Though widely considered a college town because of Pacific University, Forest Grove has evolved into a city of about 26,000 with a growing downtown and a happening schedule of community events. “It’s still pretty vibrant [during school breaks] because of all of the families,” says Nicole Ellis, a real estate agent with John L. Scott Market Center who has lived in Forest Grove for almost three decades. “We do feel graduation because all of the students’ families come in, which brings in a ton of business for the weekend.”
Industries with the highest employment include healthcare and social assistance, educational services and manufacturing. Pacific University makes up a significant portion of the job market, and TTM Technologies, which produces high technology printed circuit boards (PCBs), is one of the city’s largest manufacturers.
Forest Grove is widely known for Pacific University and has a growing downtown shopping and dining scene.
Pacific University makes up a significant portion of the job market in Forest Grove.
1/2
Pacific University began as a school for orphans
The Forest Grove School District earns an overall B-minus grade from Niche and serves about 5,700 students across 12 schools. Forest Grove High School, also maintaining a B-minus, offers an array of career and technical education classes, including construction tech and cabinetry, mechatronics engineering and visual arts. Advanced construction students can apply for the annual Viking House project, in which they will build a single-family home with the help of a professional crew. Professionals like electricians and plumbers perform more specialized tasks, while 16 high school students complete most of the framing, flooring and cabinetry.
Pacific University is the top private research school in the Pacific Northwest, with origins as a school for orphans of Oregon Trail pioneers. The university’s Forest Grove location is its main residential campus, offering undergraduate degrees, as well as Master’s- and doctorate-level education in optometry, business and education.
Forest Grove High School earns a B-minus and offers an array of career and technical education classes.
Pacific University is the top private research school in the Pacific Northwest.
1/2
One of few premier vintage car shows
Pacific University is also the setting of one of the city’s best-known events: the Concours d’Elegance—one of four premier vintage car shows in the country. Classic pre- and post-World War II automobiles have been the event's highlight since its beginnings in 1973.
The Annual Sidewalk Chalk Art Festival and Corn Roast are the city’s signature September celebrations. Originally organized to introduce new educators to the community and celebrate the harvest season, these events feature fire-roasted corn and rentable sidewalk squares with chalk masterpieces.
Downtown improvement initiative launched in 2024
Downtown Forest Grove has a collection of restaurants, coffee shops, antique and specialty stores, spas and galleries. Black Dog Bar and Grill specializes in slow-smoked barbecue dishes, and Cornerstone Pub and Grill has one of the largest beer selections in the area. The David Hill Vineyards and Winery offers tastings of its signature Pinot Noir paired with charcuterie boards. The Forest Grove Farmers Market coincides with the city’s monthly First Wednesday market, where shoppers can browse fresh produce, prepared foods and artisan goods on Wednesday evenings from May through October. “Those months are very vibrant and busy,” Ellis says.
The Forest Grove Glow Up initiative, funded by Main Street America and began in 2024, aims to improve downtown. “We’re taking the initial steps to make our downtown more walkable, more park-able and more city-friendly so people want to spend their time and money there,” Ellis says, who is also on the city’s planning commission and part of the City Club of Forest Grove Board of Directors.
Valley Art houses art classes and has showecased local artists for 56 years in Forest Grove.
Black Dog Bar and Grill specializes in slow-smoked barbecue dishes.
1/2
Community parks equipped for various sports
The Fernhill Wetlands are a serene respite from the steady rhythm of suburban Forest Grove. Additionally, the natural area functions as a cutting-edge wastewater treatment center, filtering water to nearby farms for irrigation. Designated as an Important Bird Area, the wetlands are home to swallows, Canada geese, bald eagles and herons, beavers, coyotes and other water-loving wildlife.
Four community parks are scattered throughout the city. Thatcher Park is equipped with baseball fields, a soccer field, picnic tables and a playground, as well as an off-leash area for dogs. Lincoln Park is designed for athletes, with a soccer field, track, BMX course, skatepark and baseball fields.
Spot a Great Blue Heron at the Fernhill Wetlands in Forest Grove.
Athletes enjoy the many sports facilities at Lincoln Park, namely its large skatepark and dirt bike course.
1/2
Original Craftsman homes and new traditional renditions
New traditional homes—many with Craftsman touches—sit behind well-maintained sidewalks and neatly manicured lawns. Original Craftsman homes built before 1930 are concentrated closer to the gridded streets of downtown Forest Grove, while split-level and ranch-style homes from the 1960s and 1970s are sprinkled throughout the city. The median single-family home sales price in the city hovers at $570,000, comparable to Portland’s median of $580,000. Home prices are dropping at a yearly rate of 3% in the city, spending seven days longer on the market than the national average.
Forest Grove is bursting at its edges with new build communities that feature new traditional Craftsman styles.
Original Craftsman homes built before 1930 are concentrated around downtown Forest Grove.
1/2
Local and regional public transportation from Ride Connection
Oregon state Route 26 leads to downtown Portland, about 27 miles—or 35 minutes, depending on traffic—away. It also connects to Oregon state Route 47, which skirts around the city of Forest Grove. Pacific Avenue, the city’s main thoroughfare, is lined with restaurants and retail. As it continues east, it serves as a main thoroughfare in both neighboring Cornelius and downtown Hillsboro.
Ride Connection provides several public transportation options throughout Forest Grove. The GroveLink West and East loops offer hourly service throughout respective sides of the city, while the WestLink is a free route to the communities of Banks, North Plains and Hillsboro.
Forest Grove’s falling violent and property crime rates
Crime rates in Forest Grove have fallen since 2020, and the city’s property crime rates have largely stayed below the state average. Theft reports decreased by about 15% from 2019 to 2023—falling from 469 cases reported to 398—while reports of assault trended down by almost 29%.
Forest Grove residents enjoy a temperate climate with four seasons, though fall and winter tend to be rainy.
Written By
Julia Straka
Photography Contributed By
Elizabeth James
Video By
Peter Medawar
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Wendy Foster,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Forest Grove, OR sell after 59 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Forest Grove, OR over the last 12 months is $539,900, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Owned by a meticulous craftsman from the building trades, this extraordinarily well maintained home on a lovely oversize lot is situated in an established neighborhood. High School, Elementary School, University, and Lincoln Park are all within 1 mile and the town center not much farther. Subject to constant improvement by the now retired owner, the home has updates everywhere: floors, counters,
This beautifully updated home offers 3 spacious bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and a thoughtfully designed layout filled with modern upgrades and timeless charm. Downstairs showcases brand-new LVP flooring, while the upstairs offers all-new carpet and fresh interior paint, creating a warm and welcoming feel throughout. The fully remodeled kitchen is a true highlight, featuring new cabinetry, sleek
Spacious 8-Bedroom Custom Home on a Quiet, Safe Street – Fully Remodeled, Versatile Layout, and Ideal for Large Families, Care Facilities, or Investment! This thoughtfully designed and fully remodeled home (2019) offers exceptional space, comfort, and flexibility with 8 spacious bedrooms and 3.1 bathrooms—perfect for assisted living, or rental income opportunities. Located in a peaceful and
Welcome to the most charming home on the block - where historic character meets thoughtful modern updates! This home lives large thanks to its practical floorplan and fully optimized indoor and outdoor spaces. Step into a light-filled living room with picturesque views of the lush, private backyard. The heart of the home is the dream-worthy kitchen, with all-new appliances, induction cook-top, a
Discover one of the last large, in-town properties in the heart of Forest Grove! This beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 1-bath home sits on 1.38 acres and features modern upgrades including new electrical panel, light fixtures, flooring, windows, furnace, and fresh interior/exterior paint. The detached 2-car garage includes a finished 14’x19’ office with laundry and a dog grooming tub—perfect for a
Tucked away in a hidden gem neighborhood, this spacious home sits on a private and secluded .34-acre lot surrounded by mature fruit trees and a fully fenced yard. With RV parking, an extended concrete patio featuring a hot tub and basketball hoop, and a large deck offering scenic views, this property is perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Inside, the versatile floor plan includes 4 bedrooms and
No attention to detail was spared in the construction of Jesse Quinn. Stunning lobby, open air courtyard, cutting edge amenities, and our dedicated staff contribute to a higher standard of living. You’ll enjoy contemporary urban living in the heart of Forest Grove, a vibrant historic district with an abundance of social, cultural, and recreational activities. Pedestrian friendly and inviting,
Welcome to The Reserve at Fernhill, a community where modern design and serene surroundings come together to redefine apartment living in Forest Grove. Whether you’re looking for the perfect retreat or a dynamic hub for your active lifestyle, The Reserve has everything you need to feel at home.?Nestled just minutes from local wineries, Pacific University, and the natural beauty of the
The Boxer is a charming, court-style apartment community located steps from Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon. Lincoln Park borders the property with walking paths weaving around Pacific University’s baseball fields and Hanson Stadium. Just 25 miles west of Portland, Forest Grove is a small, historic college town that enjoys life at a leisurely pace. Join the comfortable residential
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
