Cornelius is located in Western Washington County, 25 miles west of Portland, between Forest Grove and Hillsboro along Hwy 8.
This community was named for pioneer Col. T. R. Cornelius. Much of the economy in Cornelius is composed of high-tech technology, wine, and agriculture. There are many Parks throughout the city of Cornelius, such as: Alpine Park, Arboretum Park, City Hall Park, Dogwood Park,
Free Orchards Park, Harleman Park, Ryland Park, Steamboat Park, Tarrybrooke Park and Water Park. Cornelius is also home of the annual "Blueberry Festival" and nicknamed Oregon's Family Town. There is also great fishing, sailing, water-skiing and picnicking at nearby Hagg Lake. The vineyards and tasting rooms of Oregon's Wine Regions of Oregon start just outside of town, along with six golf courses.
There is also a Cornelius, North Carolina.
Cornelius is part of the Portland-Vancouver, Oregon-WA metro area.