What Is Living in Hillsboro, Oregon Like?
Hillsboro is located in Portland Metro and is known for being home to Intel's largest US campus and the heart of Oregon's tech economy. With a population of approximately 106000, it offers Oregon living 18 miles from Portland.
Hillsboro is the Silicon Forest capital of Oregon — Intel's Logic Technology Development campus here is one of the most advanced semiconductor manufacturing facilities in the world. The city grew from a quiet farming community of 14,000 in 1970 to over 110,000 today, driven almost entirely by the tech boom.
Whether you're relocating for work, retiring to Oregon, or simply looking for a change of pace, Hillsboro offers a compelling combination of natural beauty, community character, and Oregon lifestyle. Read on for everything you need to know before making the move.
Thinking about buying a home in Hillsboro?
Get pre-approved in minutes — no obligation, no pressure.
Buying a Home in Hillsboro? Start Here.
The most important first step is knowing your budget. Getting pre-approved puts you in a stronger position with sellers and helps you move fast when the right home comes along in Hillsboro.
Todd Davidson
Executive Loan Officer · Rocket Mortgage · NMLS #2003696
- Specializes in Oregon home buyers & relocators
- Lender-paid 1% rate reduction in Year 1 on purchase loans
- Some buyers starting with first-year rates under 5% — up to $500/mo savings
- FHA, VA, Conventional & Jumbo loans available
- Fast pre-approvals — often same day
Equal Housing Opportunity Lender. Rocket Mortgage NMLS #3030. Rate offers subject to qualification.
Hillsboro at a Glance
How Much Do You Need to Live in Hillsboro?
Use this calculator to find out exactly how much income your family needs to live comfortably in Hillsboro, Oregon — whether renting or buying. Then compare with nearby cities.
Cost of Living Calculator — Hillsboro, Oregon
Select your family size and whether you plan to rent or buy.
| City | Distance | Income Needed |
|---|
Ready to see what you qualify for in Hillsboro?
Talk to Todd — free, no obligation.Hillsboro Neighborhoods
Hillsboro has several distinct neighborhoods — each with its own character and appeal. Here's a breakdown to help you narrow down where to focus your home search.
🚉 Orenco Station
Portland's most celebrated transit-oriented development — beautifully walkable neighborhood with cafes boutiques parks and MAX light rail access.
🛍️ Tanasbourne
Major commercial hub with excellent shopping dining and services — one of the metro's best-equipped retail corridors.
🌳 Witch Hazel
Established suburban neighborhood with mature landscaping excellent schools and easy Intel campus access.
🏡 Jackson School
Family-oriented neighborhood with good schools parks and a safe community character.
🌿 Reedville
More affordable established neighborhood in central Hillsboro — good transit access and convenient location.
Want to see what's for sale in these neighborhoods?
Sign up for listing alerts — get notified when homes hit the market.Pros & Cons of Living in Hillsboro
Every city has trade-offs. Here's an honest look at what residents love — and what they'd warn you about — before moving to Hillsboro.
✅ Pros of Living in Hillsboro
- Home to Intel's largest US campus
- Strong tech job market — highest wages in the metro
- MAX Blue Line direct access to Portland
- More affordable than Beaverton and Portland
- Excellent diverse food scene
- Strong school options
⚠️ Cons of Living in Hillsboro
- Still expensive relative to most of Oregon
- Traffic near Intel campus can be severe
- Less historic character than older suburbs
- Some areas feel very corporate and planned
- Growing fast — infrastructure under pressure
Thinking About Buying in Hillsboro?
Todd Davidson has helped buyers across Oregon navigate the mortgage process — from first-time buyers to retirees relocating to the coast. A quick conversation can save you thousands.
Schools in Hillsboro, Oregon
Families moving to Hillsboro will find quality public school options through the Hillsboro School District. The district serves K–12 students across Hillsboro and surrounding communities.
🎓 School District
Hillsboro School District
Ranked #13 in Oregon (Niche 2026) with a Niche grade of B+. View on Niche →
🏆 Graduation Rate
The 4-year high school graduation rate for Hillsboro School District is approximately 90% — compared to Oregon's statewide average of ~80%.
📚 Higher Education
Portland (18 mi) offers additional college and university options for students continuing beyond high school.
🌐 Online Learning
Oregon State University Ecampus and University of Oregon Online offer fully accredited online degrees for remote learners statewide.
Job Market in Hillsboro, Oregon
Hillsboro's economy reflects the character of Portland Metro — here's a look at the key industries and employers that define the local job market.
💾 Intel Corporation
Intel is Oregon's largest private employer with 20,000+ workers in Hillsboro — semiconductor manufacturing, R&D, and engineering roles. Intel's ongoing expansion continues growing local employment.
💻 Silicon Forest Tech Hub
Hillsboro is the heart of Oregon's Silicon Forest — home to onsemi, Epson, Radisys, Lattice Semiconductor, and 200+ tech companies in chips, software, and bioscience.
⚕️ Bioscience & Medical Devices
A growing bioscience cluster includes companies in medical devices, diagnostics, and pharmaceutical manufacturing tied to the tech ecosystem.
✈️ Aerospace & Engineering
Advanced manufacturing for aerospace components, precision engineering, and defense electronics are part of Hillsboro's diversified tech economy.
🏥 Healthcare
OHSU Hillsboro Medical Center and Kaiser Permanente provide substantial healthcare employment.
🎓 Education
Hillsboro School District — one of Oregon's largest and most diverse — employs thousands in teaching and support roles.
Distances from Hillsboro
Here's how far Hillsboro is from key Oregon cities — helpful context whether you're commuting for work or planning weekend trips.
Things to Do in Hillsboro, Oregon
Hillsboro offers a variety of activities and attractions for residents and visitors alike. Here's a taste of what you'll find:
- Intel campus (nearby)
- Orenco Station Town Center
- Hillsboro Saturday Market
- Jackson Bottom Wetlands
- Washington County Museum
- MAX Blue Line to Portland
FAQs About Moving to Hillsboro, Oregon
What is Hillsboro Oregon known for?
Hillsboro is the heart of Oregon's Silicon Forest — home to Intel's largest US campus which employs tens of thousands of engineers and technicians. The city is also known as one of the most diverse in Oregon with a large Latino community and outstanding international food options.
What are home prices like in Hillsboro Oregon?
Hillsboro is more affordable than Portland and Beaverton. Expect $440000–$680000 for typical homes — with newer construction and Orenco Station commanding premium prices.
Is Hillsboro Oregon a good place to work in tech?
Yes — Intel alone employs 20000+ in Hillsboro. Radisys Epson and dozens of other tech companies also have a presence. This is the center of Oregon's tech economy.
What is Orenco Station in Hillsboro?
Orenco Station is a celebrated transit-oriented development centered on a MAX light rail station. It's a walkable mixed-use neighborhood with restaurants coffee shops and a very urban feel that's unusual for a suburb.
How do I get a mortgage for a home in Hillsboro, Oregon?
The first step is always getting pre-approved. Todd Davidson (Executive Loan Officer, Rocket Mortgage, NMLS #2003696) specializes in Oregon home buyers with a current offer of lender-paid 1% rate reduction in Year 1 on purchase loans — potentially saving up to $500/month.
Cities Near Hillsboro, Oregon
Exploring other Oregon cities? Here are communities near Hillsboro — each with its own character and lifestyle. Click to explore any of them.
Helpful Links for Moving to Hillsboro
Ready to Make Hillsboro Home?
Whether you're buying your first home, relocating from out of state, or retiring to Oregon — Todd Davidson will walk you through every step of the mortgage process and make it easy.