Hillsboro, OR Area Guide

What do the locals think about Hillsboro?

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Family friendly Public transit is accessible Walkable to grocery stores Yards are well-kept Lots of parks Walkable to restaurants Friendly neighbors Safe at night Pet friendly Streets have sidewalks A quiet area Sense of community

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Hillsboro, OR

Hillsboro is located just outside of Portland, OR and is known for its rainy weather, beautiful mountain and forest scenery, and its tech and manufacturing-centric economy. It is the fifth largest city in Oregon and, like much of the Pacific Northwest, its population is increasing rapidly. The Tualatin River and Hillsboro Stadium are two specifically memorable landmarks of the city.

The largest employer in Hillsboro is currently Intel and it is closely followed by other technology and manufacturing companies, such as IBM, Nike, and Qorvo. These companies have helped to fuel and grow the local economy, and Hillsboro has become known as "Silicon Forest" because of the surge of semiconductor companies in the area.

For those wanting to start or relocate their family, Hillsboro has plenty of excellent schools to choose from. Higher education institutions can also be found in nearby cities, such as Portland and Eugene. The crime rate in Hillsboro is considerably lower than other cities in the Pacific Northwest, and most of the country. All of these pros and more make Hillsboro an excellent choice for families and young people alike.

Public transportation is abundant and Hillsboro, with the Max light rail connecting the city to Portland and all of its other main suburbs. There is also an extensive busing system which makes owning a car nonessential in many cases. These benefits and others make Hillsboro a dream for those who want to be environmentally friendly and, indeed, many locals are in favor of environmental preservation. That is clear in the beautiful scenery and parks of the city. For those more interested in shopping, there are shopping centers such as Tanasbourne Town Center, Washington Square Mall in Tigard, and Bridgeport Village. There is certainly something for everyone.

The cost of living in Hillsboro is rather high, with the average rent being over $1,500 per month. This is slightly offset by the increasing minimum wage of Oregon, although it is still expensive compared to other small cities in the country. Gas is also expensive, along with parking. Groceries are one of the few things that can be gotten for a cheap price at one of the many nearby supermarkets. Those who are considering moving to the area should plan to have a high paying job and education to support themselves and their family.

Hillsboro is a beautiful city just outside of Portland with its own thriving community and economy. It will continue to grow as more and more people call the Pacific Northwest their home and that will only make the city more vibrant and interesting. If you are interested in visiting Oregon or moving there, Hillsboro should definitely be on the list of cities to see.