Best Portland Suburbs for Families (and Why Hillsboro and Beaverton Stand Out)
Portland Suburb Match
Set how much each factor matters to your family and where you commute. Your top four Portland suburbs update instantly.
Scores use our editorial ratings, relative within the Portland metro, from moving families across these suburbs since 2006. Check current school ratings, home prices, and commute times for your exact address.
Portland Suburbs at a Glance
School districts, housing, and main routes for the ten suburbs families ask us about most.
| Suburb | School district | Housing | Main routes and employers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hillsboro | Hillsboro SD (parts in Beaverton SD) | Mixed: lofts to new builds | Intel, MAX Blue Line |
| Beaverton | Beaverton SD | Established and newer | Nike, Hwy 26 and 217, MAX |
| Lake Oswego | Lake Oswego SD | Higher-priced, lake and wooded lots | I-5, Hwy 43 |
| West Linn | West Linn-Wilsonville SD | Wooded, single-family | I-205 |
| Tigard | Tigard-Tualatin SD | Established single-family | I-5, Hwy 217, WES |
| Tualatin | Tigard-Tualatin SD | Mixed, river neighborhoods | I-5, WES |
| Happy Valley | North Clackamas SD | Newer, larger lots | I-205, Hwy 212 |
| Sherwood | Sherwood SD | Newer subdivisions | Hwy 99W |
| Gresham | Gresham-Barlow and others | More affordable, varied | MAX Blue Line, I-84 |
| Camas, WA | Camas SD | Newer and established | Hwy 14, I-205 |
Moving With Kids: Timeline
Tap a stage for the family-specific steps that make the move easier on everyone.
- Check school enrollment dates and the documents your new district requires.
- Book movers early if you are moving in summer, when family moves peak.
- Tour neighborhoods with kids on a weekend to see parks and playgrounds.
- Request school records from the current school.
- Let kids pack a few boxes of their own and label them.
- Arrange childcare or a sitter for moving day.
- Pack a first-night bag for each child with pajamas, a favorite toy, and snacks.
- Keep kids and pets in one safe room or with a sitter while the crew works.
- Set up the kids' beds first so the first night feels normal.
- Enroll in school and register for parks and recreation programs.
- Find the nearest pediatrician, library, and playground.
- Keep routines like bedtimes the same to help kids settle in.
Family Suburb Questions
What is the best Portland suburb for families?
There is no single best, but Hillsboro, Beaverton, Lake Oswego, West Linn, and Camas come up most often. Hillsboro and Beaverton balance schools, parks, jobs, and price, Lake Oswego and West Linn lead on schools at a higher cost, and Camas adds Washington's no-income-tax status.
What are the most affordable family-friendly suburbs near Portland?
Gresham is the most affordable large suburb, and parts of Hillsboro, Tigard, and Happy Valley offer good value compared with Lake Oswego and West Linn. Prices change quickly, so compare current listings in each area.
Which Portland suburbs have the best parks?
Beaverton stands out because the Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation District runs a large network of parks, pools, and trails. Lake Oswego, Camas, Sherwood, and Hillsboro also have strong parks and outdoor access.
Is it better to live in Oregon or Washington near Portland?
Washington suburbs like Camas and Vancouver have no state income tax, but Oregon still taxes wages earned in Oregon, and Washington has sales tax. Families who work in Washington or work remotely often benefit most from the Washington side.
When is the best time to move with kids?
Early summer is the most popular time, because it avoids changing schools mid-year and gives kids time to settle in. It is also the busiest season for movers, so book six to eight weeks ahead.
How do I choose between Hillsboro and Beaverton?
Hillsboro is usually a better fit if you work at or near Intel, want newer homes, or want more space for the money. Beaverton suits families who want a central location, the large parks district, and a shorter drive to Portland.