Thinking about more space, a backyard, or an extra room for work or hobbies without giving up your Portland connections? You’re not alone. Many buyers look to Beaverton when they’re ready to move up from a starter home or condo. In this guide, you’ll see how Beaverton blends bigger homes, strong parks and programs, and a practical commute into the city. Let’s dive in.
Why Beaverton works for move-up buyers
Beaverton keeps Portland jobs within reach. From the Beaverton Transit Center, the MAX light rail to downtown typically runs about 20 to 30 minutes, with around 25 minutes as a reliable rule of thumb for planning your commute. You can confirm routes and stations on the MAX system map and station pages through TriMet’s MAX hub.
You’ll find space options for many budgets. Public market snapshots in early 2026 put the citywide median sale price near $563,000. Treat this as a baseline for setting expectations, then look neighborhood by neighborhood for more precise ranges. Always refresh data close to your search date because prices shift month to month.
Lifestyle is a major draw. Families can pair private yard space with quick access to large nature preserves, active parks, and community programs. The Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District (THPRD) network anchors daily life with trails, classes, and swim centers, while local cultural venues and year-round events add variety without a long drive.
Schools are a practical plus. The Beaverton School District offers neighborhood schools as well as magnet and specialized options, including IB, arts, health and science, and STEAM programs. You can explore district information and program options on the Beaverton School District site.
What your budget can buy in Beaverton
Beaverton’s housing stock spans classic suburban subdivisions, hillside neighborhoods with larger lots, newer master-planned communities, and a walkable downtown core. As you set a move-up budget, use the city median price as a starting point, then match home type and location to your priorities.
- If you want a detached 3 to 4 bedroom home with a yard, look to southwest Beaverton neighborhoods with 1990s to 2000s construction.
- If your priority is lot size and privacy, explore hillside areas where homes often sit on larger parcels with mature trees.
- If you prefer new-build construction and modern systems, check growth areas on the south and western edges.
- If you want walkability and transit convenience, downtown and central Beaverton offer townhomes and condos near the Beaverton Transit Center.
Label any price expectations with a date. For example: “As of Jan 2026, the city median is about $563,000.” Then adjust as you shop.
Home styles and where to find them
Murrayhill and Neighbors Southwest
These planned subdivisions often deliver the classic move-up wish list: 3 to 5 bedrooms, usable backyards, and cul-de-sac streets near everyday shopping like Progress Ridge TownSquare and Murray Scholls Town Center. Many homes were built in the 1990s and early 2000s, which means practical floor plans with open kitchens and family rooms. You’ll have easy access to parks, neighborhood trails, and a reasonable drive or bus ride to the Beaverton Transit Center.
Sexton Mountain and the west-side hills
If you’re after larger lots, mature trees, and a little more privacy, Sexton Mountain and nearby hillside pockets in west and south Beaverton are worth a look. Many homes sit on bigger parcels and back to green spaces or trail networks. This is a good fit if you value yard space for pets, play, or gardening and want to stay close to schools and community amenities.
South Cooper Mountain and new-build options
Beaverton’s growth area along South Cooper Mountain brings newer single-family and attached homes with contemporary layouts and energy-efficient systems. If you like the idea of a modern floor plan, new mechanicals, and community parks, explore this area. For planning context and the city’s long-term vision, read Metro’s overview of Beaverton’s Cooper Mountain growth area.
Downtown and central Beaverton
If you want to upsize from a small condo but keep a walkable, transit-friendly lifestyle, central Beaverton offers townhomes and newer condos near restaurants, cafés, and cultural venues. You’re close to the Beaverton Transit Center and community events, which makes it easy to combine a bigger home with stress-free commuting and nights out.
Commute math and transit options
A move-up shouldn’t mean giving up your job access. Beaverton’s multimodal Beaverton Transit Center connects the MAX Blue and Red Lines, frequent bus routes, and WES commuter rail. That means you can build a commute plan that fits your hours and workplace location.
- MAX to downtown Portland: commonly 20 to 30 minutes from Beaverton Transit Center, often about 25 minutes. Check current stations and schedules on TriMet’s MAX pages.
- WES commuter rail: weekday peak service south toward Tigard, Tualatin, and Wilsonville. This is a helpful option if you work near those employment centers. Get details on TriMet’s WES page.
Drive times vary widely by time of day. If transit access is a priority, focus on neighborhoods with quick connections to the Beaverton Transit Center or nearby MAX stations.
Parks, trails, and weekend life
One of Beaverton’s biggest advantages is access to nature without a long rural commute. You can leave your driveway and be on a trail in minutes.
- Tualatin Hills Nature Park: A 220+ acre preserve with several miles of trails and an interpretive center. It’s a favorite for weekend walks, wildlife spotting, and kid-friendly exploring. Learn more on the THPRD park page.
- THPRD network: Beyond nature preserves, THPRD runs swim centers, sports fields, classes, camps, and neighborhood parks citywide. If you want a home near specific activities, plan visits around the parks you’ll use most.
- Cooper Mountain Nature Park: A regional natural area with sweeping views and multi-mile trails close to Beaverton’s growing south side. It pairs well with newer neighborhoods for a quick nature break.
A typical Saturday for many locals looks like a morning trail walk, lunch at a neighborhood spot, and a quick MAX ride for an afternoon show or game. The lifestyle feels both suburban and connected.
Schools and learning options
Families often move to Beaverton for long-term education planning. The Beaverton School District operates neighborhood schools plus multiple choice programs, including International Baccalaureate, arts, health and science, and STEAM options. To understand how programs and boundaries apply to a specific address, start on the district’s website and review school profiles and boundary tools. Boundaries can shift from time to time, so verify assignments directly with the district during your search.
When you tour homes, note proximity to your preferred schools, program application timelines, and transportation options. If your child is not yet school age, consider how future grade-level transitions fit with your move-up timeline.
A simple framework for your move-up
Use this quick plan to move from idea to keys-in-hand with minimal stress.
- Define your must-haves
- Bedrooms and baths you need today plus a flexible space for a home office, guests, or hobbies.
- Yard size preferences and any outdoor musts like play equipment or gardening beds.
- Commute plan: target MAX stations or highway access, then test drive or ride at the time you’d actually travel.
- Map neighborhoods to your lifestyle
- If you want yard space and trails, start in Sexton Mountain, Murrayhill, and nearby hillside areas.
- If you want new-build homes, explore South Cooper Mountain and planned growth areas.
- If you want walkability and transit, focus on central and downtown Beaverton.
- Align budget with current data
- Use the city median as a baseline and refine by home type and area.
- Refresh pricing and days-on-market just before you write an offer. Market tempo can vary by neighborhood.
- Get your current home sale-ready
- Small updates can unlock meaningful value. Place Portland coordinates upgrade options through concierge-style programs and a white-glove Hands Free Selling pathway to handle prep, staging, and vendor management for you.
- Sequence the buy-sell logistics
- Decide whether to buy first, sell first, or attempt a same-day close based on your financing and risk tolerance.
- Build a timeline that protects your family’s routines. Your agent should choreograph showings, contingency windows, and move dates so you never feel rushed.
- Verify transit and school details
- Use TriMet’s MAX hub to confirm your door-to-downtown plan.
- Confirm school assignments, program options, and any application timing with the Beaverton School District.
- Make a confident offer
- Pair clear contingencies and timeline flexibility with strong terms.
- Lean on current comps and neighborhood trends updated to the week you’re writing.
When you’re ready to explore homes, a calm, data-informed partner makes each step easier. If you want help mapping the right neighborhood, pricing strategy, and listing prep plan, connect with Place Portland to start a conversation.
FAQs
Where can I find larger yards in Beaverton?
- Look to hillside and southwest pockets such as Sexton Mountain, established areas of Murrayhill, and parts of South Beaverton and Cooper Mountain. Lot sizes vary by street, so verify parcel details when touring.
Can I keep a sub-30-minute transit commute to downtown Portland from Beaverton?
- Often yes. The MAX from Beaverton Transit Center to downtown typically runs about 20 to 30 minutes. For exact timing from your nearest station and departure hour, use TriMet’s MAX pages.
Are there newer single-family neighborhoods in or near Beaverton?
- Yes. South Cooper Mountain and nearby growth areas include newer master-planned communities with modern floor plans. Metro outlines the planning context here: Beaverton’s Cooper Mountain growth area.
How do I verify Beaverton school assignments for a specific address?
- Start on the Beaverton School District website for school profiles and boundary tools, then confirm directly with the district. Boundaries and transportation options can change over time.
