Hillsboro, OR
Why You’ll Love Living in Hillsboro, Oregon
Though it’s located just 20 miles west of Portland, Hillsboro, Oregon, stands on its own as a great place to live, work and play. Like other Oregon cities, Hillsboro has a robust beer scene and is close to wine country. And, of course, the scenery is beautiful. The 50-mile Tualatin Valley Scenic Bikeway, which runs through farms, forests and wetlands, starts in Hillsboro. Hillsboro also offers ample job opportunities, including a strong tech presence.
Thinking of moving to Hillsboro, OR? Keep scrolling to find all the details about living in Hillsboro, including quick facts such as the population, median home value and property taxes. Plus, learn more about the cost of living and quality of life in Hillsboro, from the economy and job opportunities to weather, outdoor activities and things to do, including local restaurants and points of interest.
What Makes Hillsboro, OR, a Best Place to Live in 2024
Hillsboro, OR, is a place where farm life meets technology and is considered one of the best places to live in the U.S. Today, the city of more than 107,000 still has its share of farms and wineries, which is why protecting the environment is so important to the community. In fact, in 2010, the city partnered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to become a Green Power Community. But it’s also known as part of the Silicon Forest thanks to all of the high-tech companies located here. Nike and Intel are the biggest in the area, but there are also health care groups, software firms, media companies and bioscience ventures that make the city a great career choice.
Kudos to Hillsboro’s focus on transportation, offering a light rail that connects to Portland and other surrounding cities. The fifth-largest city in Oregon is welcoming and boasts friendly neighborhoods, cute boutiques, a vibrant arts scene that includes murals and public sculptures, a wide range of dining options, and scenic spots where you can enjoy all that nature offers. Sports fans love to cheer for the Hillsboro Hops, the city’s minor league baseball team, and visit the fascinating Rice Museum of Rocks and Minerals, which is definitely a jewel — pun intended! The performing arts are alive and well in Hillsboro, with both the Hillsboro Symphony Orchestra and the Hillsboro Artists’ Regional Theatre entertaining receptive audiences.
Hillsboro, OR Quality of Life LivScore
Hillsboro, OR Top Categories
Environment
Economy
Health
Hillsboro ranks highest for environment, economy and health.
Weather and Outdoor Activities in Hillsboro, OR
Hillsboro winters are cold and overcast, but when the warm, mostly dry summers roll in, the weather is well worth it. The average highs and lows are 78°F and 52°F (summer) and 48°F and 34°F (winter).
The average annual snowfall in Hillsboro is very low, at just 1 inch annually.
The average annual rainfall in Hillsboro is 39 inches per year. The wettest months are typically from November to April, with peak rainfall in December and January.
Hillsboro averages 144 sunny days a year.
Go for a bike ride along the Rock Creek Trail, which comes with creek and meadow views for cyclists to enjoy.
Things To Do in Hillsboro, OR
Hillsboro emphasizes the arts, and it shows. The city is home to an extensive 80-piece public art collection.
October weekends at Roloff Farms are a blast, with pumpkin picking, gold panning, a spooky forest and wagon rides.
Hillsboro is nestled in the PNW’s wine country. Spend a weekend trying out any of the wines from local wineries, including Blizzard Wines, Oak Knoll Winery and Ruby Vineyard and Winery.
You have several choices in Hillsboro to shop until you drop. The Streets of Tanasbourne is a popular outdoor haunt with plenty of nationally recognized shops, restaurants and coffee stands.
Looking for a great dinner spot? Look no further than McMenamins Cornelius Pass Roadhouse. The local favorite is a brewery, distillery and pub all wrapped up in one. The best part is that it’s situated on a farmstead that traces its history all the way back to 1850.
Hillsboro Artists’ Regional Theatre, known as the HART, is the city’s premiere community theater and has been producing shows for nearly 30 years. Another favorite is the Venetian Theatre, a former movie theater and performing arts venue that now functions as an event center and bistro. Both spots are top picks for seeing a live production in Hillsboro.
Finding a good cup of coffee in Hillsboro isn’t hard. Narrowing down your choices, on the other hand? Much harder. Check out Insomnia Coffee Company, Black Rock Coffee Bar or Longbottom Coffee & Tea.
The Local and State Economy in Hillsboro, OR
Technology, manufacturing and biosciences are significant industries in Hillsboro. Intel Corporation, Nike and Greentech all have a strong presence in the city.
Oregon has no state sales tax, and no local sales taxes apply in Hillsboro.
Yes, Oregon has a state income tax.
Hillsboro’s proximity to Portland (just 20 miles away!) gives residents access to a variety of health care providers and practitioners in the metropolitan area. Locally, residents can take advantage of the Kaiser Permanente Westside Medical Center and Tuality Health Care’s Hillsboro Medical Center.
The most notable higher education institution in Hillsboro is Pacific University.
Weather in Hillsboro, OR
Average Temperatures
64 High / 44 Low
Average Annual Rainfall
39 Inches
Average Annual Snowfall
1 Inches
Quick Facts about Hillsboro, Oregon
- Median Home Value
- $464,840
- Median Property Tax
- $3,328
- Total Population
- 107,497
- Average Commute
- 18 min
- Median Household Income
- $105,489
- Median Rent per Month
- $1,452
Map of Hillsboro, OR
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