Hillsboro Apartments and Rentals

Located on the west side of the Portland Metropolitan Area, Hillsboro is quintessential Pacific Northwest town that exhibits a desirable cost of living and livability that many Oregonians enjoy. With its roots in agriculture, Hillsboro today has many opportunities in the high-tech future, making the city a dynamic and attractive place to live: The city's population grew to an estimated population of nearly 93,000 in 2011, according to the U.S. Census Bureau because of its investments in informational technology. Those seeking Hillsboro apartments for rent will assuredly find a great new home in one of Tualatin Valley's most charming communities.

Hillsboro may be one of the fastest growing cities in Washington County, but for years the area was a homestead for pioneers as early as the 1840s. Most residents lived on farms and made economic progress in the milling and lumber industries. Named after David Hill, one of the bravest travelers who traversed on the Oregon Trail, the city was incorporated in 1876. Once the railroad stretched from coast to coast across the United States in the late 1800s, Hillsboro became the breadbasket for many residents in the Portland community.

Hillsboro became a bedroom community for Portland during World War II when many industrial workers came into the area to work in the popular shipyards. After the war, the economic base of the town began to change once business leaders formed an industrial development corporation. By the 1970s, Intel's first plant site was built in Hillsboro and many tech companies soon followed, including Tektronix and several Japanese-owned suppliers and manufacturers. Once a three-block strip of pioneer settlements, today the city encompasses nearly 24 square miles, according to the census.

If you have an eye for technology, Hillsboro is the city for you when it comes to job opportunity. The largest private employer in the city by far is Intel with more than 16,000 employees, according to the City of Hillsboro. However, Hillsboro is home to several industrial and commercial headquarters for the communications, computer electronics and solar industries as well. If you are a tech enthusiast new to the area, there are many fantastic Hillsboro rentals close to many of these companies.

Many students in the Washington County area frequent Portland Community College's Rock Creek Campus, located in the Hillsboro-Beaverton area. This 2-year institution offers traditional college credit courses that you can take toward a certification, associate's degree or university transfer.

Residents in Hillsboro enjoy a cost of living that is similar to the nation's average, according to statistics from city-data.com. As of 2009, the median gross rent was $942 per month with a median household income around $57,000 per year, a nearly $6,000 jump from 2000. Because of the community's job opportunities and economic growth, it makes sense that the population growth continues to climb year after year.

The performing and visual arts make up a significant portion of the city's cultural life. Many residents enjoy the music with the Hillsboro Symphony Orchestra, who performs jazz, pops and classical pieces from around the world year round.   

The city also takes advantage of the Glenn & Viola Waters Cultural Arts Center, a popular community facility for art exhibits, art classes, concerts and informal lectures.

One of the major draws to the Hillsboro community is the Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve. Encompassing more than 725 acres, the quiet waters are a perfect refuge for ducks, geese, deer, otters, beavers and eagles. If you are a nature lover, there is no better place in the Pacific Northwest for bird watching and scenic views. 

To find your next rental apartment or house in Hillsboro, take a look at our listings on Rent.com®.