Retiring in Beaverton, OR

The Vibe: Diverse, Dynamic, and Food-Focused

Beaverton has shed its reputation as a sleepy bedroom community to become one of the most culturally vibrant cities in Oregon. Retiring in Beaverton offers the “Best of Both Worlds” lifestyle. You have the quiet, tree-lined cul-de-sacs of a suburb, but you also have a downtown core that rivals Portland for dining and arts. It is diverse, safe, and boasts one of the best park systems in the state. The vibe here is active and convenient; you are rarely more than 10 minutes from a grocery store, a clinic, or a great bowl of ramen.

Beaverton offers a wider range of housing options than its neighbors.

Beaverton is a mix of old and new. You can find 1960s single-level ranch homes on large lots in the central neighborhoods, or you can find brand-new luxury townhomes in the hills. Prices are generally higher than Aloha or Gresham but offer better value per square foot than Lake Oswego or SW Portland.

Ideal Neighborhoods for Retiring in Beaverton

Beaverton is large, so your experience depends heavily on which neighborhood you choose.

Where: SW Murray Blvd and Scholls Ferry Rd.
Why it is ideal: This is the premier destination for affluent retirees. It features wide boulevards, man-made lakes, and strict HOAs that keep the area pristine.
The Lifestyle: It feels like a resort. You are walking distance to the Murrayhill Marketplace for coffee and banking, and the area is home to the high-end The Springs at Murrayhill retirement community if you need to transition later.

Where: Just north of Murrayhill.
Why it is ideal: If you want a view of the Chehalem Mountains or the valley, this is the spot.
The Catch: It is very hilly. You will need a car for everything, but the trade-off is living in a quiet, safe enclave of newer homes (built in the 1990s and 2000s) that require less maintenance than older properties.

Where: Near the Beaverton Central MAX station.
Why it is ideal: For the retiree who wants to ditch the car.
The Draw: You can live in a modern condo and walk to the Reser Center for the Arts, the library, and arguably the best restaurant row in the suburbs. The MAX Red Line takes you straight to the airport or downtown Portland.

Where: Central Beaverton, south of Allen Blvd.
Why it is ideal: This is the “HECM Sweet Spot.” These neighborhoods are filled with solid 1960s and 70s ranch homes. They are flat, walkable, and close to the Fanno Creek Trail. You can find a great home here for under $600k.

Where: Far south Beaverton, bordering Tigard.
Why it is ideal: It is built around a lake and a lifestyle center. You can walk to the movie theater, New Seasons Market, and casual dining. It attracts active “younger” retirees who want a buzzing social atmosphere.

Recreation in Beaverton: The “THPRD” Advantage

Retiring in Beaverton comes with a massive perk: the Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District (THPRD). This is an independent district known for having better funding and facilities than almost anywhere else in the state.

What it is: A 222-acre wildlife preserve right in the city.
For Seniors: It features miles of paved (but wooded) trails that are completely flat and accessible. It is a true forest escape where you can spot deer and owls without leaving the city limits.

The Hub: This is the only recreation center in the district dedicated solely to people 55 and older.
The Activities: It is not just bingo. They have a fully equipped fitness room, trips to the coast, computer classes, and a social lobby that serves as the living room for many local seniors.

The Routine: Located across from the library, this is the single largest agricultural market in Oregon.
Why it matters: It runs almost year-round (with a short winter break). For retirees, Saturday mornings here are a ritual of buying fresh flowers, listening to bluegrass bands, and grabbing lunch.
The Connector: This paved trail runs all the way from Beaverton to Tualatin. It is the highway for walkers and cyclists. Living near an access point (like in the Vose neighborhood) adds significant quality of life.

Healthcare Availability: The “Westside” Hub

Beaverton is the medical capital of Washington County.

Location: Tanasbourne area (North Beaverton).
Why it matters: This is one of the newest and most advanced hospitals in the Kaiser system. It feels more like a hotel than a hospital. If you are a Kaiser member, having this facility nearby is a massive reason to choose Beaverton.
Access: While technically just outside the city limits, “St. V’s” is the primary hospital for most Beaverton residents. It is a world-class facility, particularly for heart and stroke care.

Location: SW 158th & Walker Rd.
The Benefit: You get access to OHSU’s university-level specialists without having to drive up the hill into Portland.

What Is Driving in Beaverton like for Retirees?

Beaverton traffic is notorious, but manageable if you know the patterns.

1. The “Good” News: Grid & Boulevards

Neighborhoods like Murrayhill and Cedar Hills are designed with wide, well-lit boulevards. Navigation is easy, and signage is clear.

The Pain Point: Highway 217 is often a parking lot. It bisects the city and can be a nightmare to cross during rush hour.
The Strategy: Locals learn to use the north-south surface streets like Murray Blvd or 185th Ave to avoid the highway entirely.
The Advantage: Beaverton is the best suburb for transit. The MAX Blue and Red lines run through the city. You can live here without a car if you choose a neighborhood near The Round or Millikan Way, which is a rare option in the suburbs.

Financial Insight: Property Tax Comparison

One of the most common questions from retirees is how Beaverton (Washington County) compares to its neighbors. Here is the breakdown:

Multnomah County (Portland/Gresham): The Highest. Multnomah County typically has the highest property tax rates in the region due to numerous bond measures for libraries, schools, and the zoo. Retirees often move out of Multnomah County specifically to escape these higher fixed costs.
Clackamas County (Happy Valley/Oregon City): The Lowest. Clackamas generally boasts the lowest tax rates of the three counties. If your absolute priority is minimizing your monthly tax bill, Clackamas is often the winner.
Washington County (Beaverton): The “Value” Sweet Spot. Beaverton taxes sit in the middle. They are generally lower than Portland but higher than Happy Valley. However, you get more for your money here. A significant portion of your tax bill goes directly to THPRD (the park district). Unlike other counties where parks can be an afterthought, Beaverton residents see their tax dollars at work daily in the form of immaculate trails, heated pools, and senior centers. You pay a bit more than in Clackamas, but the amenities are vastly superior.

Buying a Home For Retiring in Beaverton

Beaverton offers a sweet spot for the HECM for Purchase program, particularly in the Vose and Highland neighborhoods. Here, you can find a solid, single-level 1970s ranch home for roughly $550k to $600k. By using a HECM, you can sell a more expensive home elsewhere, put down approximately $350k+, and eliminate your monthly mortgage payment forever. This is a powerful way to secure a home in a walkable, resource-rich area while preserving your cash for healthcare or spoiling the grandkids.

If you are drawn to the luxury of Murrayhill or the view properties on Cooper Mountain, prices often push into the $900k to $1.2M range. A Jumbo Reverse Mortgage is the solution here. It allows a 55+ buyer to purchase a high-end home in these prestigious neighborhoods without the constraint of FHA loan limits. You can secure your retirement dream home with a view now, use a significant down payment to remove the monthly mortgage payment, and avoid the high carrying costs usually associated with luxury real estate.

The Verdict

Choose retiring in Beaverton if you want Activity & Access. If you want a top-tier senior center, incredible food, and the ability to take a train to the airport, this is the most well-rounded retirement destination in the metro area.