Tualatin is home to a majority of Bridgeport Village, an open-air shopping area reminiscent of those found in Europe. (The smaller portion falls in the neighboring community of Tigard). It features an 18-screen movie theater, several national and regional chain restaurants, and many chain retail stores. There are 46 restaurants in Tualatin serving every taste.

There are lots of things to do without leaving Tualatin. Parks, for instance, are important to the city. Serving 50 square miles, Tualatin boasts 90 parks with active recreational amenities. These include six rec centers, 162 natural areas, and eight swim centers. Skateboarders will love the new skateboard park at Tualatin Community Park. There's also a farmers market. Or, head over to the Tualatin Heritage Center and learn more about the city's history. Housed in a 1926, craftsman-style church, the building itself had its own narrow escape from the wrecking ball.

Tualatin has festivals too! If you're there in early August, its "Viva Claws Vegas," Tualatin's annual Crawfish Festival where the critter in all its culinary forms is celebrated and ingested over a two-day period with music, a parade, and contests of every sort.

So, if you're planning to be in the greater Portland area, consider Tualatin as your home base and avoid the traffic and hassles of the big city while still being close to Mount Hood and the beautiful Oregon coast!