"Carlson & Sherk Store Robbed -- The robbers opened the safe which is never kept locked because of fear that it might be blown open. Then they sat down by the safe and ate a lunch of crackers and cheese." - 1913 breaking news report, The Sherwood News Sheet, July 9, 1913
Sherwood's popularity has gained and waned over the years, but now seems to have taken hold. Since 2000, the town's population has increased more than 50%. Sherwood, Oregon is one of those quintessential Northwest towns that everyone seems to want to live in but relatively few do. It's a place where the decision by 19th-century pioneers to trek thousands of miles via the forbidding Oregon Trail, just to make their home at the northern tip of the Willamette Valley, seems imminently sensible. It's a place where wineries and art festivals now trump agricultural farming, but where expansive wildlife refuges and gorgeous scenery can still be found on any given day. And it's a place where according to some, the 1950 lifestyle of "Leave It to Beaver" small-town America still prevails, and only minutes away from the attractions and intensity of the big city.
Renting and home-owning opportunities abound in Sherwood and its surrounding areas
"Carlson & Sherk Store Robbed -- The robbers opened the safe which is never kept locked because of fear that it might be blown open. Then they sat down by the safe and ate a lunch of crackers and cheese." - 1913 breaking news report, The Sherwood News Sheet, July 9, 1913
Sherwood's popularity has gained and waned over the years, but now seems to have taken hold. Since 2000, the town's population has increased more than 50%. Sherwood, Oregon is one of those quintessential Northwest towns that everyone seems to want to live in but relatively few do. It's a place where the decision by 19th-century pioneers to trek thousands of miles via the forbidding Oregon Trail, just to make their home at the northern tip of the Willamette Valley, seems imminently sensible. It's a place where wineries and art festivals now trump agricultural farming, but where expansive wildlife refuges and gorgeous scenery can still be found on any given day. And it's a place where according to some, the 1950 lifestyle of "Leave It to Beaver" small-town America still prevails, and only minutes away from the attractions and intensity of the big city.
Renting and home-owning opportunities abound in Sherwood and its surrounding areas. To make sure that you secure your place right away, come prepared on your apartment search with all the paperwork that your landlord will want: letters of reference, a credit report, your IDs, proof of employment and a security deposit will go far.
The city of Sherwood lies about 10 miles southwest of Interstate 5, the main north-south corridor for Northwest Oregon. Oregon Route 99 separates the northwest-southeast sections of Sherwood, both of which are dotted with small to moderate size sub-developments. Within the city, Route 99 becomes a four-lane boulevard with cross streets. Those neighborhoods close to the highway have the advantage of being close to a main thoroughfare without the deafening noise of an interstate highway outside their windows.
Northwest of Route 99: The well-planned neighborhoods of northwest Sherwood are rimmed by farmland and the Tualatin River National Refuge. The cul-de-sacs of the Wyndham Ridge sub-development sit closest to Route 99, with straight access to downtown Sherwood. Heron Ridge lies farther north, as does the appropriately named Oregon Trail development. With street names like Wagon Train and Trails End, you'll almost feel like you're in pioneer country. Houses in this area, however, are anything but rustic. Spacious streets rimmed with well-kept houses are frequent here. Rental housing can be found in some areas as well.
Southeast of Route 99: Planned developments are within driving distance of the downtown Sherwood. Smaller, older houses can be found in Sherwood Village close to downtown. The distinctive neighborhood of Sherwood View captures the comfortable nature of Sherwood living, with larger houses and spacious yards. Arbor Lane, Abney Revard and Crestwood Heights all offer distinctive neighborhoods of varying distances from downtown and the Route 99 corridor. Some luxury apartments and one-bedroom apartments are clustered at the southwest edge of Sherwood, with easy access to Route 99. Other housing, some of which may have all utilities paid with the rental, are spread throughout the downtown area. Cul-de-sacs featuring two-bedroom apartments and townhouses for rent also can be found in this area.
Ladd Hill: The spacious homes and farms of Ladd Hill rim the southern edges of this area, with lakes and picturesque settings that almost seem to be taken out of history books. The luxurious estates that dot this countryside, however, are reminders of why Portlanders are surrendering their tight-knit neighborhoods and busy streets and flocking to Tualatin Valley. Sherwood's comfortable lifestyle is certainly one of them.
Had Sherwood's founders not had such thick skins, the town might have ended up being called Smock Ville. When it came time to name the town, James and Mary Ellen Smock agreed with the townspeople to dispense with tradition and not name the town after the founders.
As many would assume, the town was named after Sherwood England -- but by way of Michigan. Sherwood businessman, Robert Alexander, volunteered the name of his hometown back east. It just happened to have been named after Robin Hood's favorite forest as well.
No self-respecting city with the name of Sherwood can afford not to have a festival celebrating the feats of Robin Hood. The annual festival takes place in July and is a rite of passage for any new resident.
Have Car, Will Travel
One of the great benefits of Northwest Oregon is the variety of things to do. Dependable transportation is a big benefit here, but buses do run between Portland and Sherwood. If you plan on working in Portland, rideshare is another option. Some 7% of Sherwood residents ride together and get there faster by being able to use Oregon's commuting lanes.
Don't forget that rain slicker!
Take along the umbrella. It generally rains every month of the year, either in tiny spurts or in inches. While snow is infrequent during the winter, it has been known to pay a visit. Equipping your car with either all-weather tires or winter options is a necessity of living in the Northwest.
Wine tour anyone?
The Tualatin and Willamette Valleys are famous for their wine districts, which stretch more than 100 miles south of Portland. The area is a must-see for any future Sherwood resident. Take a lazy bike tour through the Willamette Valley or tour the area by car. Spring and fall are ideal times to take in the beauty.
There are beaches yonder!
Heading south on Route 99, you'll again be following the historic trail of Oregon pioneers. Vacationing farmers and urbanites have been traveling to Oregon's Coast since before there were paved roads to follow. It's worth a trip.
