Thinking about relocating to Tigard but not sure how the commute, neighborhoods, and search process will fit your life? You are not alone. Moving across town or across the country is a big decision, and you want clarity on daily travel, housing styles, and where to start. This guide gives you a practical overview of Tigard, from commuting options to neighborhood types and a step-by-step search plan you can use right away. Let’s dive in.
Tigard at a glance
Tigard sits in Washington County on Portland’s westside, close to Beaverton, Tualatin, and Sherwood. You have fast access to OR‑217, I‑5, and 99W, which link to downtown Portland and major westside job centers. This westside location makes Tigard popular with commuters who split time between downtown and tech hubs.
If you want a deeper look at city services, parks, development, and maps, explore the official City of Tigard website.
Commute overview
Your commute in Tigard depends on your neighborhood, route, and time of day. Plan around drive times rather than miles, and test your routes during peak hours when possible.
Driving routes to know
- OR‑217 connects Tigard to Beaverton and the westside tech corridor.
- I‑5 runs north to downtown Portland and south toward Wilsonville and beyond.
- 99W (Pacific Highway) moves through central Tigard and toward SW Portland.
- I‑205 offers an eastern bypass if your commute shifts across the river.
Traffic patterns vary by time of day and incident. For current conditions and regional updates, use ODOT resources alongside live map tools when planning your drive.
Transit choices
TriMet runs the regional bus and light-rail system, and Tigard is part of that network. The Westside Express Service (WES) commuter rail links Beaverton and Wilsonville with weekday-only service that many Tigard-area riders use for work trips. Review routes, frequencies, and park-and-ride options on TriMet, and check the WES schedule on the WES Commuter Rail page.
Tip: Consider your “last-mile” plan from the station to your workplace and whether peak/off-peak frequency fits your schedule.
Biking and walking
The Fanno Creek Trail is a well-known multi-use path that connects parks and neighborhoods, and it can factor into shorter commutes or first-and-last mile connections. Terrain varies by area. Flatter corridors tend to be easier for bike commuting, while hill neighborhoods like Bull Mountain can be more challenging.
Set realistic expectations
Average commute times offer context, but your experience will be personal to your route and schedule. For a city-level snapshot, review commute statistics in U.S. Census QuickFacts, then compare with your own test drives. Start with Census QuickFacts for Tigard and layer in your route testing for a clear picture.
Neighborhood styles and housing types
Tigard offers a wide mix of homes, from mid-century streets to newer hillside developments and townhome communities. Use the following styles to narrow your short list.
Mid-century streets and classic homes
You will find bungalows, ranches, and split-levels on modest lots in established neighborhoods. Expect mature trees, older sidewalks, and a traditional suburban feel. These areas often appeal if you like character homes and established blocks.
Bull Mountain and hillside living
Bull Mountain and nearby hill neighborhoods feature later-era suburban development, including many 1990s–2000s builds. You will see larger lots, some views, and a range of floor plans. Many communities here include HOAs, so review rules and fees during your search.
Downtown and near-core Tigard
Close to the civic center and transit, you will see smaller lots, older single-family homes, townhomes, and multifamily buildings. This area puts you near local restaurants, services, and popular parks like Cook Park. It is a good fit if you want proximity to transit and community amenities.
Newer subdivisions and infill
On the edges of Tigard and in select infill pockets, you will find newer single-family homes on smaller footprints and townhome developments. Many of these communities are HOA managed and may include shared green spaces or small amenities. Review CC&Rs early to ensure lifestyle and budget fit.
Condos and apartments along corridors
You will see clusters of condos and apartments along major arterials and near shopping centers. Proximity to corridors can improve transit access and retail convenience.
Retail, parks, and everyday convenience
Regional shopping hubs nearby include Washington Square and Bridgeport Village on the Tigard–Tualatin line. For time outdoors, explore Cook Park and the Fanno Creek Trail system. City park details and trail maps are available through the City of Tigard.
Schools and attendance boundaries
Tigard is primarily served by the Tigard-Tualatin School District. Attendance boundaries can affect your home search, so confirm addresses on the district site and review state report cards for data. Start with the Tigard-Tualatin School District and the Oregon Department of Education for school profiles and accountability reports. Use neutral data points and visit schools directly to evaluate fit.
Safety and city services
Safety and neighborhood character vary by area. To review local statistics and resources, consult the Tigard Police Department. Combine official data with on-the-ground visits at different times of day to understand street-level context.
Your Tigard home search plan
Use this five-phase plan to move from research to keys-in-hand with less stress.
Phase 1: Define your priorities
- Set your budget range and comfort zone.
- Decide your maximum door-to-door commute time and preferred mode.
- List bedroom count, bath count, and lot-size preferences.
- Note access needs for parks, trails, shopping, and healthcare.
- Decide how you feel about HOAs and any rules that matter to you.
Phase 2: Research and compare neighborhoods
- Build a short list of 3 to 5 areas that match your lifestyle.
- Compare housing types, commute routes, transit access, and park access.
- Review school attendance areas through TTSD and data through the Oregon Department of Education.
- Check property taxes and assessments with Washington County Assessment and Taxation.
- Note utilities, HOA fees, and any environmental overlays like floodplains near the Tualatin River.
- Scan city planning pages on the City of Tigard for development or road projects that could affect livability.
Phase 3: Get financial and timing ready
- Secure full mortgage pre-approval, not just prequalification.
- Set your down payment plan and understand closing costs.
- Discuss contingency strength with your lender and agent based on current market conditions.
- Plan relocation logistics, including interim housing, storage, school enrollment timelines, and pet or vehicle needs.
Phase 4: Tour and verify
- Group showings by geography to save time.
- Drive your top commute routes at peak hours before making an offer.
- Order inspections that match the property type and age. Prioritize roof, sewer, mechanicals, pest, and moisture.
- Verify permits and any additions through city records on the City of Tigard site.
Phase 5: Offer and close
- Craft an offer strategy based on current comps and seller expectations.
- Align earnest money, timelines, and contingencies with your risk tolerance.
- Coordinate movers, utilities, mail forwarding, and school registration to avoid gaps.
Commute mapping you can do today
Use this quick exercise to set realistic expectations before you tour.
- Pick four destinations that matter to you, such as downtown Portland, Beaverton and the Nike area, Hillsboro and the Intel corridor, and Lake Oswego.
- Map routes from at least two Tigard neighborhoods you like, including one closer to OR‑217 and one farther from freeways.
- Check both a typical weekday peak and a mid-day off-peak window.
- Build a shortlist based on the routes that feel predictable and manageable.
- Cross-check longer trips with ODOT updates during your test windows.
How we help you relocate with confidence
A clear plan and local guidance will save you time and stress. If you want hands-on support, virtual tours, and a search strategy tailored to your commute and lifestyle, connect with Ty Lankheet for a friendly, no-pressure conversation about your move.
FAQs
How long is the commute from Tigard to downtown Portland?
- It depends on your exact route and time of day; test your drive during peak hours and use ODOT and live maps for current conditions.
Is public transit a realistic option for Tigard commuters?
- For many riders, yes; review routes on TriMet and the weekday-only WES Commuter Rail schedule to see if frequency and transfers work for you.
Which Tigard areas tend to have newer homes?
- Hill neighborhoods like Bull Mountain and peripheral subdivisions often include newer construction, while older core areas offer more mid-century homes.
Are there walkable areas in Tigard?
- Downtown and near-core pockets have more walkable access to services and transit, while many suburban areas are car dependent; try walking your target blocks to gauge daily convenience.
How do I confirm school boundaries and compare data in Tigard?
- Use the Tigard-Tualatin School District for attendance maps and the Oregon Department of Education for report cards, then visit schools to assess fit.
