By Brian Getman, Principal Broker, PDX Property / (w)here Real Estate
The short answer: If you work on the Westside, you don’t need to choose between a “Portland realtor” and a “Beaverton realtor.” Choose one broker who works both regularly and can compare neighborhoods by your real commute, budget, and school needs. Then let the commute, not the city name, narrow your search.
I help Westside workers compare Beaverton and Portland neighborhoods all the time. Here’s how I’d think it through with you.
Portland vs Beaverton: which realtor should I use if I work on the Westside?
Direct answer: Use a broker who knows both markets and the drive between them. Westside commutes cross city and county lines, so an agent who only works one side of that line may miss good options.
What to look for:
- Regular work in Beaverton, Raleigh Hills, and Portland’s west side neighborhoods
- Comps pulled street by street, not citywide averages
- Willingness to test commutes with you and flag school boundaries and HOA rules
- Honest advice when a house or area isn’t right for you
One past client who was new to Portland wrote: “Brian spent two years with us with lots of patience showing us every areas in Portland to help us choose the place. Never felt pushed to buy anything.”
What’s the difference between living in Beaverton and Portland?
Direct answer: Beaverton is a suburban city in Washington County with a wide range of neighborhoods and easy access to Westside employers. Portland, in Multnomah County, offers denser, older neighborhoods closer to downtown, with more walkable commercial streets in many areas.
| Beaverton | Portland (west side) | |
|---|---|---|
| County | Washington County | Multnomah County (mostly) |
| Feel | Suburban, many established and newer neighborhoods | More urban, older neighborhoods, walkable main streets |
| Housing | Condos, townhomes, single-family, newer subdivisions | Older single-family, condos, hillside homes |
| Westside job access | Close to many Westside employers | Varies by neighborhood; Highway 26 is the main link |
| Schools | Mostly Beaverton School District (verify by address) | Mostly Portland Public Schools (verify by address) |
| Parks | Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District | Portland Parks & Recreation |
Raleigh Hills sits between the two and is worth a look if you want something close-in with a quick hop to both. See my Raleigh Hills neighborhood guide.
How does the commute compare?
Direct answer: Living in Beaverton usually puts you closer to Westside job centers. Living in Portland can mean a reverse commute out on Highway 26 or Highway 217. Your exact street and work hours matter more than the city.
- Highway 26 (the Sunset Highway) is the main route between Portland and the Westside
- Highway 217 links Beaverton north to south
- MAX light rail connects downtown Portland and Beaverton
My rule: drive or ride your real commute at rush hour before you make an offer.
Where do I get more for my money, Beaverton or Portland?
Direct answer: It depends on the neighborhood and the type of home. Compare recent sold homes on your shortlist streets in both cities instead of relying on citywide numbers.
Beaverton often offers more choice in newer and suburban-style homes, while Portland’s west side neighborhoods offer older homes and closer access to downtown. I’ll pull recent sold comps for your finalist neighborhoods so you can compare real price ranges. For the metro trend, see my Portland metro housing market update.
Do property taxes differ between Beaverton and Portland?
Direct answer: Yes, they can, because the two cities are in different counties with different local levies. Taxes are set property by property, so compare the actual tax bill on each home you’re considering.
I’ll pull the current taxes for every home on your shortlist so monthly costs are side by side.
I’m relocating for a Westside job. Where should I start?
Direct answer: Start with your work address and your must-haves, then build a shortlist of neighborhoods in both Beaverton and Portland before you visit.
My Moving to Portland Westside relocation guide explains how I help remote buyers with video tours, shortlists, and timelines. For a broader comparison of Westside suburbs, read the Portland Westside buyer guide and my Beaverton community guide.
How does Brian Getman help Westside buyers?
Direct answer: I compare neighborhoods across Beaverton, Raleigh Hills, and Portland by your commute and budget, pull street-level comps, and help you write a strong offer without overpaying.
I’m Brian Getman, principal broker with PDX Property / (w)here Real Estate, a broker since 2004. Read what clients say.
Frequently asked questions
Use a broker who works both regularly. Westside commutes cross city and county lines, and one agent who knows both can compare neighborhoods by your real commute and budget.
Many Westside workers choose Beaverton or nearby areas for a shorter drive, but some prefer Portland’s west side neighborhoods for an urban feel. Test your commute at rush hour from each shortlist street.
Beaverton is in Washington County. Most of Portland is in Multnomah County.
Most of Beaverton is in the Beaverton School District, but boundaries don’t always match city limits. Verify the assigned schools for each address.
Yes. MAX light rail connects downtown Portland and Beaverton, which some buyers use instead of driving Highway 26.
Often, yes. Raleigh Hills sits between Portland and Beaverton, with quick access to both. It’s mostly unincorporated Washington County, so check mailing address, services, and schools by address.
Ready to compare Beaverton and Portland homes?
- Call Brian at 503-628-9665 or email [email protected]
- Moving from out of the area? Start with the Westside relocation guide
- Selling first? Get a free home valuation
Brian Getman, Principal Broker, PDX Property / (w)here Real Estate · 22 NW 23rd Place, Suite 202, Portland, OR 97210 · 503-628-9665 · [email protected]