Tualatin OR​

Tualatin, Oregon – A hidden gem just south of Portland, Tualatin blends small-town charm with modern living. Known for its beautiful parks, friendly neighborhoods, and vibrant community events, this thriving city is a perfect mix of nature and convenience. Whether you're kayaking on the Tualatin River, shopping at Bridgeport Village, or exploring local wineries, there's always something relaxing, fun, or inspiring to do here.

• Population: ~27,000
• Weather: Mild and wet winters, warm dry summers (35–85°F); perfect for year-round outdoor activities.
• Places To Visit: Tualatin River Greenway, Bridgeport Village, Tualatin Community Park, Nyberg Woods Shopping Center, and Tualatin Heritage Center.
• Top Activities: Paddleboarding along the river, biking through scenic trails, wine tasting in nearby vineyards, attending the Tualatin Crawfish Festival, and family picnicking in local parks.
• Famous Food: Wood-fired pizza from Pizzario, Northwest salmon dishes at local bistros, handcrafted coffee from Lionheart Coffee Co., and fresh market finds at the Tualatin Farmers Market.

Tualatin, Oregon, located just southwest of Portland, is a thriving suburb with a balanced mix of industry, retail, and professional services. Its economy is largely driven by manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics, thanks to its strategic position near major highways and tech hubs. If you're considering a career change or starting out professionally in Tualatin, here are some of the top jobs to explore.

Top 5 Jobs in Tualatin, OR

Tualatin, OR may be a small city, but it packs in more charm and chill spots than you’d expect. Whether you’re a high school student looking for a weekend hangout or a college student needing a study break, Tualatin has plenty of relaxing, fun places to spend time without straying too far from home.

Tualatin Commons – Think of it as Tualatin's chill central. This scenic lakeside plaza has walkable trails, open green space, and water views that make it perfect for unwinding. Grab a coffee from nearby, sit by the water, and watch the ducks do their thing—simple, peaceful, and free.

Bridgeport Village – If retail therapy or people-watching is your idea of fun, Bridgeport is the place to be. This open-air mall is not just for shopping; it's got cozy cafes, movie nights at Century Theatres, and plenty of spots to sit and hang out with your crew. Great vibe, even if you’re just window shopping.

Cook Park – Located along the Tualatin River, Cook Park is a student favorite for picnics, Frisbee, or just laying back on a blanket with headphones in. The park also has sports fields and trails, so whether you feel like being active or lazy, it’s got you covered.

Bullwinkle’s Entertainment – Sometimes, you just need to let loose—and Bullwinkle’s totally delivers. With go-karts, laser tag, mini golf, and arcade games, it’s the ultimate fun zone for students needing a break from books or boredom. Perfect for group hangouts or weekend laughs.

Stash Tea Store – Yes, it’s technically a tea shop, but it’s also a cool, unexpected gem. Explore unique flavors, sip delicious samples, and even join a tasting event. It’s chill, it smells amazing inside, and it offers a nice calming escape when life feels frantic.

Nyberg Woods – Another great shopping area, but it’s more low key than Bridgeport. There are laid-back spots to eat, swing by Dutch Bros for a treat, and plenty of room to walk and talk. It’s casual, convenient, and a great way to recharge during a study break.

Coffee Lake Natural Area – For the students who love nature (and maybe, need a phone break), this hidden spot offers quiet trails and a peaceful vibe. Bring a journal, camera, or just your thoughts—it’s a great reminder to slow down sometimes.

At the end of the day, you don’t have to go far to relax, laugh, and connect with friends in Tualatin. The best places are often the ones that feel easy and welcoming—and this city has plenty of those.

Nestled just outside Portland, Tualatin, Oregon, boasts a strategic location that puts students within reach of some of the Pacific Northwest’s most respected colleges and universities. Whether you’re seeking the affordability of public education or the close-knit communities of private colleges, there are excellent options nearby. Here’s a closer look at the top public and private colleges and universities serving students in and around Tualatin, OR.

Top Public Colleges & Universities Near Tualatin, OR

Portland State University (PSU) – Located only 15 miles north of Tualatin, PSU is Oregon’s most prominent urban public university. It’s renowned for its research programs, vibrant campus life, and strong areas like business, engineering, urban planning, and sustainability.

Oregon State University (OSU) – Portland Campus – With a satellite campus in Portland, OSU brings its outstanding engineering, business, and technology programs closer to Tualatin’s community. It’s a great choice for transfer and graduate students.

Clackamas Community College (CCC) – Just a short drive southeast in Oregon City, CCC offers high-quality associate degrees, technical programs, and transfer pathways that make college affordable and accessible for Tualatin residents.

Portland Community College (PCC) – Sylvania Campus – PCC’s Sylvania Campus is a major hub for career training, transfer degrees, and adult education. It’s the largest community college in Oregon and welcomes thousands of students each year.

Western Oregon University (WOU) – Salem Campus – While WOU’s main campus is further south, its Salem location provides convenient access to select bachelor’s and master’s programs for those living in Tualatin and the greater Portland area.

Top Private Colleges & Universities Near Tualatin, OR

University of Portland – Situated on the scenic banks of the Willamette River, UP is a highly ranked Catholic university best known for nursing, engineering, business, and liberal arts programs.

Lewis & Clark College – Known for its stunning campus and strong liberal arts curriculum, Lewis & Clark offers a close-knit academic setting with standout programs in law, environmental studies, and international affairs.

George Fox University – Portland Center – This respected Christian university is known both for traditional degrees and for highly regarded graduate programs in education, business, and counseling offered at its Portland Center campus.

Reed College – An academically rigorous private liberal arts college in Portland, Reed is celebrated for its intellectual culture, small classes, and dedicated faculty—ideal for passionate students interested in research and creative exploration.

Pacific University – Hillsboro Campus – Just west of Tualatin, Pacific University’s Hillsboro campus is especially noted for health professions, including pharmacy, physical therapy, and optometry, as well as graduate programs in education and business.

Whether your goals include a technical certificate, a four-year degree, or postgraduate study, the colleges and universities surrounding Tualatin offer something for everyone. From state-of-the-art campuses to innovative learning environments, you’re sure to find a place where you can thrive, grow, and prepare for your future.

Tualatin, Oregon, offers an excellent selection of high schools that prepare students for success in college and beyond. Whether you're looking for a rigorous academic program, a creative atmosphere, or a school with a tight-knit community, there are great options in both public and private education. Here’s a closer look at the top high schools in the Tualatin area.

Top Public High Schools in Tualatin, OR

• Tualatin High School – As the main public school serving the Tualatin community, Tualatin High is well-respected for its strong academics, STEM programs, and robust athletics. The school also offers a range of advanced placement (AP) courses and extracurricular activities.
• Lakeridge High School (Lake Oswego) – Though located slightly outside Tualatin, Lakeridge consistently ranks among the best public schools in Oregon. It boasts a high graduation rate, excellent arts programs, and dedicated college prep support.
• – Another nearby option, Tigard High provides students with access to AP courses, career and technical education pathways, and award-winning sports teams. It's part of the highly rated Tigard-Tualatin School District.

• Arts & Communications Magnet Academy (Beaverton School District) – Ideal for creatively inclined students, this public magnet school offers focused tracks in visual arts, theater, music, and media alongside core academics.

• International School of Beaverton – Although it's about 20 minutes from Tualatin, this school is ranked among the top in the state. With its International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, it attracts students from all over the metro area seeking a globally focused education.

Top Private High Schools in Tualatin, OR

• Horizon Christian School – Located within Tualatin, Horizon offers a faith-based education that supports academic excellence, character development, and community service. The small student-to-teacher ratio allows for personalized learning.

• Westside Christian High School – Just a short drive away in Tigard, this school combines strong academics with a Christian worldview. It offers honors courses and promotes leadership through clubs and athletics.

• Jesuit High School, Portland – A top-rated private Catholic school about 20 minutes from Tualatin, Jesuit is known for its rigorous curriculum, outstanding faculty, and commitment to service and justice. Students consistently gain admission to top universities.

• Valley Catholic High School – Located in Beaverton, this school offers strong academics, AP courses, and a nurturing community rooted in Catholic values. It’s known for its welcoming environment and rich student life options.

• Portland Waldorf School – Situated close by in Milwaukie, this private school offers an arts-integrated, holistic education based on Waldorf principles. It’s a great choice for students who thrive in hands-on, creative environments.

No matter what your student’s needs or passions are, the Tualatin area offers top-tier options that foster academic growth, creativity, and personal development. Touring the schools and meeting with faculty can help you discover the best fit for your family’s goals and values.

Tualatin, Oregon might be a picturesque suburb nestled just south of Portland, but it isn't home to any major league professional sports teams within its city limits. However, that doesn’t mean sports fans in Tualatin are left out of the action! Thanks to its close proximity to Portland, Tualatin residents have easy access to some of the most exciting teams in the Pacific Northwest across several major sports leagues.

Here’s a look at the top professional sports teams nearby that Tualatin locals cheer for all year round.

Basketball – Portland Trail Blazers (NBA)

• Portland Trail Blazers – Just a short drive from Tualatin, the Trail Blazers are Oregon’s only NBA team. Founded in 1970, the team won its only NBA Championship in 1977. Over the decades, they’ve become a beloved fixture of the Portland sports landscape. Fans have cheered for legends such as Clyde Drexler, Terry Porter, and more recently, Damian Lillard, who brought the team back to consistent playoff appearances. The Blazers play their home games at the Moda Center, which welcomes a sea of red-and-black-clad fans each season.

Soccer – Portland Timbers & Portland Thorns FC (MLS & NWSL)

• Portland Timbers (MLS) – The Timbers have one of the most passionate fan bases in all of Major League Soccer. Known as the “Timbers Army,” their supporters fill Providence Park with chants, flags, and an electric atmosphere. Since joining MLS in 2011, the team has reached the finals multiple times and won the MLS Cup in 2015.
• Portland Thorns FC (NWSL) – Representing the pinnacle of women’s soccer, the Thorns are equally adored by locals. They’ve won three NWSL Championships (2013, 2017, and 2022) and have featured internationally known talents such as Christine Sinclair, Tobin Heath, and Sophia Smith. Both teams share Providence Park, creating a true soccer haven in the heart of Portland.

Hockey – Portland Winterhawks (WHL)

• Portland Winterhawks – While not part of the NHL, the Winterhawks are a high-level junior hockey team in the Western Hockey League and have a long-standing tradition of excellence. They’ve helped develop future NHL stars like Cam Neely, Marian Hossa, and Seth Jones. With numerous league championships under their belt, attending a Winterhawks game is a fun, family-friendly way for Tualatin residents to enjoy live hockey action during the season.

Baseball – Hillsboro Hops (MiLB)

• Hillsboro Hops – Just a 30-minute drive from Tualatin, the Hops are a Minor League Baseball team affiliated with the Arizona Diamondbacks. They play in the Northwest League and have won multiple league championships since their founding in 2013. Their home at Ron Tonkin Field offers a cozy but exciting baseball experience that’s perfect for summer outings.

While Tualatin doesn’t have its own major league teams, the city’s location near Portland gives sports fans plenty to root for. Whether it's the electric slam dunks at a Blazers game, the thunderous chants from the Timbers Army, or a relaxing summer night at a Hops ballgame, there’s no shortage of sports excitement nearby. For a smaller city, Tualatin is perfectly positioned to enjoy big-league action—just a short drive away!

Tualatin, Oregon might be a small city, but it packs a big personality! Nestled just south of Portland, this charming town is filled with natural beauty, rich history, and fun surprises. Whether you're a local or a first-time visitor, here are ten fun facts about Tualatin that might just make you fall in love with this hidden gem:

1. Dinosaur Bones Were Found Here – That’s right! A 14,000-year-old mastodon tusk and bones were discovered in a Tualatin bog, earning the town a surprising spot on the ancient map of North America.
2. It Has a Lake Right in Town – Tualatin Commons is a man-made lake in the heart of downtown. It’s a perfect spot for summer concerts, family picnics, or just feeding the ducks.
3. Bridge of the People – The pedestrian bridge across the Tualatin River features beautiful design and art, connecting parks and trails while serving as a symbol of community.
4. Dancing in the Streets – The city hosts the popular “Tualatin Crawfish Festival,” one of Oregon’s oldest festivals, filled with parades, music, and, of course, lots of crawfish!
5. It’s Named After the River – The name “Tualatin” comes from the Native American word believed to mean “quiet water” or “lazy river.” It's as peaceful as it sounds.
6. Don’t Miss the Trees – Tualatin is certified as a "Tree City USA," and it's easy to see why—the city's beautifully maintained green spaces include over 200 acres of parks.
7. Diverse Dining Scene – For a small city, Tualatin has a surprisingly wide variety of food options. From authentic Thai to inventive food trucks, your taste buds won’t be bored.
8. You Can Walk Back in Time – The Ice Age Interpretive Trail takes visitors on a journey through ancient floods and fossils. It’s like a nature hike meets science class!
9. It’s Very Bike-Friendly – Biking enthusiasts love Tualatin for its miles of trails and bike lanes. It’s a great way to explore the city and stay active.
10. Small Town, Big Heart – With friendly locals, community events, and a welcoming vibe, Tualatin proves that small-town charm is alive and well in Oregon.