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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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Welcome to this beautiful corner lot nestled in one of Forest Grove’s most desirable neighborhoods, where timeless design, thoughtful upgrades, and an exceptional location come together to create a truly special place to call home. Perfectly situated minutes from Forest Grove High School, Pacific University, charming historic downtown, McMenamins Grand Lodge, acclaimed local restaurants.
Some properties simply check the boxes. Others make you slow down, take a deep breath, and imagine a different way of living.Welcome to 10.21 breathtaking acres in the heart of Oregon Wine Country, where panoramic views of three mountains become part of your everyday backdrop. Sip your morning coffee from the wraparound porch, watch the seasons change across the rolling countryside, and enjoy the
2 bed, 1 bath opportunity in Forest Grove! Unit 216 at 3404 19th Ave offers solid bones and great potential for investors or fixer buyers. This home needs TLC and cosmetic updates, making it ideal for buyers looking to add value. Convenient location near Pacific University, downtown Forest Grove shops and dining, parks, and easy access to HWY 26/217. Perfect for investors, contractors, or anyone
Cheri AndersenBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices NW Real Estate
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This home is offered through Seller Financing/Seller Carry or a Rent to Own Contract. Ask your agent for more details. Welcome to this adorable, turn-key home in Forest Grove. Offering a perfect blend of comfort and efficiency, this home features two bedrooms and one full bathroom, with thoughtful updates throughout, including energy-efficient vinyl windows and a modern wall-unit heat pump for
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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
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
Welcome to Forestplace Apartment Homes, your dream community where comfort, leisure, and entertainment are designed with your lifestyle in mind. With a prime location and top-tier amenities, our pet-friendly apartments for rent in Forest Grove, OR, have everything you need to feel right at home.
Current Move in special:Newly Remodeled community in the heart of Forest Grove with spacious 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments.Schedule your appointment with our professional management team today. They would love to show you around, so you can see for yourself why Parkside Apartments is the affordable solution for high quality living.We are pledged to the letter and spirit of
Call/come in to be added to our wait list!!Newly Remodeled community in the heart of Forest Grove with spacious 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments.You will notice immediately that quality is the difference and at a price you can afford.Schedule your appointment with our professional management team today. They would love to show you around, so you can see for yourself why The
Forest Grove townhome, recently fully renovated, 2 bedrooms, 1 1/2 baths, laundry hookups, private fenced patio, newer appliances, and on a quiet dead end street. Family owned and operated. $1650 monthly, $1,000 security deposit, plus last month rent. Contact to schedule tour!
Rent includes utilities.Beautiful woodwork throughout. Bedroom is upstairs with view of Mt Hood. Off street parking. Newly built in 2018. Appliances included. Laundry room, too!
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