By Living Room Realty, May 24, 2018
Did you know that Hillsboro is the fifth largest city in the state of Oregon? Founded in 1842 the community was named after Oregon politician David Hill. With the addition of transportation by boat, railway and eventually highway Hillsboro grew to about 2000 people in 1910 and the population continued to increase steadily until the technology boom of the 1980s. As of the last census in 2016 the number of people calling Hillsboro home had reached over 100,000 residents.
Despite a vast array of newer construction, abundant relics of Hillsboro’s history remain. Examples of significant area icons include the nearly 150 year old gothic Old Scotch Church; the Richard and Helen Rice house, an incredibly preserved specimen of high-end midcentury design and construction that now acts as a rock and mineral museum; and the original Washington County jail which dates back to 1853. The Washington County Vineyard and Valley Scenic Route winds through the area’s beautiful farms and vineyards which supply restaurants and markets near and far with produce and delicious wine. Several of the farms in particular date back to the early 1900s.
In addition to taking in the local landscape by car there are plenty of other fun activities to be enjoyed in Hillsboro. Perhaps the most famous is the Oregon International Airshow. The show began in 1988 in conjunction with the Oregon Rose Festival although they eventual parted ways. The show features such acts as the world renowned Blue Angels and draws as many as 100,000 spectators over the course of a weekend. Historic Downtown Hillsboro is sprinkled with brew pubs, farmer’s markets and quaint restaurants and it hosts events including monthly art walks, night markets and a farm to table dinner. There are plenty of opportunites to keep oneself busy while visiting this quintessential Oregon city.
If Hillsboro sounds like the place for you please reach out. Together we can find a place for you in this happening and historic little city. – Carly van Aart
