Apartment Rental Costs in Forest Grove

Learn about Apartment Rental Costs In Forest Grove

Apartment Rental Costs In Forest Grove are usually lower than Portland and often competitive with other Washington County suburbs, but prices vary a lot by unit size, building age, and how close you are to Pacific University and Highway 26 access. Below is what typically drives rent here, what to budget for beyond monthly rent, and how to shop smart if you’re planning a move.

Quick Answer

Apartment rental costs in Forest Grove generally land in the low-to-mid range for the Portland metro area, with the best values often found in older complexes, smaller buildings, or units farther from Pacific University. Expect meaningful price differences by size (studio vs. 2-bedroom), parking, and included utilities. Always confirm availability and fees before applying.

Understanding Apartment Rental Costs In Forest Grove in Forest Grove

Forest Grove is a small city on the western edge of the Portland metro, near Cornelius and Hillsboro. That “close enough to jobs, far enough for a quieter feel” location shapes rent: you’ll often pay less than in Portland proper, while still competing with Washington County demand.

Here’s what most commonly moves prices up or down:

  • Unit size and layout: Studios and 1-bedrooms tend to be the most in-demand for single renters and students; 2–3 bedrooms fluctuate with family demand.
  • Proximity to Pacific University: Walkable areas can be popular, especially at certain times of year.
  • Commute convenience: Faster access toward Hillsboro and Portland via Highway 26 can add value for commuters.
  • Building age and features: Newer finishes, in-unit laundry, air conditioning, and secured entries typically cost more.
  • Parking: Dedicated off-street parking (or garages) can raise total monthly costs, especially if it’s an add-on fee.
  • Pet policies: Pet rent and pet deposits can meaningfully change your monthly budget.

Buying-a-home lens: If you’re considering purchasing later, your rental choice can double as a “test drive” of commute patterns, noise levels, and neighborhood feel. A slightly higher rent in the area you’d want to buy in can be a useful short-term tradeoff.

Typical Price Ranges (What You’ll Likely See)

Because listings change constantly, it’s more useful to think in ranges and drivers than exact numbers. In Forest Grove, you’ll typically see:

  • Studios / small 1-bedrooms: Often the most variable depending on whether the unit is older, upgraded, or near campus.
  • Standard 1-bedrooms: Common in local complexes; pricing often hinges on amenities (laundry, AC, parking).
  • 2-bedrooms: Frequently sought by roommates and small families; pricing can jump if the unit is updated or includes garage parking.
  • 3-bedrooms: Less common in apartment form; when available, they can be priced closer to small-townhome territory.

Practical expectation: If a listing looks unusually low, double-check whether it’s missing something like parking, laundry, or a required income-to-rent ratio. If it looks unusually high, look for what’s being added—new construction, included utilities, or extra storage/garage.

What’s Usually Included (and What Often Costs Extra)

When you’re comparing apartments, the monthly rent is only part of the story. In Forest Grove, what’s “standard” depends on the property, but these are common patterns:

Often included (varies by property)

  • Water/sewer/garbage sometimes bundled (especially in larger complexes)
  • Basic exterior maintenance
  • One assigned parking space in some communities

Often extra

  • Electricity and internet (commonly separate)
  • Pet rent and/or pet deposits
  • Additional parking or garage rental
  • Application fees and screening costs
  • Move-in costs (security deposit, last month, or holding deposits—policies vary)

Tip: Ask for a written “all-in monthly estimate” that includes rent + average utilities + mandatory fees. This makes comparing listings much easier.

Neighborhood Feel: Where Rent Differences Show Up

Forest Grove isn’t huge, but rent can still vary by micro-area and lifestyle fit.

  • Near Pacific University / downtown core: Typically more walkable to cafes, services, and campus. This can raise demand at certain times.
  • Quieter residential edges: Often feel more spread out, with easier parking and less foot traffic—sometimes better value if you don’t need to be central.
  • Closer to main routes toward Hillsboro/Portland: Convenient for commuters; some renters will pay extra for time saved.

If you’re house-hunting long-term, consider renting in the area where you’d want to buy, even if it’s slightly pricier. You’ll learn quickly how traffic, parking, and daily errands feel.

Timing and Seasonality (When It’s Easier to Find a Place)

Rental availability and competition can shift during the year.

  • Late spring through early fall is often busier for moves, which can mean faster leasing and fewer “deal” listings.
  • Late fall and winter can be calmer, sometimes giving you more negotiating room (like flexible move-in dates), though selection may be smaller.

Forest Grove’s wet season can also influence how moving feels. Rain is common in fall/winter, so plan for covered loading if possible and protect furniture during move-in.

Practical Tips for Visitors and Residents

Use this checklist to keep costs predictable and avoid surprises.

Do this

  • Set a true budget: Rent + estimated utilities + parking + pet costs + renter’s insurance.
  • Ask about total move-in costs in writing before applying (deposit, holding fees, required add-ons).
  • Tour at the time you’ll usually be home (evenings/weekends) to check noise and parking reality.
  • Confirm commute times to Hillsboro/Portland using real-time maps during rush hour.
  • Check cell service and internet options if you work from home—availability can vary by building.

Avoid this

  • Assuming “included parking” means guaranteed—ask if it’s assigned, first-come, or permit-based.
  • Overlooking heating/cooling costs: Some units get warm in summer; ask about insulation, AC, and window orientation.
  • Relying on one listing platform: Smaller local properties may advertise differently than big Portland-area complexes.

Best timing

  • Start searching 4–8 weeks before move-in if you want choices without rushing. Shorter timelines can work, but you may have fewer options.

Who this is best for

  • Commuters who want a quieter home base but access to Hillsboro/Portland jobs
  • Students and university staff looking for proximity to Pacific University
  • First-time movers who want a smaller-city pace while staying in the metro orbit
  • Future homebuyers who want to “test” a neighborhood before purchasing

How Forest Grove Compares to Nearby Options

If you’re deciding between nearby cities, here’s the general pattern renters often notice:

  • Hillsboro: More inventory and newer complexes in many areas; often more expensive in high-demand zones, with more commuting convenience for major employers.
  • Cornelius: Close to Forest Grove and sometimes similar or slightly lower depending on the property; fewer amenities concentrated in one spot, but convenient for daily living.
  • Portland (west side / inner neighborhoods): Typically higher rent, especially for walkable areas, but more transit and nightlife density.

Local context: Forest Grove can be a sweet spot if you want Washington County access without paying Portland’s typical premium, especially if you don’t need to be in the city core daily.

Local Resources (Where to Verify Details)

For the most reliable, up-to-date information as you plan a move and budget:

  • City of Forest Grove (city government): Local services, utility info, and community updates.
  • Washington County services: Tenant assistance programs, public health resources, and general county services.
  • Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT): Road conditions and travel advisories, especially useful for Highway 26 commuting.
  • TriMet: Public transit schedules and service alerts if you’re connecting toward Hillsboro/Portland.
  • Oregon Judicial Department / Oregon State Bar (tenant-landlord info): For general renter rights and dispute guidance in Oregon (helpful for understanding deposits and notices).

When in doubt, verify costs and policies directly with the property manager and keep copies of anything you sign.

Frequently Asked Questions About Apartment Rental Costs In Forest Grove

Is Forest Grove cheaper than Portland for apartments?

Generally, yes—Forest Grove often rents for less than many Portland neighborhoods, especially for newer or more central Portland locations. The tradeoff is typically longer travel times to Portland and fewer big-city amenities within walking distance.

How far is Forest Grove from Hillsboro and Portland for commuting?

Forest Grove is close to Hillsboro (often a manageable drive), while Portland is farther and commute times vary widely with traffic. If you’ll commute regularly, check real-time drive estimates during your actual work hours, especially for Highway 26.

Do apartments in Forest Grove usually include utilities?

Sometimes water/sewer/garbage are included, but electricity and internet are commonly separate. Always ask for a full list of included utilities, required monthly fees, and typical ranges so you can compare listings accurately.

Are rents higher near Pacific University?

They can be, especially for units that are walkable to campus or set up well for students and roommates. Availability can also tighten at certain times of year, so starting your search earlier helps.

Is it hard to find pet-friendly rentals in Forest Grove?

Pet-friendly options are common, but many properties add pet rent, deposits, and breed/size restrictions. Ask about the total monthly pet cost and any one-time fees before you apply.

What should I budget for beyond rent when moving in?

Plan for application/screening fees, deposits, possible holding fees, renter’s insurance, and setup costs for utilities/internet. Parking, storage, and pet fees are also common add-ons that can change your “real” monthly number.

Summary

  • Apartment Rental Costs In Forest Grove are often lower than Portland, with wide variation by location, amenities, and unit size.
  • Expect add-ons like utilities, parking, and pet fees to meaningfully affect your monthly budget.
  • Areas near Pacific University and easy commuter routes can be more competitive.
  • Shopping during slower seasons can mean less competition, but also fewer available units.
  • For a future home purchase, renting can be a smart way to test commutes and neighborhood fit before buying.
  • First-Time Homebuyer Basics in Forest Grove, Oregon
  • Forest Grove vs. Hillsboro: Where Should You Live in Washington County?
  • Best Neighborhood Feel Areas in Forest Grove (Quiet Streets, Walkability, Commutes)
  • Property Taxes and Fees in Washington County: What Forest Grove Buyers Should Know
  • Commute Guide: Forest Grove to Hillsboro and Portland (Realistic Expectations)
  • Utilities and Monthly Living Costs in Forest Grove (Beyond the Mortgage)
  • Renting First, Buying Later: A Practical Plan for Moving to Forest Grove