Craftsman and Victorian architecture, independently owned restaurants and shops, and Pacific University campus frontage.Buyers get genuinely walkable access to dining, coffee, and the university campus -- a rarity in the Portland suburbs. The trade-off is older housing stock requiring maintenance budgets for original systems, and lot sizes are compact compared to the city's outer neighborhoods.
$500K–$900K+North Forest Grove / Verboort
Rural-edge properties on acreage lots with agricultural character and Dutch heritage community roots.The Verboort community north of Forest Grove proper offers 1-10+ acre parcels with outbuildings, pasture, and genuine agricultural character. Properties here carry higher per-unit prices but deliver lot sizes unavailable inside the city core. Road frontage is primarily two-lane county roads without sidewalks.
$600K–$1M+
South Forest Grove / Dilley Road Area
Semi-rural residential south of the city core with larger lots and proximity to Fernhill Wetlands.The Dilley Road corridor runs south toward Hagg Lake and Fernhill Wetlands, offering properties on half-acre to multi-acre lots. Dilley Elementary School sits in this zone. Buyers trade walkability to downtown for quiet residential streets and larger outdoor space.
$450K–$700KEast Forest Grove / TV Highway Corridor
Forest Grove's most affordable housing with the city's best transit access along TriMet Line 57.The east side along Tualatin Valley Highway offers mid-century ranch homes on standard suburban lots at entry-level pricing. TriMet Bus Line 57 stops run along the corridor, providing the most direct transit connection to Hillsboro and Beaverton. The trade-off is highway noise along Pacific Avenue and commercial character at the corridor's edge.
$375K–$525KWest Forest Grove / David Hill Area
Hillside and acreage properties with Coast Range views and wine country adjacency west of the city core.David Hill Road climbs west from the city center into terrain that transitions from suburban lots to rural acreage within two miles. Properties here offer vineyard views, mature timber, and genuine privacy. Access to downtown and TV Highway requires a car, and road maintenance in winter can be a factor on steeper parcels.
$550K–$1.2M+Meadows at Silverstone / Casey Meadows
Newer production-built subdivisions with modern finishes, current energy codes, and standard suburban lot sizes.These 2000s-era and newer subdivisions deliver move-in-ready homes with granite counters, energy-efficient windows, and attached two-car garages on lots averaging 5,000-7,000 square feet. Buyers get current building standards without renovation costs. The trade-off is production-home uniformity and subdivision density relative to the city's established neighborhoods.
$475K–$625KWeldun Park / Lincoln Park Area
Established mid-century residential neighborhood with parks access and proximity to Pacific University.The blocks between Weldun Park and Lincoln Park offer 1960s-1980s ranch homes and split-levels on standard lots within walking distance of Pacific University's athletic facilities. Rogers Park and its inclusive Harper's Playground sit nearby. This area delivers moderate pricing with reasonable walkability to the downtown core.
$425K–$575KPainter's Woods / Clark Historic District
National Register historic districts with Craftsman, Victorian, and Queen Anne architecture on the east edge of downtown.The Clark and Painter's Woods Historic Districts contain some of Forest Grove's most architecturally distinctive homes, including the 1876 I.L. Smith House listed on the Oregon Historic Sites Register. Buyers get character and walkability, but should budget for preservation-appropriate maintenance and potential historic review requirements for exterior modifications.
$525K–$950K+Browse All Forest Grove
Search all active listings across every Forest Grove neighborhood and price point.See every home currently available in Forest Grove, Oregon, from entry-level ranch homes under $425,000 to custom acreage properties exceeding $625,000.
$375K–$1.2M+New Construction
Recently built or under-construction homes in Forest Grove's active subdivisions.Active new construction in Forest Grove includes the Meadows at Silverstone, Davis Estates, and Casey Meadows subdivisions. Most new builds deliver 3-4 bedrooms, 1,400-2,200 square feet, and modern finishes in the $475,000-$625,000 range.
$475K–$650KDining in Forest Grove
Forest Grove's dining scene runs along two parallel corridors -- Pacific Avenue and Main Street -- both within walking distance of Pacific University's campus. The concentration of independently owned restaurants here is unusual for a city of 27,000, and the range spans Hawaiian plate lunch to Japanese donburi to Vietnamese street food to wood-fired farm-to-table. Most of the establishments listed below are owner-operated and source locally when possible.
Kama'aina
TripAdvisor's top-rated restaurant in Forest Grove with authentic Hawaiian plate lunch -- kalua pig, lau lau, poke bowls, katsu, and SPAM musubi. Chef Kevin Yamada's menu includes strong vegetarian options. Open daily 11 AM-3 PM and 4-8 PM on Main Street.
Visit Website 02ThaiPac Thai
A Forest Grove institution since 2011, consistently ranked among the city's top dining options. Family-owned with traditional Thai plates alongside seasonal specials using Willamette Valley-sourced produce. Strong vegan and gluten-free options throughout the menu. Closed Mondays.
Visit Website 03MexicanLa Sierra
Family-owned since 2000 by Felix Lopez, La Sierra is a 25-year Forest Grove institution. Traditional combination plates, tacos, and burritos with the signature La Sierra Burrito. Happy Hour seven days a week. Catering available for events.
Visit WebsiteUrban Decanter
Wine bar and woodfired kitchen at the center of the Forest Grove food-and-wine scene, serving locally sourced seasonal dishes paired with an extensive Willamette Valley wine list. The most upscale dining option in the city. Annual participant in Forest Grove Uncorked.
Visit Website 05VietnameseVEx - The Vietnam Experience
Opened August 2025 by owner Yen Collman, bringing authentic Vietnamese street food to Pacific Avenue -- pho, vermicelli bowls, beef stew with baguette, and hand-made spicy chili oil wontons. Artwork from a Ho Chi Minh City artist lines the walls. TripAdvisor top 1%. Closed Mon.
Visit Website 06Pub/TaphouseThe Growler Garage
Forest Grove's community gathering spot with 40 constantly rotating taps of craft beer, cider, wine, kombucha, and seltzer. Full food menu of apps, wraps, paninis, salads, and kids' meals. Dog-friendly patio. Also has a sister location in Gresham.
Visit WebsiteWaltz Brewing
Independent craft brewery with a street-level taproom pouring house-made ales and lagers. One of three breweries and cideries in Forest Grove alongside McMenamins and SakeOne. Tue-Fri 3-9 PM, Sat 2-9 PM, closed Sun-Mon.
Visit Website 08Coffee/BakeryBJ's Coffee Co.
Oregon's oldest family-owned cafe and coffee roasting company, established 1992. In-house small-batch coffee roasted twice weekly at the shop or its wholesale roastery. 4.5 stars with 337 reviews on joe.coffee. Gluten-free options. Open daily 7 AM-3 PM.
Visit Website 09Coffee/BakeryTelvet Coffee
Forest Grove's highest-rated independent cafe on joe.coffee (4.6 stars, 427 reviews), operating from a restored historic building on Cedar Street. Full breakfast and brunch menu with burritos, bagel sandwiches, and espresso drinks. Mon-Fri opens 7 AM, Sat 7 AM-5 PM, Sun 8 AM-5 PM.
Visit WebsiteI regularly take relocating buyers to Kama'aina on Main Street after afternoon showings -- it's the kind of place that makes people realize Forest Grove has its own dining identity, not just an overflow from Hillsboro.
Shopping in Forest Grove
Forest Grove handles daily shopping through a combination of the in-city Safeway on Pacific Avenue and a short drive to Fred Meyer, Walmart, and Home Depot in adjacent Cornelius and Hillsboro. The downtown Main Street corridor adds boutique retail, a vintage mercantile, and specialty tasting rooms that function as both shopping destinations and social anchors.
I've had buyers tell me they moved here expecting to drive to Hillsboro for everything, then discovered that between the Mercantile, SakeOne, and the downtown shops, they actually spend more weekends in Forest Grove than they planned.
Parks & Trails in Forest Grove
Forest Grove's park system anchors around Fernhill Wetlands -- a 750-acre birding destination that functions as both a regional environmental asset and a daily-use trail network for residents in the south side neighborhoods. The planned Council Creek Regional Trail will use former railroad right-of-way to connect Forest Grove's residential neighborhoods to schools, transit stops along TV Highway, and the downtown commercial core along an east-west corridor linking the city to Hillsboro.
Fernhill Wetlands
The Tualatin Valley's premier birding destination, managed by Clean Water Services, with three loop trails (Fernhill Lake, Water Garden, Dabblers Marsh), a resident bald eagle pair, active beaver population, and significant waterfox and raptor habitat. ADA-accessible restrooms and covered picnic shelter near parking. May close during Tualatin River flood events. TriMet Line 57 stop approximately 1 mile north on TV Highway.
- ADA Restrooms
- Picnic Shelter
- Viewing Gazebos
- Outdoor Classroom
- Birdwatching
- Photography
Rogers Park (Anna & Abby's Yard)
City park featuring an inclusive Harper's Playground (Anna & Abby's Yard) designed for children of all abilities, plus baseball and softball fields, tennis courts, basketball court, barbecue grills, and restrooms. Located in the Weldun Park neighborhood within walking distance of Pacific University's athletic facilities.
- Inclusive Playground
- Baseball Fields
- Tennis Courts
- Basketball Court
- Restrooms
- Barbecue Grills
Stites Nature Park
Neighborhood nature park with walking paths (paved section added 2025), a community garden managed by Metro, and nature play elements. Located in central Forest Grove near Lincoln Park and Pacific University. A quieter alternative to Rogers Park for walkers and gardeners.
- Walking Paths
- Community Garden
- Nature Play
- Paved Paths
- Native Plants
- Quiet Setting
David Hill Park
Forest Grove's only park with a designated off-leash dog area, plus baseball fields, picnic tables, play structure, playground equipment, restrooms, and a reservable shelter. Located on David Hill Road on the city's west side, providing green space for the hillside and acreage neighborhoods.
- Off-Leash Dog Area
- Baseball Fields
- Playground
- Picnic Tables
- Reservable Shelter
- Restrooms
Healthcare in Forest Grove
Forest Grove's nearest full-service hospital is Hillsboro Medical Center, approximately 15 minutes east on TV Highway. For relocating households, the practical meaning is that routine urgent care and primary care are available in-city through BestMed, Mountain View Medical Center, and the OHSU-partnered Forest Grove Primary Care clinic -- but emergency and surgical care requires the drive to Hillsboro. Pacific University's campus clinics add dental and optometry services that are uncommon in cities this size.
Hillsboro Medical Center
The nearest full-service hospital to Forest Grove, approximately 15 minutes east on TV Highway. Emergency department, maternity, surgical services, and OHSU Health partnership. The primary destination for Forest Grove residents needing emergency or inpatient care.
Visit WebsiteHMC Forest Grove Primary Care
OHSU Health partner clinic recognized as a Tier 5 Patient-Centered Primary Care Home. Serves all ages including prenatal care. Located on Maple Street in central Forest Grove with the same medical network as Hillsboro Medical Center.
Visit WebsiteBestMed Urgent Care Forest Grove
Walk-in urgent care on Pacific Avenue open Monday through Sunday 7 AM-7 PM and weekends 8 AM-5 PM. On-site molecular lab testing including rapid PCR for Flu, COVID-19, and RSV. No appointment needed. Serving Forest Grove since 2008.
Visit WebsiteMountain View Medical Center
Privately owned family medicine practice serving Forest Grove, Cornelius, Hillsboro, and Washington County. Broad array of services beyond routine healthcare. Located on Mountain View Lane near Forest Grove High School.
Visit WebsiteSchools in Forest Grove
Forest Grove School District 15 operates as a single district serving the entire city, so buyers do not need to verify cross-district boundaries. All students feed into Forest Grove High School for grades 9-12. The district's most distinctive program is the annual Viking House project at the high school, where construction CTE students frame a complete single-family home alongside professional contractors. Buyers should confirm individual school boundaries by property address through the district website.
| School | Level | GreatSchools | Niche | Notable Program |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forest Grove High School | 9-12 | 8/10 | B- (Niche) | Early Childhood Education CTE, Viking House construction project |
| Neil Armstrong Middle School | 7-8 | 3/10 | C (Niche) | --- |
| Tom McCall Upper Elementary | 5-6 | --- | C (Niche) | --- |
| Dilley Elementary School | K-4 | --- | B (Niche) | --- |
| Fern Hill Elementary School | PK-6 | 4/10 | --- | Gifted & Talented Program |
| Harvey Clarke Elementary School | K-4 | --- | B (Niche) | --- |
| Forest Grove Community School | 1-8 | --- | B- (Niche) | Alternative K-8 charter |
| Forest Grove School District 15 | K-12 | --- | B- (Niche) | District overview -- 12 schools, ~5,700 students |
Forest Grove High School
Level: 9-12
GreatSchools: 8/10 · Niche: B- (Niche)
Program: Early Childhood Education CTE, Viking House construction project
Neil Armstrong Middle School
Level: 7-8
GreatSchools: 3/10 · Niche: C (Niche)
Program: ---
Tom McCall Upper Elementary
Level: 5-6
GreatSchools: --- · Niche: C (Niche)
Program: ---
Dilley Elementary School
Level: K-4
GreatSchools: --- · Niche: B (Niche)
Program: ---
Fern Hill Elementary School
Level: PK-6
GreatSchools: 4/10 · Niche: ---
Program: Gifted & Talented Program
Harvey Clarke Elementary School
Level: K-4
GreatSchools: --- · Niche: B (Niche)
Program: ---
Forest Grove Community School
Level: 1-8
GreatSchools: --- · Niche: B- (Niche)
Program: Alternative K-8 charter
Forest Grove School District 15
Level: K-12
GreatSchools: --- · Niche: B- (Niche)
Program: District overview -- 12 schools, ~5,700 students
School boundaries shift over time. Verify your specific address assignment at Verify school assignment by address before making a purchase decision based on school access.
GreatSchools ratings and Niche grades are third-party assessments. Verify current ratings directly at GreatSchools and Niche .
Commute & Transit in Forest Grove
Forest Grove sits at the western terminus of the Tualatin Valley Highway corridor, making it the farthest incorporated city from downtown Portland along the US-26 route. The commute math favors buyers who work in the Hillsboro tech corridor (15-20 minutes), can work remotely two or more days per week, or have flexible schedules that avoid the 7:00-8:30 AM peak window through the Sunset Highway tunnel. For hybrid and remote workers, Forest Grove delivers a lower cost of living and genuine wine-country quality of life that no other TV Highway city can match.
| Destination → click for live directions | Best Route | Avg Drive Time | Transit Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Portland | OR-8 E to US-26 E | 37-40 min (can vary to 50-65+ min during peak hours) | Line 57 + MAX Blue Line (~1.5-2 hrs) |
| Hillsboro / Intel Ronler Acres | OR-8 E (TV Highway) | 15-20 min (can vary to ~25 min during peak hours) | TriMet Line 57 (~25-30 min to Hillsboro TC) |
| Beaverton / Nike | OR-8 E to Canyon Rd | 25-30 min (can vary to 35-45 min during peak hours) | TriMet Line 57 to Beaverton TC (~65 min) |
| PDX Airport | US-26 E to I-405 to I-84 E | ~50 min (can vary to 70+ min during peak hours) | Line 57 + MAX Blue/Red Line (~2+ hrs) |
| Tigard | OR-8 E to OR-217 S | 30-35 min (can vary to ~45 min during peak hours) | Drive only practical |
| Oregon Coast (Tillamook) | OR-8 W / Wilson River Hwy | 60-70 min | Drive only |
| Wilsonville | OR-8 E to I-5 S | 40-45 min (can vary to 55+ min during peak hours) | Drive only practical |
| Lake Oswego | OR-8 E to I-5/I-205 | 40-45 min (can vary to 55+ min during peak hours) | Drive only practical |
Downtown Portland
Drive: 37-40 min (can vary to 50-65+ min during peak hours)
Transit: Line 57 + MAX Blue Line (~1.5-2 hrs)
US-26 Sunset tunnel through West Hills is the primary peak-hour bottleneck
Hillsboro / Intel Ronler Acres
Drive: 15-20 min (can vary to ~25 min during peak hours)
Transit: TriMet Line 57 (~25-30 min to Hillsboro TC)
Cornelius Pass intersection is the main congestion point
Beaverton / Nike
Drive: 25-30 min (can vary to 35-45 min during peak hours)
Transit: TriMet Line 57 to Beaverton TC (~65 min)
Canyon Road narrows through Aloha at Murray Blvd intersection
PDX Airport
Drive: ~50 min (can vary to 70+ min during peak hours)
Transit: Line 57 + MAX Blue/Red Line (~2+ hrs)
Allow extra buffer for peak-hour congestion through the Sunset tunnel
Tigard
Drive: 30-35 min (can vary to ~45 min during peak hours)
Transit: Drive only practical
OR-217 southbound adds congestion during PM peak
Oregon Coast (Tillamook)
Drive: 60-70 min
Transit: Drive only
Scenic two-lane highway through the Coast Range; winter conditions can vary
Wilsonville
Drive: 40-45 min (can vary to 55+ min during peak hours)
Transit: Drive only practical
I-5 southbound congestion through Tualatin during PM peak
Lake Oswego
Drive: 40-45 min (can vary to 55+ min during peak hours)
Transit: Drive only practical
Multiple route options via I-5 or I-205; check real-time traffic
Getting Around Without a Car
TriMet Bus Line 57 is Forest Grove's primary transit connection. The route runs every 15 minutes along Tualatin Valley Highway, connecting Forest Grove to Cornelius, Hillsboro Transit Center, Aloha, and Beaverton Transit Center. At Hillsboro TC, riders transfer to the MAX Blue Line for service to downtown Portland, with total trip times of approximately 90 minutes to two hours depending on connections.
The free GroveLink bus operated by Ride Connection provides hourly local service on East and West loops within Forest Grove, connecting residential neighborhoods to the Safeway shopping center, Pacific University, and TV Highway bus stops. The WestLink route extends free service west to Banks and North Plains, though frequency is limited.
Forest Grove Transit Options
Forest Grove does not have MAX light rail or WES commuter rail service. The nearest MAX station is at Hillsboro Transit Center, approximately 10 miles east of downtown Forest Grove. Riders can park at the Hillsboro TC park-and-ride lot and connect to the MAX Blue Line for service to Beaverton, downtown Portland, and the Portland International Airport.
For buyers evaluating car-free living, the downtown core along Main Street and Pacific Avenue offers the highest concentration of walkable destinations -- restaurants, coffee, the university campus, and the farmers market are all accessible on foot from central neighborhoods. Outside the downtown core, a car is necessary for most daily errands.
View TriMet Line 57 schedule →The Local Shortcut
Locals heading east toward Hillsboro during peak hours use Martin Road and Zion Church Road as a bypass around the Cornelius congestion on TV Highway. This route adds a few tenths of a mile but avoids the traffic lights at the TV Highway intersections through downtown Cornelius. Buyers should drive both routes during their target commute window before deciding.
Browse open houses in Forest Grove → | Price-reduced listings →
Major Employers Near Forest Grove
Forest Grove's in-city employment base combines advanced manufacturing (TTM Technologies), higher education (Pacific University), and specialty production (SakeOne). The larger employment story, though, is access to the Hillsboro tech corridor -- Intel's Ronler Acres campus sits approximately 15-20 minutes east on TV Highway, and Nike World Headquarters in Beaverton is approximately 25-30 minutes. Buyers working in these corridors gain the pricing advantage of Forest Grove while keeping commute times under 30 minutes in most conditions.
TTM Technologies
Forest Grove's largest private employer, specializing in advanced printed circuit board manufacturing for aerospace, defense, and technology industries. The Forest Grove facility focuses on mid-and-low-volume production of high-technology PCBs and high-density interconnect expertise.
Pacific University
Private research university founded in 1849 with approximately 3,900 students. Forest Grove's main residential campus offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs in optometry, education, and health professions.
Forest Grove School District 15
Public school district serving approximately 5,700 students across 12 schools. One of the city's largest employers including teachers, staff, and administration.
SakeOne
America's first commercially successful craft sake brewery, producing Oregon-made sake since 1996 using Coast Range mountain water and Sacramento Valley rice. Tasting room and brewery tours open to the public.
City of Forest Grove
Municipal government providing city services including parks and recreation, planning, police, and public works for approximately 27,000 residents.
Intel (Ronler Acres)
Intel's major semiconductor research and manufacturing campus in Hillsboro, one of the largest private employers in Oregon. Accessible via TV Highway from Forest Grove.
Nike World Headquarters
Global headquarters campus for Nike, Inc. in Beaverton. Accessible from Forest Grove via TV Highway and Canyon Road through Aloha.
Hillsboro Medical Center (OHSU)
Full-service hospital and OHSU Health partner in Hillsboro, providing emergency, surgical, and specialty medical services. The nearest hospital to Forest Grove.
Community Events & Culture in Forest Grove
Forest Grove's event calendar reflects a city that takes its community traditions seriously. The Verboort Sausage and Kraut Festival has run for 92 consecutive years, and Pacific University's Luau draws 2,000-plus attendees as one of the largest student-organized cultural events in Oregon. The McMenamins Grand Lodge summer concert series brings national touring acts to a 3,000-capacity outdoor stage on the grounds of a converted 1922 Masonic lodge.
Verboort Sausage & Kraut Festival
92nd year of handmade sausage, sauerkraut, and applesauce served by 850 volunteers at Visitation Catholic Church. First Saturday in November. Includes Dutch-items bazaar, beer garden, family bingo, and bulk sausage sales. 8,000+ dinners served annually.
Forest Grove Uncorked
Downtown Main Street wine, craft brew, spirits, and food festival featuring Willamette Valley wineries, local microbreweries, live music, and fine arts vendors. 21 and over only. A portion of gate proceeds benefits local veteran organizations.
Adelante Farmers Market
Wednesday evening farmers market in downtown Forest Grove running May through October, 4-8 PM. Fresh produce, prepared foods, artisan goods, and community programming. Over 2,500 weekly visitors during peak season.
Sidewalk Chalk Art Festival
Artists of all ages register for a section of downtown sidewalk and spend the day creating chalk masterpieces on hundreds of squares lining the downtown neighborhood. Free to attend and participate.
Corn Roast & Fall Festival
Annual fall celebration on the Pacific University campus featuring roasted corn, live entertainment, and community activities. A Forest Grove tradition marking the transition from summer to harvest season.
All NW Barbershop Ballad Contest
Annual barbershop quartet competition hosted in Forest Grove, drawing performers from across the Pacific Northwest. A longtime community tradition celebrating four-part harmony and vocal performance.
Market Snapshot
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When Forest Grove May Not Be the Right Fit
- You need a walkable downtown for daily errands. Forest Grove's city-wide Walk Score is 43. West Forest Grove / David Hill Area scores a 79, but that walkable radius does not match the density or variety of Lake Oswego's downtown district along A Avenue and State Street, which has grocery, dining, and retail within a compact, connected grid.
- You are commuting daily to Hillsboro and want to avoid OR-217. The OR-217 corridor between Forest Grove and US-26 can add 15-25 minutes during peak hours with no effective surface-street alternative. Beaverton's central and northern neighborhoods sit directly on the MAX Blue Line and US-26, putting Hillsboro employers within 15-20 minutes without touching OR-217.
- You are prioritizing the highest-rated school district in the metro. TTSD is a solid B+ by Niche, ranked #9 in Oregon. Lake Oswego School District holds the #1 ranking with an A+ grade and consistently higher proficiency scores. The median home price difference of $90,000-$190,000 is the cost of that ranking gap.
- You want acreage and rural character within 20 minutes of Portland. Forest Grove's lots range from 3,500 sq ft in South Forest Grove / Dilley Road Area to approximately 15,000 sq ft on North Forest Grove / Verboort. There is no rural or one-acre-plus inventory within city limits. Sherwood's southern and western edges include properties with larger lots and direct proximity to the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge.
- You need MAX Light Rail for a car-free commute. WES Commuter Rail operates weekday rush hours only at approximately 45-minute intervals with no weekend service. Beaverton Transit Center serves both the MAX Blue Line (Hillsboro to Gresham) and Red Line (Beaverton to PDX Airport), providing all-day, seven-day light rail service.
More Resources for Washington County Buyers
Living in Tualatin, Oregon
MAX Blue Line access, Intel and tech-corridor employment, larger retail footprint at Orenco Station and Tanasbourne, and Hillsboro Medical Center -- all approximately 15 minutes east of Forest Grove via TV Highway.
City GuideLiving in Lake Oswego, Oregon
Nike World Headquarters, multiple MAX and WES transit lines, Cedar Hills Crossing shopping, and a 20-25 minute commute to downtown Portland -- the corridor's strongest transit-to-employment connection.
City GuideLiving in Sherwood, Oregon
Unincorporated Washington County community between Hillsboro and Beaverton along TV Highway, offering some of the corridor's most affordable housing with access to both Beaverton and Hillsboro school districts.
City GuideLiving in Portland, Oregon
The full picture on Portland neighborhoods, walkability, and what urban living looks like compared to the suburbs. A useful read before you decide where in the metro to focus your search.
Buyer ResourceHome Buying Process
A step-by-step walkthrough of buying a home in the Portland metro, from pre-approval through closing. No jargon, no gaps -- just what actually happens and when.
Market ReportPortland Metro Market Updates
Monthly data on prices, inventory, and trends across the Portland metro. Where the market stands right now and what it means for buyers actively searching.
About Joe Saling
Joe Saling
Saling Homes at eXp Realty
My job is to educate and advocate -- in that order. Before you make one of the biggest financial decisions of your life, you deserve to understand exactly what you're buying, what the market is doing, and what your options actually are. I bring over 20 years of sales, negotiation, and operations experience to every transaction, and I put all of it to work for you, not for a quick close.
I'm a native Oregonian with a decade of focused experience in the Portland metro. I know these neighborhoods, these schools, and these commutes because I've lived and worked here. My commission is transparent at 2.5%, and I'll walk you through every step so there are no surprises at the closing table -- only confidence.
If you're considering Forest Grove, I'd love to help you figure out which neighborhood fits your life. That starts with a conversation, not a pitch.