Tigard

About Tigard

Tigard is a midsize city in northwestern Oregon, located in the southeast corner of Washington County. It’s just south of Beaverton and only about a half-hour drive to Portland, and is considered part of the larger Portland metropolitan area. Thanks to major freeways and public transportation, it’s easy to travel between Tigard and many of the larger cities nearby.

The History of Tigard

Like many communities throughout the Willamette Valley, Tigard’s early settlers were a handful of families; one of the most well-known as the Tigard family, for whom the town was named. The Tigards came to the area in the early 1850s and quickly helped to establish a local school, general store, post office and meeting hall. A local church was added in 1886 and a blacksmith shop was constructed in the 1890s.

Between 1907 and 1910, Tigard experienced a major wave of growth. Main Street welcomed a number of new commercial buildings as well as a grocery store, dance hall and livery stable. In 1908, the town received telephone service. When the Oregon Electric Railway arrived in 1910, the town evolved from a relatively quiet farming town to the large city that was incorporated in 1961.

Jobs in Tigard

It’s not uncommon for Tigard locals to commute to Portland for work, especially given the relatively short distance and availability of public transportation options. However, there are several large employers in Tigard as well, so you can work close to home if you prefer. There are several well-known companies based out of Tigard, including LaCie, Stash Tea Co., Consumer Cellular, Medical Teams International and Gerber Legendary Blades.

Other major employers include Capital One Services, the Tigard-Tualatin School District, Nordstrom and Macy’s. Tigard also hosts the Washington Square Mall, which is among the largest malls in the state. There, you can find a variety of retail and customer service jobs, as well as some food service positions.

Tigard Schools

The majority of Tigard public schools falls within the Tigard-Tualatin School District, with a few schools under the jurisdiction of the Beaverton School District. You also have the option of enrolling your child in one of the private schools in the city, most of which are faith-based campuses.

Resources for Moving to Tigard

If you’re getting ready for a move to Tigard, you can take advantage of the following information to make the process easier:

• Utilities: Portland General Electric and NW Natural are the primary energy providers in Tigard, while the city's utilities department manages water and sewer services.
• Garbage and recycling: Waste Management facilitates curbside collection services for both trash and recyclables.
• Transportation: Public transportation options include several TriMet bus routes and the WEST Commuter Rail line.

Tigard Housing

If you’re looking for an affordable alternative to living in Portland, Tigard is an excellent option. Homes tend to be less expensive in Tigard when compared to most areas within Portland, and the local housing market provides a wide variety of options.