Hillsboro, illustrated

Oregon Suburbs

Hillsboro

Median Price

$575,000

Walk Score

48

Schools

B+

Craftsman BungalowMid-century RanchHistoricModern InfillRiver Access

Where it sits

Hillsboro is located about 17 miles west of downtown Portland, bordered to the east by Beaverton, to the north by the Tualatin River, to the south by Farmington Road, and to the west by the edge of Washington County farmland. Defined by its blend of high-tech industry and small-town roots, Hillsboro is known as “the Silicon Forest’s hometown,” where innovative campuses sit alongside historic streets and lush farmland.

The Neighborhood

Hillsboro offers a wide array of housing, from classic early-20th-century bungalows near downtown to mid-century ranches, new suburban developments, and contemporary condos around the tech campuses. Streets are lined with maple and oak trees, and neighborhoods often feature quiet cul-de-sacs, planned communities, and homes with spacious yards.

Life in Hillsboro pivots around Main Street’s historic core, the bustling Orenco Station District, and the shops along Cornell and Baseline Roads. Walkability improves near the light rail stops, with coffee, groceries, and family-run restaurants within easy reach. The overall pace is friendly and community-focused, especially on farmers’ market weekends and during the city’s seasonal festivals.

“the Silicon Forest’s hometown, ”

Top 5 places to get outside

  • Orenco Woods Nature ParkA 42-acre park with meadows, oak woodlands, playgrounds, walking and biking trails, and public art installations. Popular for family strolls and connecting to the Rock Creek Trail.

  • Gordon Faber Recreation ComplexA sprawling complex featuring baseball and soccer fields, a 1.2-mile perimeter trail, and access to Ron Tonkin Field. It’s a hub for sporting events and outdoor walks.

  • Rood Bridge ParkKnown for its riverside trails, botanical gardens, picnic shelters, and tennis courts. Ideal for enjoying the Tualatin River and forested habitat.

  • Shute ParkFeatures a large playground, fitness path, open lawns, and the Hillsboro Community Center. Home to seasonal festivals and the city’s historic water tower.

  • Noble Woods ParkA 38-acre urban forest with winding trails through wetlands and woods. Great for birdwatching and quiet walks amidst native trees.

Top 5 places for a coffee

Top 5 places for a bite to eat

  • Amelia’s Mexican RestaurantA longstanding Main Street spot serving home-style Mexican fare in a lively, vibrant dining room.

  • Syun IzakayaThis beloved Japanese pub resides in a historic library building, offering sushi, sake, and modern izakaya plates.

  • An Nam Vietnamese GrillA cheerful eatery serving pho, noodle bowls, and grilled meats in a contemporary setting.

  • Helvetia TavernAn iconic, rustic burger spot just on Hillsboro’s northern edge, popular for its “jumbo burger” and old-school roadside vibe.

  • Noble Hop Food PodA curated collection of rotating food carts located near Noble Woods Park, offering international and local varieties in an outdoor setting.

Top 5 places for a drink

  • The 649 Taphouse & Bottle ShopAn independent taphouse offering dozens of Pacific Northwest beers, cider, and regular trivia nights in a relaxed setting.

  • Orenco TaphouseA lively spot in Orenco Station focusing on unique PNW craft brews and fostering a community feel with dog-friendly patios.

  • McNally's TaproomA locally owned Irish-themed bar downtown with authentic pints, hearty pub food, and live music on weekends.

  • Noble Hop BierhausA small, friendly beer hall adjacent to the food pod, serving local drafts and seasonal brews in an airy indoor-outdoor space.

  • ABV Public HouseA popular hangout for beer enthusiasts, featuring 30+ taps of local and regional craft beers with classic pub fare and big screens for sports.

Top 5 things worth your time

  • Hillsboro Farmers’ MarketsSeasonal open-air markets on Main Street and at Orenco Station (spring through fall) featuring local farms, food vendors, and live music.

  • Rice Museum of Rocks & MineralsA nationally recognized collection located just outside Hillsboro, housing rare gems, fossils, and hands-on exhibits in a historic mansion.

  • Ron Tonkin FieldHome of the Hillsboro Hops minor-league baseball team (High-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks), with summer games and fireworks.

  • Glenn & Viola Walters Cultural Arts CenterA central spot for local theater, music, art exhibitions, and classes, supporting Hillsboro’s creative scene.

  • Topgolf HillsboroA high-tech, multi-story driving range and entertainment venue popular for group outings and casual play.

Local services & organizations

Did we miss a favorite spot?

Send a Suggestion

How Hillsboro balances out.

Every neighborhood trades one thing for another. Each scale is drawn from real data — price, walkability, era, and architectural character.

Everyday comfortA trade-off to weigh

PaceCalm
QuietLively
EraHistoric
New buildEstablished
LotsComfortable
CompactSpacious
PriceMid-range
AccessiblePremium
CharacterModern
ModernTraditional
Getting aroundCar-leaning
Car-firstWalk & bike

Who it suits

You’ll likely love it if…

  • Want a suburban lifestyle with diverse housing and plenty of green space.
  • Appreciate easy access to tech jobs and proximity to Intel and other employers.
  • Value a quieter environment with walkable districts, markets, and parks.

It might not fit if…

  • Lower walkability overall; a car is needed for most errands outside the transit-oriented core.
  • Commute times to Portland can be long during rush hour.
  • Housing costs are rising as more tech companies expand in the area.

Hillsboro FAQ

The questions we hear most about Hillsboro — and honest answers from people who know it.

Ask us anything

Hillsboro’s housing stock ranges from historic Craftsman bungalows and early–mid-century ranch homes to new suburban developments, townhomes, and modern condominiums, especially near Orenco Station and the tech campuses.

Explore more

All neighborhoods
Sellwood-Moreland, illustratedSoutheast PortlandSellwood-Moreland

Portland's small town in the city.

Ardenwald-Johnson Creek, illustratedSoutheast PortlandArdenwald-Johnson Creek

Eclectic, green, and deeply local along Johnson Creek

Brentwood-Darlington, illustratedSoutheast PortlandBrentwood-Darlington

Large lots, urban gardens, and a patchwork of pocket parks

Interested in Hillsboro?

We know this neighborhood in detail — what’s available, what’s coming, and what the data misses.

Talk to us