For years, the word “suburb” was synonymous with “car-dependent.” If you lived outside the Portland city limits, the assumption was that you’d be spending a significant portion of your life behind a steering wheel. However, as the “Silicon Forest” has grown and urban planning has evolved, Beaverton has undergone a massive transformation.
Today, many people moving to the area ask the same question: Is Beaverton, Oregon, a walkable city?
The short answer is: It depends on where you plant your roots. While Beaverton still maintains its suburban charm and expansive residential lots, it has aggressively developed “pockets of walkability” that rival some of Portland’s most famous neighborhoods.
The Walkability Breakdown: Scores and Reality
According to recent data, Beaverton has a city-wide Walk Score of approximately 62, which classifies it as “Somewhat Walkable.” However, this number is a bit of a mathematical trick. Because Beaverton is sprawling, the low scores of outlying residential hills are averaged with the high scores of the urban core.
If you are looking for a lifestyle where your morning coffee, grocery run, and evening dinner are all within a 15-minute stroll, you need to look at specific neighborhoods.
1. Central Beaverton (Old Town)
This is the gold standard for walkability in the city. With a Walk Score of 95+ in certain blocks, Old Town is a pedestrian’s dream. The area around “Restaurant Row” on SW Broadway St. allows residents to visit local favorites like Ex Novo Brewing or Loyal Legion without ever touching a car key. The Beaverton Transit Center is also located here, making it the most connected spot in the city for MAX Light Rail riders.
2. Cedar Hills and “The Round.”
Just across from the transit hub, the area around Cedar Hills Crossing has seen a massive influx of mixed-use development. You can walk from luxury apartments to New Seasons Market, Best Buy, and dozens of fitness studios. It offers a “city-within-a-city” feel that is highly attractive to young professionals.
3. Progress Ridge
In South Beaverton, Progress Ridge offers a unique, village-style walkability. Centered around a lake and a commercial hub featuring Cinetopia and La Provence, this neighborhood allows families to enjoy a suburban aesthetic while having a “Main Street” experience within walking distance.
More Than Just Sidewalks: The Trail System
One factor that makes Beaverton feel more walkable than its score suggests is the Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District (THPRD) trail system. Beaverton is home to over 60 miles of paved trails.
The Fanno Creek Trail, for instance, acts as a pedestrian highway, connecting neighborhoods like Greenway and Vose directly to the city center. For many residents, “walking the city” isn’t about trekking along a busy road; it’s about a scenic commute through wetlands and forested corridors.
Why Walkability Matters for Real Estate
From a Beaverton Property Management perspective, walkability is one of the highest-valued “amenities” a rental property can offer. Properties located within a half-mile of a MAX station or a major trail head typically command higher rents and experience lower vacancy rates.
Renters in 2026 are increasingly looking to reduce their carbon footprint and avoid the congestion of Highway 217. A home that allows a tenant to skip the commute or walk to a park like Tualatin Hills Nature Park is an asset that holds its value regardless of market fluctuations.
Navigating the Local Market
If you are looking to rent a home in a walkable part of town—or if you own a property and want to maximize its potential—working with local experts is key. Professional Beaverton Property Management involves more than just collecting checks; it’s about understanding the “lifestyle score” of a neighborhood and marketing it to the right audience.
Beaverton is no longer just a bedroom community for Intel and Nike. It is a vibrant, increasingly pedestrian-friendly city that offers a high quality of life with less of the “big city” stress found in downtown Portland.
Ready to Find Your Place in Beaverton?
Whether you are an owner looking for the best management for your investment or a renter searching for a home where you can finally ditch the car, 4 Rent Local is here to help. We specialize in the Beaverton and Portland Metro area, providing expert insights into the neighborhoods that offer the best value and lifestyle.
CALL TODAY: (503) 646-9664 – Talk to a Live Person – Our office answers the phone 9 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday – or click here to connect with us online.