The small city of Sherwood, Oregon is located in Washington County in the Tualatin Valley about 15 miles outside Portland. The community was founded by James Christopher Smock and first called Smockville, but it was renamed in 1891 after Sherwood, Michigan by a local. What is Sherwood, OR known for? Its historic Old Town home to specialty shops, family-owned restaurants, a wine tasting bar, a tavern, and galleries. It’s also known for its major annual events like the Sherwood Robin Hood Festival and it’s quickly becoming one of the region’s top wine destinations. It’s even been ranked as one of the most family-friendly small towns in America and one of the top 50 places to live in the U.S.
Considering moving to Sherwood, OR? Here’s what it’s like living in Sherwood and what you’ll love about small-town life just outside the city.
Sherwood, OR Population & Demographics
Curious about who is living in Sherwood? The population of Sherwood, Oregon is 20,000, up from 18,000 in 2010.
The median age is 36, lower than average for the Portland metro area and Oregon overall. The population is 51% female. The racial and ethnic composition of Sherwood is:
- 88.5% white
- 7% Hispanic
- 3.5% Asian
- 0.8% African American or Black
- 0.5% Native American
Sherwood is an affluent city. The median household income in Sherwood is $103,500. That’s significantly higher than the $62,800 median for Oregon and the $74,800 median household income in the Portland metro area. The poverty rate is just 2.9%, one-quarter that of the Portland metro.
Is Sherwood, OR a safe place to live? Absolutely! The Sherwood crime rate is 54% below the national average with violent crime 84% lower than the national average! The crime rate is just 1,153 crimes per 100k people compared to 3,015 crimes/100k people for Oregon.
People living in Sherwood, OR are also highly educated. 50% have at least a bachelor’s degree, 25% higher than the rate in the Portland area.
Famous people from Sherwood, Oregon include athletes like Adley Rutschman (#1 pick for the 2019 MLB draft), Dave Edstrom (Olympic decathlete), and Del Baker (MLB player and manager).
Sherwood is in Washington County, Oregon in zip code 97140. It is in area codes 503 and 971.
Sherwood Climate – What’s the Weather Like in Sherwood, OR?
Before moving to Sherwood, OR, you may be curious about the climate and what you can expect. If you’re moving from outside the Pacific Northwest, you may have heard about its reputation for rain. You’ll definitely get your fair share in Sherwood!
View this post on Instagram
Sherwood has a warm-summer Mediterranean climate with warm summers, wet winters, and skies that are often overcast. You’ll get very little snow, only about an inch a year, but 42” of rain per year! Typical of the Portland area, Sherwood is often overcast with 142 sunny days per year.
In the summer, you’ll experience a high of 81 degrees in July. The winter low in January is 36 degrees.
The best time to visit Sherwood, Oregon is between June and August when the weather is consistently warm enough to enjoy the outdoors and flowers are blooming.
Sherwood Schools – Public Schools & Higher Education
While living in Sherwood, you will be served by the Sherwood School District. The district has four elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school, Sherwood High School. Sherwood has an excellent school system with one of the top 20 high schools in Oregon!
You can also choose to send your children to a public K-8 charter school, a private grade school, or one of two parochial schools.
Sherwood is right next to Newberg, a college town home to George Fox University. Portland Community College also offers courses at Sherwood High School.
What Is the Cost of Living in Sherwood, OR?
Living in Oregon’s beautiful Tualatin Valley isn’t cheap. The cost of living in Sherwood is 29% above the national average with housing accounting for most of the difference.
Utilities, meanwhile, are 22% below the national average. Groceries are about 15% more expensive than the national average.
The homeownership rate in Sherwood is 76%, well above the national average. The average home price in Sherwood is $491,000, up 21% year-over-year in early 2022. You can see Sherwood, OR homes for sale here to get started finding your new home.
View this post on Instagram
Considering renting after moving to Sherwood? The average rent in Sherwood is $1,562 for a 1,046-square-foot apartment according to RentCafe. That’s a bit higher than Portland. Keep in mind Sherwood is a small city dominated by owner-occupied homes; finding a rental property can be a challenge so you should start your search early. One of the most popular apartment buildings is Creekview Crossing with one- to three-bedroom Craftsman style townhomes and garden-style apartments. Enjoy large patios, hardwood floors, a playground, and a community pool!
View this post on Instagram
Best Neighborhoods in Sherwood, OR
Where are the best places to live in Sherwood, Oregon? From luxury homes with mountains views to family-friendly neighborhoods, you’ll find it all! Here are our top picks ahead of moving to Sherwood, OR.
Sherwood View Estates – Spacious Homes in an Affordable Sherwood Neighborhood
While “affordable” is subjective and homes in Sherwood View Estates are usually priced above average for Sherwood, you’ll get a great value in this neighborhood. The subdivision is located over Sunset Boulevard with prices starting at $600k for homes around 3,000 square feet. That’s not bad when you consider the amazing views, open green space, and being just minutes from downtown Sherwood shopping and entertainment.
The Estates at Parrett Mountain – Exclusive Hilltop Neighborhood in Sherwood
Do you enjoy quiet surroundings and appreciating nature? The Estate at Parrett Mountain is one of the most affluent neighborhoods in Sherwood and one of the most unique. There are 66 custom estates spread over 300 acres of mostly open habitat. You’ll live above the valley, vineyards, and farmland below. Homes usually begin at $1 million.
Woodhaven – Best Sherwood Neighborhood for Families
You’ll fall in love with Woodhaven, an established and family-friendly neighborhood in Sherwood with landscaped yards and mature trees. Homes in the neighborhood are usually in the mid-$500s with low HOA fees and large yards. Within walking distance are the best parks in Sherwood: Woodhaven Park with a fun sandpit for young kids, Cannery Square with a splash pad, and Snyder Park with cascading falls, water features, and green space.
View this post on Instagram
Jobs in Sherwood
Considering employment opportunities ahead of moving to Sherwood, Oregon? The city itself has a diverse economy centered on tourism, finance, education, health care, construction, and services. You’re just 30 minutes from the Silicon Forest of Portland, however. Many people living in Sherwood commute to Portland and work at major employers like Adidas, Columbia Sportswear, IBM, HP, and Accenture.
How much does it cost to live in Sherwood? The average salary is $65,000, according to Payscale, with an average hourly rate of $18.10. Here’s what you can earn with common occupations:
- Procurement Specialist: $46k
- Assistant Winemaker: $56k
- Finance Director: $123k
- Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA): $15/hour
- Construction Foreman: $18/hour
- Bookkeeper: $20/hour
Things to Do in Sherwood, OR
Sherwood may be a small city, but it’s packed with tons of amenities and things to do. One of the main attractions in Sherwood, OR is the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge, but you’ll also find top-rated wineries, outdoor recreation, and parks. There’s also convenient shopping in the city at Parkway Village at Sherwood, Sherwood Plaza, Sherwood Crossroads, Target, and Walmart.
After exploring activities in Sherwood, you’re just around the corner from neighboring Tualatin and Portland. The drive from Sherwood, OR to Portland, OR is just 16 miles!
Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center
This gorgeous wildlife preserve covers over 1,800 acres of lowlands and wetlands. There are 25 species of amphibians and reptiles, 50 species of mammals, and 200 species of birds call the refuge home.
Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 19255 SW Pacific Hwy, Sherwood, OR 97140 (503) 625-5944
Langer’s Entertainment Center
Langer’s is one of the best things to do in Sherwood for families! Enjoy family-friendly attractions including arcade games, bowling, a rock wall, laser tag, a ropes course, and a restaurant with a bar.
Langer’s Entertainment Center, 21650 SW Langer Farms Pkwy, Sherwood, OR 97140 (503) 625-1800
View this post on Instagram
Hawks View Winery
Hawks View is one of Sherwood’s best wineries. Producing Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris, the winery is now run by the Ponte family from Italy. Stop by to enjoy wine with scenic views of Mt. Hood.
Hawks View Winery, 20220 SW Conzelmann Rd, Sherwood, OR 97140 (503) 625-1591
Great Sherwood, OR Restaurants
Ready to explore the amazing restaurants you’ll love while living in Sherwood, OR? The city features everything from Irish pubs and family-friendly restaurants to Creole, Thai, and sushi restaurants. Here are the best places to eat in Sherwood.
Crazy Sushi Restaurant
In the mood for sushi? This upbeat small chain delivers classic Japanese fare plus inventive California-inspired sushi rolls.
Crazy Sushi Restaurant, 16055 SW Tualatin-Sherwood Rd #250, Sherwood, OR 97140 (503) 625-7101
View this post on Instagram
Killer Burger
This Portland-based burger joint has the best burgers in Sherwood! It’s a family-friendly restaurant that’s also known for its large craft beer and cider selection.
Killer Burger, 21332 SW Langer Farms Pkwy, Sherwood, OR 97140 (503) 610-1141
Living in Sherwood Pros & Cons
- Pro: Excellent quality of life with tons of outdoor recreation
- Pro: Top-rated public schools
- Pro: Family-friendly amenities
- Con: High cost of living in Sherwood, OR
Are you ready to experience life in Sherwood for yourself? As you prepare for moving to Sherwood, Oregon, PDX Movers is here to help. Give our friendly movers a call to request a free estimate; we’ll help you settle into your new home in the beautiful Tualatin Valley without the hassle and stress.
