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Forest Grove, OR

Frequently asked questions

Forest Grove, OR

Forest Grove is a city in Washington County, Oregon, United States, 25 miles (40 km) west of Portland. Originally a small farm town, it is now primarily a commuter town in the Portland metro area. Settled in the 1840s, the town was platted in 1850, and then incorporated in 1872, making it the first city in Washington County. The population was 21,083 at the 2010 census, an increase of 19.1% over the 2000 figure (17,708).

Located in the Tualatin Valley, Oregon routes 8, and 47 pass through Forest Grove with 47 and 8 signed as the Tualatin Valley Highway south and east of the main part of the city, respectively, Oregon Route 8 signed as Gales Creek Road west of the city, and Oregon Route 47 signed as the Nehalem Highway north of the city. Pacific University has been the most distinctive aspect of the town throughout its history. Old College Hall on campus is listed on the National Register of Historic Places along with nine other structures in the city.

Before the 1840s when Euro-Americans settled the area, the Atfalati band of the Kalapuya Native American tribe lived on the Tualatin Plains in what is now Forest Grove. In 1841, Alvin T. and Abigail Smith were among the earliest to use the Oregon Trail and settled on what was first known as West Tualatin Plain. They overwintered with Henry Harmon Spalding, arriving in what is now Forest Grove in the fall. Intending to be missionaries, they found little potential as most of the natives had succumbed to European diseases. Smith served as the community's first postmaster beginning on February 1, 1850, and his log cabin served as the post office.

According to Oregon Geographic Names, the name Forest Grove was selected on January 10, 1851, at a meeting of the trustees of Tualatin Academy (later known as Pacific University). Resident and school trustee J. Quinn Thornton suggested the name, which he also had used for the name of his homestead. The name referred to a grove of oak trees that still stand on what is now the campus of the university. Previous post offices in the area were called Tuality Plains and Tualatin, with Forest Grove adopted on December 31, 1858. The city was platted in 1850.

Forest Grove is located on the western edge of the Portland metropolitan area and the Willamette Valley. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 5.88 square miles (15.23 km²), of which 5.74 square miles (14.87 km²) is land and 0.14 square miles (0.36 km²) is water. One of the largest Giant Sequoia trees of the state of Oregon can be found in Forest Grove.

The city embraces a commitment to health and wellness, fostering an environment that promotes the well-being of its residents. Primary Care Forest Grove and Mountain View Medical Center actively contribute to the healthcare sector by providing quality health services. The Forest Grove Aquatics provides swimming lessons, water aerobics, and open swim sessions, ensuring fun and fitness for the entire family. Pacific University’s Fitness Center features a modern gym, group fitness classes, and personal training services. For outdoor enthusiasts, Rogers Park offers walking trails, sports fields, and picnic areas perfect for exercise and relaxation. Forest Grove Community Garden allows residents to grow their fresh produce, fostering both physical activity and healthy eating. Fitness 1440 provides comprehensive fitness services, including state-of-the-art gym equipment, group classes, and wellness programs. 

Top sites in Forest Grove, OR are Fernhill Wetlands, Valley Art Gallery, and Portland Japanese Garden

Population: 27,076 (2024). ZIP code: 97116. Area codes: 503, 971. Elevation: 190 ft (60 m). Area: 6.03 sq mi (15.61 km²).

FAQs

What is Forest Grove, OR famous for?

This small city has a lot of history, from having some of the oldest vines in the valley at David Hill Winery to boasting one of the oldest educational buildings west of the Mississippi, College Hall (at Pacific University). Forest Grove’s appeal extends beyond its quaint downtown to its rural, agricultural landscapes. This area boasts an impressive collection of six estate wineries, as well as the region’s only saké brewery. Annual events are numerous here, such as the medieval-themed Faire in the Grove; Concours d’Elegance car show; Forest Grove Uncorked, a food, beer, and wine tasting event; and Sidewalk Chalk Art Festival, among others. 

Is Forest Grove, OR a good place to live?

This small, close-knit town is extremely safe. With a location just far enough outside of a major city, it's not subject to many of the issues you see in larger cities such as Portland or Salem. Crime rates in Forest Grove are well below the national average, you'll feel very safe living in Forest, Oregon. The city is surrounded by natural beauty, including the Tualatin River and the Coast Range Mountains, offering ample opportunities for hiking, biking, and fishing. Forest Grove boasts several parks, including Rogers Park and Gales Creek Park, which feature playgrounds, picnic areas, and scenic walking trails. 

Is Forest Grove, OR expensive?

Forest Grove is part of the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro -WA Metro metro area, which is ranked 27 out of 273 cities across the US in terms of cost of living. According to C2ER (the Council for Community and Economic Research), the cost of living in Forest Grove is estimated to be 120.7% of the national average making it one of the more expensive cities in the US. The total monthly expenditure you can expect to incur depends on the cost of housing, food, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and other miscellaneous goods and services. Note that your household composition (single or married, number of kids) and home ownership status (renting vs. owning) might affect your monthly expenses.

Sources

City of Forest Grove

Wikipedia

Fly Homes

Living in Oregon

Tualatin Valley

Fernhill Wetlands

Valley Art Gallery

Portland Japanese Garden

Primary Care Forest Grove

Mountain View Medical Center

Forest Grove Aquatics

Pacific University’s Fitness Center 

Rogers Park

Forest Grove Community Garden

Fitness 1440

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.