So you’re thinking about moving to Tigard? First off, good choice! I’ve helped dozens of families relocate to this gem on the west side of Portland, and most of them wonder why they didn’t move here sooner.
Look, moving to a new city comes with a ton of questions. What’s the community like? Can I afford to live there? Will I find good job opportunities? Is it safe for my family? Will I actually enjoy living there?
I get it. Relocating is a big life decision, and you want to make sure you’re not just jumping into something that looks good on paper but doesn’t match your lifestyle.
That’s exactly why I put together this guide. I want to walk you through everything you need to know about Tigard before you start packing those boxes and hiring movers. By the time you finish reading, you’ll have a much clearer picture of whether Tigard is the right fit for you.
A Brief Overview About Tigard, Oregon
Tigard sits just southwest of Portland in Washington County. With around 55,000 residents, it strikes that sweet spot between small-town charm and having everything you need within reach.
The city got its name from Wilson M. Tigard, who settled in the area back in 1852. Since then, it’s grown from a small farming community into a thriving suburban city with its own distinct personality.
Tigard has this perfect location advantage. You’re just 20 minutes from downtown Portland, but you’ve got all the perks of suburban living. The neighborhoods are tree-lined and peaceful, while still giving you quick access to major highways like I-5 and 217.
One thing that locals love about Tigard is Cook Park, a massive 79-acre park along the Tualatin River where you can do everything from fishing to playing baseball. There’s also the hot air balloon festival that happens every year, which is an absolute must-see.
Washington Square Mall is right here too, giving you access to about 200 stores without having to venture too far from home. And if you’re into wine, you’re just a short drive from some amazing Willamette Valley vineyards.
The downtown area on Main Street isn’t huge, but it’s got enough local shops, coffee spots, and restaurants to give you that small-town community feel. They hold a seasonal farmers market there too, which is a great way to meet your neighbors while picking up some fresh local produce.
Things To Consider Before Moving to Tigard in Oregon
Assess Cost of Living
Before starting the process, assessing the costs involved in a long-distance Tigard moving plan is essential
Overall, Tigard comes in about 25% higher than the national average for cost of living. But wait, don’t let that scare you off just yet! There are some financial perks to living here that help balance things out.
For starters, Oregon has no sales tax. That’s right, what you see on the price tag is what you pay. If you’re coming from a state with high sales tax like Washington or California, you’ll notice the difference immediately when shopping for furniture for your new place.
Groceries in Tigard run pretty close to the national average. A gallon of milk costs around $3.50, a loaf of bread about $3.75. Nothing that’s going to break the bank there.
Utilities for a standard two-bedroom home typically cost around $150-200 per month. Internet service runs about $60-80 monthly depending on your speed needs.
Gas prices? Well, they’re generally higher than the national average by about 20-30 cents per gallon. But if you’re working remotely or have a short commute, that might not impact your budget too much.
Healthcare costs come in slightly above the national average, but Washington County has some excellent medical facilities. Providence and Legacy both have good healthcare options nearby.
The thing that really drives up the cost of living is housing, which we’ll dive into more deeply in a bit. But just know that your housing dollar doesn’t stretch quite as far here as it might in, say, Texas or North Carolina.
Do Research on Job Market and Employment Opportunities
Tigard’s job market is actually one of its strongest selling points. The unemployment rate typically stays below the national average, hovering around 3.5% compared to the national 4-5%.
If you work in tech, you’re in luck. Tigard sits right next to what locals call the “Silicon Forest” area that includes Beaverton and Hillsboro. Major employers like Intel, Nike, and Mentor Graphics are all a short drive away.
I had clients move here last year who both worked for Intel. Their commute from Tigard was just 15 minutes, which was a huge quality of life improvement from their previous 45-minute drive.
Healthcare is another strong industry here. Providence Health & Services and Legacy Health both employ thousands in the area. If you’re in medical billing, nursing, or any healthcare profession, you’ll find plenty of opportunities.
Retail jobs are plentiful thanks to Washington Square Mall and the various shopping centers throughout the city. These are great options for second incomes or part-time work.
Education jobs are stable too, with the Tigard-Tualatin School District employing over 1,000 people. Portland Community College also has a campus nearby.
Average salaries in Tigard run about $65,000 per year, which is above the national average but necessary given the housing costs.
Remote work is increasingly popular here too. I’ve noticed more and more of my clients are moving to Tigard with jobs they can do from anywhere. The city has good internet infrastructure, and there are several coworking spaces if you need to get out of the house.
Just remember that Oregon has a state income tax that ranges from 4.75% to 9.9%. If you’re coming from a state without income tax like Washington or Texas, factor that into your salary expectations.
Understand the Housing Market
Now for the big one. Housing in Tigard is definitely a major consideration for anyone looking to move here.
The median home price in Tigard currently sits at around $600,000 for a detached single-family home. That gets you typically a 3-bedroom, 2-bath house in a decent neighborhood. Not too shabby, but definitely an investment.
If you’re looking at newer construction, expect to pay between $600,000 to $800,000 for a nicely appointed home. I was just showing some new builds to clients last weekend, and they were impressed with what they could get in that price range.
Bull Mountain is one of the premium neighborhoods in Tigard. It’s where a lot of executives and higher-income professionals live. Homes there range from $700,000 all the way up to multi-million dollar properties. The big draw? Many of these homes have territorial views that are amazing during those rainy winter months when having a vista can really brighten your mood.
If you’re open to older homes that need some TLC, you can find ranch-style 3-bed, 2-bath homes in the $500,000 range. Great opportunities for sweat equity there if you’re handy or don’t mind managing some renovations.
For renters, a one-bedroom apartment averages around $1,500 per month, while two-bedrooms go for about $1,800-2,000. Not cheap, but still better than downtown Portland prices.
One thing to note about new construction in Tigard: the yards tend to be smaller than what you might expect if you’re coming from other parts of the country. Builders are trying to maximize their lots, so don’t expect sprawling backyards unless you’re buying at the higher end of the market.
Property taxes run about 1.25% of assessed value annually. On a $600,000 home, that’s around $7,500 per year. Oregon property taxes aren’t the highest in the nation, but they’re definitely not the lowest either.
The good news is that home values in Tigard have remained strong. Even during market downturns, this area tends to hold value better than many other Portland suburbs.
Choose a Reliable Moving Service
Getting your stuff to Tigard is going to be a big part of your moving budget, so this deserves some attention.
Local moves within Oregon typically cost between $1,500-3,000 depending on how much stuff you have. If you’re coming from out of state, expect to pay anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000 for a full-service move.
I always tell my clients to get at least three quotes from moving companies. The pricing can vary wildly, and sometimes the middle quote offers the best value.
Some reliable local moving companies include Oregon Moving & Storage, PDX Movers, and Bridgetown Moving. They all know the area well and understand the challenges of moving into different Tigard neighborhoods.
If you’re coming from out-of-state, look at companies like United Van Lines, Mayflower, or Allied. They have the infrastructure to handle long-distance moves efficiently.
When scheduling your move, try to avoid the end of the month if possible. Moving companies are typically busiest then, and you might end up paying premium rates.
Weather is another consideration. Moving during the rainy season (November through March) can be challenging. Not only might your belongings get wet during loading and unloading, but the traffic on I-5 or 217 can be much worse when it’s raining.
Summer is the most popular time to move here, with July and August being peak months. If you can schedule your move for spring or fall, you might save some money and avoid the rush.
Don’t forget to budget for packing materials. A 3-bedroom house typically requires about $300-500 worth of boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and other supplies. Some moving companies will include these in their quote, while others charge extra.
Last tip on moving services. Ask if they’re familiar with Tigard specifically. A good local mover will know which apartment buildings have challenging access points or which neighborhoods have tight streets that might be difficult for large moving trucks.
Understand the Taxes and Financial Considerations
Taxes aren’t the most exciting topic, but they’ll definitely impact your bottom line in Tigard.
Oregon has a progressive state income tax ranging from 4.75% to 9.9%. If you earn over $125,000 as an individual or $250,000 filing jointly, you’ll hit that top bracket. That’s considerably higher than many states.
The lack of sales tax does help offset this somewhat. When you’re furnishing a new home or buying a car, that savings can be substantial. I had clients move here from Washington state who saved almost $3,000 in sales tax when they bought a new car after relocating.
Property taxes in Washington County average about 1.25% of assessed value annually. The good news is that Oregon has property tax increase limitations, so your taxes can’t go up more than 3% per year in most cases.
Vehicle registration is relatively affordable at around $120 for two years for most passenger vehicles. There’s also a one-time title transfer fee of $95 when you move from out of state.
One financial benefit of living in Tigard is lower utility costs compared to other parts of the country. Our moderate climate means lower heating and cooling bills. Most homes don’t even have air conditioning, though that’s changing with warmer summers in recent years.
Banking is convenient in Tigard with multiple credit unions and banks to choose from. OnPoint Community Credit Union and Columbia Bank both have branches in town and offer competitive rates on mortgages and other loans.
Insurance costs are middle-of-the-road. Home insurance runs about $800-1,200 annually for a typical house, while auto insurance averages around $1,200 per year per vehicle.
One final financial consideration is childcare costs if you have young children. Full-time daycare in Tigard averages about $1,200-1,500 per month per child. That’s higher than the national average but on par with other Portland suburbs.
Conclusion
So is Tigard the right place for you? Like most life decisions, it depends on what you’re looking for.
If you value a strong job market, good schools, beautiful parks, and a safe community with that perfect blend of suburban living and urban access, Tigard checks all those boxes. The location is just about perfect for anyone who wants to be close to Portland without living in the city itself.
Sure, you’ll deal with some traffic during rush hour, limited nightlife options, and those cloudy winter days. The cost of living is higher than the national average, with housing being the biggest expense. But compared to many West Coast cities, Tigard still offers decent value.
I’ve helped dozens of families move to Tigard over the years, and the vast majority love it here. There’s a reason why people who move to Tigaard tend to stay in Tigard.
Before making your final decision, I’d recommend visiting for a few days if possible. Drive around different neighborhoods, check out Cook Park, browse the shops on Main Street, and try to picture your daily life here. And if you’re serious about moving, test that commute during rush hour!
Moving to a new city is always an adventure, but with the right preparation, your transition to Tigard can be smooth and exciting. Whether you’re coming for a job opportunity, for family, or just for a change of pace, Tigard welcomes you with open arms and plenty of Pacific Northwest charm.
If you have any specific questions about neighborhoods, schools, or anything else Tigard-related, feel free to reach out. I’m always happy to help folks find their perfect spot in this wonderful community.
