Hillsboro 88 Exceptional
Hillsboro Livability #10 ranked city in Oregon#157 ranked city in the USARanks better than 99% of areas

Hillsboro, OR - The Silicon Forest

Hillsboro, Oregon, known as "The Silicon Forest," is a vibrant and rapidly growing city located near Portland. With its strong economy, excellent schools, and beautiful natural surroundings, Hillsboro offers a high quality of life for its residents. The city's blend of suburban charm and modern amenities makes living in Hillsboro an attractive option for families and professionals.

Residents of Hillsboro enjoy a variety of recreational activities and cultural events. The city's numerous parks, trails, and cultural institutions provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities and enrichment. The Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve and the Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals are popular destinations that celebrate the city's natural beauty and cultural richness. The annual Hillsboro Farmers' Markets and the Oregon International Air Show are events that showcase Hillsboro's...

Hillsboro's strong economy is supported by a diverse range of industries, including technology, healthcare, and manufacturing. The city's strategic location near Portland provides residents with easy access to job opportunities and cultural amenities in the greater metropolitan area. Major employers in the area include Intel and the Hillsboro School District.

Hillsboro prioritizes education and community development, with numerous programs and initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of life for residents. The city's focus on sustainability, green spaces, and educational excellence makes it a great place to raise a family.

Public transportation in Hillsboro is well-developed, with access to TriMet buses and the MAX light rail, facilitating easy commutes within the city and to neighboring areas. Hillsboro's climate features mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers, allowing for year-round outdoor activities. Overall, Hillsboro offers a blend of natural beauty, economic opportunity, and community spirit, making it a desirable place to live.

Pros and Cons of Living in Hillsboro

PROS
  • Amenities

    The area boasts an ample array of local amenities, such as restaurants, entertainment options, grocery stores and parks, all conveniently located within walking distance.

  • Commute

    A high commute score suggests convenient, easy access to public transportation, with shorter-than-average work commute times to work.

  • Employment

    This area excels in the employment category with a score well above average, primarily due to the higher median home income, per capita income and low unemployment rates.

  • Housing

    High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Health & Safety

    Achieving a high health and safety score relies on factors including great air quality and convenient access to vital health facilities such as hospitals, doctors, clinics and police stations.

CONS
  • Cost Of Living

    The cost of living in this area is notably high, making it a more expensive place to live. You'll find higher expenses for everyday goods and services, housing and groceries.

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What's it like Living in Hillsboro?

Hillsboro, Oregon is a moderately-sized city with a population of 108,026 inhabitants. In Hillsboro, there are 4,195 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. According to the most recent Census, 67% of Hillsboro residents are White, 12% Asian and 3% Black. Long travel times to work can be one of the most frustrating things in the world - right behind housework! If you decide that living in Hillsboro is the right fit for you, your one way commute time will average 24 minutes, which is about average when compared to the national commute time of 26 minutes.

Living in Hillsboro can be a fulfilling experience for anyone relocating to the town. Having said that, in the state of Oregon, there are many incredible places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. The best areas in Hillsboro and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from health & safety, education, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Oregon and national averages.

With a livability score of 88/100, Hillsboro is ranked #116 in the United States and #8 in Oregon. Based on this score, Hillsboro would be considered a very livable city! Hillsboro has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. If we dig a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Hillsboro has higher than average grades for the following: crime (B-), employment (A+) and housing (A+). On a more negative note, Hillsboro does not have favorable grades for the following: cost of living (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.

If you're living in Hillsboro, you can expect to enjoy a multitude of local amenities, mostly thanks to the strategic placement of essential services such as grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, parks and various shops. If you're contemplating a move to this locale with the intent of establishing it as your permanent residence, you'll be pleased to find an extensive array of amenities and recreational opportunities within easy reach, either on foot or via a brief commute. This wealth of accessible amenities not only enhances the livability of the area but also ensures that you can enjoy a rich and fulfilling lifestyle, making Hillsboro an attractive destination for those seeking a vibrant and well-served community to call home. A few of the enjoyable things to experience and sights to see are: A Nose For Wine, Oregon International Airshow, and The Venetian Theatre.

Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Hillsboro market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.

Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Hillsboro is real estate affordability. The median home price for Hillsboro homes is $363,600, which is 47.1% higher than the Oregon average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Hillsboro, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 4.3, which is 6.5% lower than the Oregon average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Hillsboro

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Hillsboro?

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Compare Hillsboro, OR Livability

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      Hillsboro transportation information

      Statistic Hillsboro Oregon National
      Average one way commute24min23min26min
      Workers who drive to work71.1%71.4%76.4%
      Workers who carpool10.4%10.3%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit6.5%4.4%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.8%2.4%0.6%
      Workers who walk2.9%3.9%2.8%
      Working from home7.2%6.4%4.6%
      Source: The Hillsboro, OR data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).