A rural atmosphere and easy freeway access in North Plains
North Plains is around 18 miles west of downtown Portland, a quaint, rural community known for its tight-knit community and small-town charm. The town has quiet streets surrounded by rolling hills and farmland, while U.S. Route 26 provides a direct route to downtown in less than 30 minutes. “You have high value, rural properties in North Plains, but you’re close to the freeway so it’s easy to reach nearby commercial areas and large employers,” says Jason Merritt, a North Plains resident and real estate agent with HomeSmart Realty Group. “A lot of people that live here commute to Portland for work or the Intel campus in Hillsboro.”
New developments meet established homes
The population continues to increase with brand new homes on the north side of town and continued development. South of North Avenue, ranch-style homes, bungalows and modern traditional builds were largely built between the mid 20th century and the early 2000s, with some dating back to the 1920s and ‘30s. Quarter-acre properties are dotted with mature pine and oak trees, and fenced-in backyards are common throughout town. “It’s a quiet and safe community,” says Merritt. “People enjoy the rural setting and being away from downtown while still within a short drive.”
Move-in-ready, ranch-style homes, bungalows and craftsman-style builds range from $425,000 to $675,000. Brand new craftsman and modern-traditional homes can be found in the Brynhill and Sunset Ridge neighborhoods, with prices ranging from $500,000 to $800,000. Manufactured homes sell from $300,000 to $400,000.
Local public schools and community programs at the North Plains Library
Kindergarten through sixth-grade students can attend North Plains Elementary School or Atfalati Ridge Elementary School, which earn B and B-plus overall grades from Niche, respectively. The B-rated Evergreen Middle School is a 5-mile drive south in Hillsboro and has a long catalog of unique elective courses, from Teen Survival to 21st Century Skills. Glencoe High School also receives a B and partners with Portland Community College and Western Oregon University for its dual credit offerings.
The North Plains Library sits near the center of town and hosts community programs including English-language workshops, educational presentations and storytimes.
Commercial Street small businesses
Commercial Street serves as the area’s local business hub, with small businesses standing across from a colorful mural representing the history of North Plains. Rogue Brew Pub & Eatery serves burgers, sandwiches and wings along with locally brewed craft beer and live music three nights a week. Across the street, Abbey Creek Winery offers tastings and wine-making demonstrations during harvest season. The Old Hich’en Post Restaurant serves brunch, pub fare and draft beer that can be enjoyed alongside a round of pool. For groceries, Hillsboro is home to both a Safeway and WinCo Foods.
Town parks and annual events in North Plains
There are a handful of public greenspaces in North Plains, including Jessie Mays Community Park, which has open field space, a playground and facilities for tennis, basketball and baseball. The Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club features two 18-hole courses and has played host to victories by golf legends such as Tiger Woods and Nancy Lopez. Henry Hagg Lake is around 20 miles southwest of the community and has boat launches, hiking trails and popular fishing spots.
Murals bring color to North Plains’ downtown district, while community programs and annual events bring locals together. “There are tons of events put on by the town,” Merritt says. “Most people learn about events coming up by a big banner stretched across the street, whether it's a holiday celebration or an ice cream social.” The Elephant Garlic Festival spans three days during the second weekend of August each year with food and craft vendors, a parade, live music and a reptile show. Other annual events include a city-wide garage sale, an Independence Day celebration and a strawberry shortcake feast.
Driving to Portland and West Link bus routes
U.S. Route 26 lies just south of town and spans around 18 miles southeast to downtown Portland. Portland International Airport is roughly 30 miles east. West Link provides free bus service to nearby communities including Hillsboro, Banks and Forest Grove.
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Written By
Jillian Pillow
