Best Places to Live in the NW Portland Suburbs

Alex Vidal • March 6, 2023

Here, in the Portland area, there is no shortage of beautiful, community-rich places to live. From the vibrant neighborhoods of SE Portland to the wooded rural communities peppering the outskirts, the portland area truly has it all.

For families looking to experience the best of what makes Portland special in a small community, we always recommend the NW suburbs of Portland. In addition to being close to Nike, Intel, and the many other big Portland employers, the NW suburbs are known for their stunning natural beauty, strong community spirit, and excellent quality of life.

Whether you're moving to the area from out of town, or you're a current city dweller looking to make a change, there are many great reasons to consider making the NW Portland suburbs your new home.

Why Choose the NW Portland suburbs?

At the top of the list of reasons to choose the NW Portland suburbs is their beautiful natural setting. From the rolling hills of the Tualatin Valley and the lush forests of Forest Park to the banks of the Columbia River, the area is home to some of the most breathtaking scenery in the Pacific Northwest. These spectacular views can be enjoyed by simply taking a leisurely walk through local parks and nature reserves, or by exploring the many hiking and biking trails that traverse the region.

Another major draw of the NW Portland suburbs is their strong sense of community. The area is known for its tight-knit neighborhoods and friendly residents, who regularly come together to participate in local events, volunteer, and support local businesses. This strong sense of community makes the NW Portland suburbs a great place to raise a family, build lasting relationships, and enjoy a fulfilling life.

5 reasons to live in Portland’s NW suburbs

Quality of life

The NW Portland suburbs offer residents a high quality of life, with a strong sense of community and plenty of amenities. The area boasts excellent schools, parks, and recreational opportunities, including hiking and biking trails, parks, and golf courses. Additionally, the area has a low crime rate and is considered one of the safest places to live in Oregon.

Real estate

There is a reason we recommend NW Portland — it is a truly great place to live! Because of this, there is a high demand for housing, something that will not be stopping any time soon.

At this point in time, lots of housing is being built in the area — including our very own Noyes Development homes. The NW Portland suburbs are currently is in a “sweet spot” with opportunities to buy beautiful houses in unbelievable communities at a more reasonable price than many other Portland suburbs. This allows you to get in on the ground floor and more easily enter a very crowded real estate market.

Job opportunities

Whether you already have a job or will be looking for a new role once you’ve moved, NW Portland is one of the economic engines of the entire Portland area. The area is located near several major employers, including Intel and Nike, which offer residents a variety of job opportunities. Additionally, the town is home to a number of small businesses and startups, providing residents with even more options for employment.

Location

One of the best parts of living in the Portland area is the broad array of different areas you can access within just a 1 or 2-hour drive. While NW Portland is just a short drive to Portland and its restaurant and arts scene, there is also a world of possibility for weekend trips.

The Oregon Coast, one of Oregon’s most iconic locales, is under 2 hours away. As is Locals' favorite Hood River, which features a quaint downtown and waterfront walks. Mt. Hood is under 2 hours away, affording you the possibility of skiing, hiking, mountain biking, camping, or any other outdoor activity you can imagine.

Community

Potentially our favorite reason for living in NW Portland is the community. The area is home to some of the best schools in the region, as well as a thriving network of families, young professionals, and retirees. This gives you new friends to make and offers a wonderful environment to raise a family and put down roots.

Top NW Portland suburb communities

At Noyes Development, we’re proud to work in the neighborhoods and communities that make NW Portland special.

We’ve built a number of communities in the area and currently offer 3 distinct communities. Remember, all homes are semi-custom, giving you the flexibility to fine-tune your home to your family’s preferences when purchasing your home prior to construction.

Finnley Woods

Located in North Bethany, Finnley Woods is a 24-lot neighborhood offering luxury living at its best, including green space lots, high-quality builds, and expert craftsmanship.

Finnley Woods homes are 3 stories in a farmhouse-style construction ranging from 2,400-3,100 square feet. An attached guest or ADU option is available in most units. All homes are Zero Energy Ready and Earth Advantage Platinum & Energy Star certified.

Creekview Ridge

Creekview Ridge is a 106-home community located in the Bonny Slope area, which provides a unique combination of a connection to nature and easy access to downtown Portland.

A multitude of floor plans is offered, ranging from 2,400 to 4,400 square feet. Homes plans include highlights such as guest suites, 3-car garages, greenspace views, and daylight basements.

Greenway Grove

Located off Main Street in Hillsboro, Greenway Grove is a 12-lot neighborhood offering new construction at its best. The neighborhood will be on a cul-de-sac with greenway lots and 3-car garages available.

Homeowners at Greenway Grove will experience comfort, efficiency, and durability. Construction of the first home in Greenway Grove will begin in early 2023, with the first home to be completed in early Summer of 2023. Homes will range from 2,400-3,100 square feet. All homes will be Zero Energy Ready and Earth Advantage Platinum & Energy Star certified.

Discover the communities that define the NW Portland suburbs

At Noyes Development, we’ve been building homes and communities in the NW Portland suburbs for many years, and we are proud to be a part of this dynamic and thriving region.

Whether you're a young family looking for a safe and friendly place to raise your children, or a retiree looking for a peaceful place to spend your golden years, the NW Portland suburbs offer something for everyone. So why wait?

If you’re ready to see what this area is all about, Noyes Development is here to help! We've been building beautiful, sustainable homes in Portland, Oregon since 1993. With expertise, experience, and a genuine passion for home building, we're dedicated to providing our clients with the homes they deserve while also prioritizing safety, durability, and energy efficiency.

We offer home tours virtually, in-person, or via 3D tours on individual home pages. Contact our brokers at The Crandall Group today to set up your home tour!

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Oregon’s Noyes Development Wins Two Major North American Awards for Sustainable, Healthier Homebuilding

By Alex Vidal • October 21, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Bethany, OR — Noyes Development, one of Oregon’s premier homebuilders, has been recognized across North America with two 2025 Building Excellence Awards from the Energy & Environmental Building Alliance (EEBA) — one of the most respected organizations in high-performance residential construction. Noyes Development received the Excellence in Healthier Homes Award and the Zero Energy Ready Home – Production Award for its Solaris at Creekside project, a showcase of innovation that combines energy efficiency, smart technology, and healthier indoor living at a production scale. “These awards span all of North America and recognize the best in sustainable building,” said Alex Vidal, Marketing Coordinator of Noyes Development. “It’s an honor to see our work in Oregon stand shoulder-to-shoulder with national and international leaders who are reshaping how homes are built.” Setting a New Standard for Sustainable Living The award-winning Solaris at Creekside home, located in the Portland metro area in the Creekside at Westview community, exemplifies what’s possible when design, science, and technology work together. Highlights include: HERS Index of –5, meaning the home produces more energy than it consumes. 11.4 kW solar system by Neil Kelly paired with 16 kWh battery backup by Sigenergy, providing resilience and grid independence. One of the nation’s first two-way vehicle-to-home charging systems by Sigenergy, enabling EVs to power the home. Airtight construction (1.02 ACH50) and low-emission materials for superior indoor air quality. Smart home monitoring by RIoT Technology, tracking energy, air quality, water, and HVAC performance in real time. Balanced ventilation is provided by a Broan AI Series ERV (Energy Recovery Ventilator), which is programmed to meet ASHRAE 62.2 standards and operates independently to ensure consistent indoor air quality. Recognizing Leadership Across North America The Building Excellence Awards honor builders, suppliers, and partners across the U.S. and Canada who are driving innovation and sustainability in the homebuilding industry. Winning two awards in one year places Noyes Development among the continent’s leading innovators in healthy, high-performance homes. Partner Perspectives RIoT Technology "Partnering with Noyes Development on the Solaris at Creekside project showcased how RIoT Technology smart monitoring can directly enhance indoor air quality, water, and energy efficiency.” As RIoT COO John Freisinger said, “this integration provides homeowners with confidence in their home's optimal performance and demonstrates the real-world impact of technology on high-performance design and the quality of Noyes' product." Sigenergy “We’re proud to partner with Noyes Development on the award-winning Solaris at Creekside project”, commented Rob Schwarzinger, CEO of Sigenergy North America. “Their commitment to high-performance, sustainable building aligns perfectly with Sigenergy’s mission to empower smarter, cleaner energy solutions. By integrating our all-in-one solar, storage, and fully integrated bidirectional DC EV charging technology, the Solaris at Creekside home demonstrates what the future of residential energy independence looks like — efficient, resilient, and ready for tomorrow’s energy landscape.” Neil Kelly “Our partnership with Noyes Development showcases the next generation of clean energy technology,” said Jason Benfit, General Manager, Solar Division at Neil Kelly. “Together, we integrated Sigenergy battery storage, Silfab solar panels, and one of the nation’s first bidirectional EV charger, proving that the future of energy-resilient homes is already here.” Learn more about the award-winning project at www.eeba.org/project?ProjectID=145 .

What is a Zero Energy Ready Home — and Why Should You Care?

By Alex Vidal • September 30, 2025

Discover what a Zero Energy Ready Home is and why it matters. Learn the benefits of energy savings, comfort, and sustainability in your lifestyle.

The Hidden Benefits of Airtight Homes: Comfort, Air Quality, and Efficiency

By Alex Vidal • July 30, 2025

Airtight homes improve comfort, air quality, and energy efficiency. Learn how Noyes Development makes your home smarter and healthier.

How Our Homes Stay At The Forefront of Sustainability

By Alex Vidal • June 11, 2025

Discover how Noyes Development leads in sustainability with energy-efficient, solar-ready homes built for comfort, performance, and the future.

Why So Many Are Moving to the NW Portland Suburbs

By Alex Vidal • March 21, 2025

Discover why NW Portland suburbs are attracting so many homebuyers. Explore the lifestyle, amenities, and benefits of suburban living near Portland.

Benefits of High-Performance Remodels

By Alex Vidal • February 10, 2025

Transform your home with Noyes Development's high-performance remodels. Enjoy beauty, energy efficiency, and sustainability in NW Portland. Learn more!

Energy Efficiency and Comfort: How Noyes Development Homes Keep You Comfortable Year-Round

By Alex Vidal • November 27, 2024

Discover how Noyes Development builds homes for year-round comfort and energy efficiency, including Zero Energy Ready homes for a greener future.

Seasonal Maintenance Tips for High-Efficiency Homes

By Alex Vidal • September 25, 2024

At Noyes Development , we take pride in crafting semi-custom homes designed with high-efficiency systems that reduce energy consumption and environmental impact. Living in one of our newly built homes in the Portland area comes with the added benefit of cutting-edge features like Energy Recovery Ventilation (ERV) systems, airtight construction, and energy-efficient HVAC systems — all engineered to optimize the health and comfort of your family. While these advanced systems help minimize maintenance, periodic seasonal checks can help keep your home performing at its best for years to come. Here are some maintenance tips, tailored to the Pacific Northwest climate, to ensure your home continues to operate efficiently through every season.