Firstly why Hillsboro, Oregon?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Hillsboro
• State: Oregon
• Population: 107,295 people
• Hillsboro’s quick summary would be Recognized for its significant role in the tech industry and the beautiful Tualatin Hills Nature Park.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 9,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 7,000 annually
• Net Migration: 2000 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 800
• Number of Homeless people: 200

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it offers proximity to high-tech industries appealing to professionals

Perk #1: Hillsboro Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 35%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 62%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is White
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly Hispanic
• The median income is (and growing)  $72,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Hillsboro is $68,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $-4000 in negative cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Hillsboro’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 100 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $3,066
• Property Tax %: 1%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,050
• Rent for an average house: $1,800
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Hilllsboro
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Hillsboro, Forest-Grove, Cornelius, Beaverton, and probably could include Tigard
• Avg. Age of Homes in Hillsboro: 50 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.6%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Hillsboro’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Hillsboro are  Technology, Manufacturing, and Retail
• Hillsboro Job Scene: strong job market in tech and manufacturing
• The General Tech Scene: major tech hub with strengths in semiconductor manufacturing and technology , ,
• Hillsboro Resident’s pay $1,100 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Hillsboro: 8.2%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 100 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 7

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Hillsboro

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $100 on average per person
• Freeway Access: U.S. Route 26 connects Hillsboro to the coast and Portland
• Commute Time: 26 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: evening traffic on Baseline Road
• Transportation Score: 52 out of 100 described as Good Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Hillsboro: 70,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.7
• No. of Car Washes: 6 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Hillsboro: oregon.gov/odot/dmv
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 68 of 100
• Local Airport: Hillsboro

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Hillsboro’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Wildfires
• General Weather in Hillsboro is best described as experiences mild winters and warm summers with significant annual precipitation
• Winter Weather in Hillsboro i’d describe as cool with rain
• Spring Weather in Hillsboro can be described as cool with occasional rain
• Summer’s in Hillsboro are mostly warm and dry
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Hillsboro is usually cool and partly sunny
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 5 days in summer
• Days in a row in Hillsboro below Freezing: 5
• Average Annual Rainfall: 45 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality affected by traffic emissions
• Hillsboro Winter Air mixed air quality marked by local pollution sources

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Hillsboro Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Hillsboro 4
• While the number of trade schools inside Hillsboros’s city limits are 2
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Hillsboro Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Hillsboro Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 7 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Hillsboro only Doctors is about 40
• Local Hospitals here is  3
• Full-time Hillsboro only Police Officers is about 110
• Crime Rate Index: 30/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Hillsboro’s Monthly utility bill average is $100
• Hillsboro’s Monthly Gym Membership: $50
• Hillsboro’s Water Quality Score: 76

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Hillsboro

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 8 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: suburban area known for technology companies and family-friendly living
• You might enjoy concerts at the Hillsboro Civic Center
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Hillsboro  features a mix of local bars restaurants and community events appealing to both families and friends alike

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Hillsboro

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Includes a variety of local restaurants and chain options
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 30 scattered around Hillsboro
• The Popular Sports Team is Hillsboro Hops
• Top Level Political Climate in Hillsboro can be described as moderately progressive suburb with a focus on technology
• Hillsboro’s Longer standing religious establishment is Hillsboro Baptist Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Hillsboro Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Hillsboro has 20 Parks?
• Hillsboro Parks is Hillsboro’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Hillsboro Farmers Market normally open Thursday 5pm-8pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, biking, and parks

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Hillsboro Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Hillsboro can be described as moderate suburban pace with a focus on industry and family living
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Hillsboro picnicking at parks visiting local attractions hiking
• The Cities people commute to from Hillsboro are Albany 12 miles away Lebanon 18 miles away Monmouth 25 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Hillsboro or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: evening traffic on Baseline Road. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Hillsboro’s Wildfires risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Hilllsboro is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Hillsboro are Albany 12 miles away Lebanon 18 miles away Monmouth 25 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 30 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Hillsboro has 5 days in a row below freezing and 5 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Hillsboro people have an average (positive or negative) $-4000 in negative cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   200 homeless people living in Hillsboro. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general moderately progressive suburb with a focus on technology could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Hillsboro.

Retiree & Senior Life in Hillsboro

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can may be eligible for local property tax relief enhancing affordability
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is Brookdale
• Hillsboro Senior Center offers a range of activities health screenings and social programs for seniors

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Hillsboro, Oregon?

If Hillsboro, Oregon ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Hillsboro, Oregon, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!