Hillsboro is the center of the Silicon Forest, with Intel employing 20,000+ people across its Hillsboro-area campuses. It has some of the lowest prices on the west side (roughly $430,000–$575,000), lots of new construction in South Hillsboro, and the walkable Orenco Station neighborhood on the MAX. If you work in tech out here, living in Hillsboro can turn your commute into a 10-minute drive.
Who Hillsboro fits
Anyone whose job is in the Silicon Forest, first-time buyers who want a clean single-family home (some still under $500,000), and buyers who want new construction with modern layouts. If your office is in Hillsboro, the question isn't whether you can handle the commute from Hillsboro into Portland, it's why you'd commute at all.
What's changing
South Hillsboro is a roughly 1,400-acre area the city annexed for a master plan of 8,000+ homes, anchored by Reed's Crossing, which is set to become one of the largest mixed-use master-planned communities in Oregon. Intel has also committed more than $36 billion in new investment at its Hillsboro campus. Downtown Hillsboro has seen years of sustained investment in mixed-use development, retail, and restaurants.
What daily life looks like
Orenco Station is the standout: a walkable neighborhood built around its MAX stop, with coffee shops, a Saturday farmers market, and tree-lined streets. The Streets at Tanasbourne covers shopping and dining. For restaurant density and nightlife, you're still driving into Portland.
The trade-offs
Parts of South Hillsboro are still an active construction zone, and schools and roads are still catching up to the growth. Intel has also cut positions in recent years, so if you're relocating for a specific Intel offer, do your homework on the group and site. Hillsboro School District is solid but not top tier compared to Beaverton next door.
Go deeper
- Hillsboro vs. Portland: Which One Should You Actually Move To?
- 3 Portland Oregon Suburbs You're Probably Overlooking in 2026
- 7 Best Suburbs Near Portland, Oregon in 2026
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Prices are typical 2026 ranges from public sources (Zillow, Redfin, and the MLS-based reports cited in the linked guides) and move month to month. Treat them as a starting point, not an appraisal.
Frequently asked questions
How much do homes cost in Hillsboro, Oregon?
Typical 2026 medians run roughly $430,000 to $575,000 depending on neighborhood and source, with newer areas like South Hillsboro and Orenco Station toward the higher end.
How long is the commute from Hillsboro to Portland?
About 25 to 35 minutes on Highway 26 in decent conditions, longer at rush hour. The MAX Blue Line runs from downtown Hillsboro into downtown Portland with no transfer; budget 35 to 45 minutes plus getting to the station.
What is Reed's Crossing?
The centerpiece of South Hillsboro, a roughly 1,400-acre area annexed for 8,000+ homes. Reed's Crossing is planned for about 2,000 single-family homes and over 1,600 multi-family units, with its own schools, parks, and town center.
Thinking about making the move?
I help buyers relocate to Portland Metro and Southwest Washington every week. Let's talk through your specific situation.