Submitted by Sandy Morley

The buzz is getting louder surrounding the vision plan and developments in Tualatin. Bridgeport Village - the new, flashy “lifestyle center” has propelled Tualatin as a destination for Portland area residents and families relocating to Oregon. The $250 million shopping center (opened in 2005) has become the “it” place for high-end boutiques and movie-goers. This isn’t the only change happening southwest of Portland.  The once country farming community has created a downtown area with a man-made lake surrounded by condos and the new development called Nyberg Woods.
 
The best part of this transformation? The city has maintained the small town feel with a focus on preserving the historical landmarks and highlighting the recreational uses of the meandering Tualatin River. While continuously growing, the community emphasizes the family-friendly atmosphere as one of the most important goals - decided by vision plan input that included nearly 4,000 residents.
 
It is not just Tualatin’s image that makes this a great community to live – the easy access to I-5 makes commuting to Portland a 20 minute drive. The long-awaited new Washington County commuter rail project (to be completed Fall 2008) will make traveling to and from town even easier. Best of all, the city is investing in constructing the commuter rail station to resemble an old brick 1920’s train station to keep with Tualatin’s small town feel. 
 
Still considered up-and-coming, there are hopes for a central gathering spot like a community center and a need for more restaurants and stores downtown. Until then, thousands of residents gather every year to taste delicious seafood at the Tualatin Crawfish Festival (number 57 this year!), dance to jazz and bluegrass at the free weekly music series Concert in the Commons, and celebrate the local history at the Tualatin Heritage Center.