Beaverton, Oregon

Beaverton, Oregon is a city located in Washington County, Oregon, approximately 7 miles west of Portland, Oregon, and is part of the Portland metropolitan area. The city is situated near the Tualatin River and is close to Hillsboro, Oregon, Tigard, Oregon, and Aloha, Oregon. Beaverton is home to the Beaverton School District, which serves students from Beaverton and surrounding areas, including Cedar Hills, Oregon, and Oak Hills, Oregon. The city is also near Pacific University, Oregon Health & Science University, and Portland State University.

Geography

Beaverton is located in the Tualatin Valley and is bordered by the Tualatin River to the north and the Beaverton Hills to the south. The city is situated near the Cooper Mountain and is close to the Chehalem Mountains. Beaverton is also near the Willamette River and is part of the Willamette Valley. The city's geography is similar to that of nearby Hillsboro, Oregon, Forest Grove, Oregon, and Cornelius, Oregon. Beaverton is also close to the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge, which is managed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and is home to a variety of wildlife, including Bald eagles, Osprey, and River otters. The city is also near the Smith and Bybee Wetlands, which is a protected area managed by the Portland Parks & Recreation department.

History

The area that is now Beaverton was originally settled by the Atfalati tribe, who were part of the Kalapuya Native American group. The city was later settled by European-American pioneers, including Stephen Meek, who arrived in the area in the 1840s. Beaverton was officially incorporated in 1893 and was named after Beaver Creek, which runs through the city. The city's early history is tied to the Oregon Trail, which passed through the area, and the Beaverton Depot, which was a stop on the Oregon and California Railroad. Beaverton is also close to the Champoeg State Park, which commemorates the site of the Champoeg Meetings, where the Oregon Territory was established. The city is also near the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, which was a key location in the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population of Beaverton was approximately 97,000 people, making it one of the largest cities in Oregon. The city has a diverse population, with a mix of White Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanic and Latino Americans, and African Americans. Beaverton is also home to a large population of Russian Americans, Ukrainian Americans, and Armenian Americans. The city is served by the Beaverton Police Department and the Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue department. Beaverton is also close to the Oregon State Hospital, which is located in Salem, Oregon, and the VA Portland Health Care System, which is located in Portland, Oregon.

Economy

Beaverton has a diverse economy, with major industries including technology, healthcare, and manufacturing. The city is home to the Nike World Headquarters, which is one of the largest employers in the area. Beaverton is also close to the Intel Corporation headquarters, which is located in Santa Clara, California, but has a large presence in the Portland metropolitan area. The city is also home to a number of smaller businesses, including Columbia Sportswear, Leupold & Stevens, and Reser's Fine Foods. Beaverton is also near the Portland International Airport, which is a major hub for Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta Air Lines.

Education

Beaverton is served by the Beaverton School District, which operates a number of schools in the area, including Beaverton High School, Southridge High School, and Westview High School. The city is also home to a number of private schools, including Jesuit High School, Valley Catholic School, and St. Stephen's Academy. Beaverton is close to a number of higher education institutions, including Portland State University, Oregon Health & Science University, and Pacific University. The city is also near the University of Portland, which is a private Catholic university located in Portland, Oregon.

Transportation

Beaverton is served by a number of transportation options, including the Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon (TriMet) bus system and the Westside Express Service (WES) commuter rail. The city is also close to the Portland International Airport, which is a major hub for Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta Air Lines. Beaverton is also near the Interstate 26 and Interstate 405 highways, which provide access to Portland, Oregon, Salem, Oregon, and other nearby cities. The city is also served by the Tualatin Valley Highway, which connects Beaverton to Hillsboro, Oregon and other nearby cities. Beaverton is also close to the Willamette River, which is navigable by boat and provides access to the Columbia River and the Pacific Ocean.