Hillsboro, Oregon, lies just west of Portland in the Tualatin Valley. Known as the "Silicon Forest," it hosts many tech companies. The city offers a quieter suburban feel with good amenities, access to nature, and a family-friendly vibe, making it attractive for remote workers.
Food includes American comfort, Mexican, Asian, and farm-to-table options with fresh local ingredients. Vegetarian and vegan options are good. Most restaurants close by 9-10 PM; late-night choices are mainly fast food.
Nightlife is low-key with local pubs and breweries. For more variety, Portland is a short drive.
Good coffee scene with local artisans and national chains. Some third-wave coffee shops and local roasters are present. The culture focuses on quality and community.
Tipping is expected in most service areas. 15-20% in restaurants and for rideshares is standard. Tips for services like hairdressers and delivery drivers are common but smaller. Optional at counter-service cafes but tip jars are common.
SIM cards are available at carrier stores (AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon) and Best Buy. Coverage is strong. eSIM support and ID requirements depend on carrier and plan type.
The city is generally clean with regular waste and recycling services. Public spaces are well maintained.
Some pharmacies and convenience stores operate 24/7. Emergency rooms are always open. Night clinics have extended but not 24/7 hours. Food after-hours mainly from fast-food chains.
Supermarkets like Fred Meyer, Safeway, WinCo, and New Seasons Market offer good international selections. Farmers' markets run in warmer months. Stores are mostly open 6 AM to 11 PM, including Sundays and holidays.
Most businesses accept card payments. Cash is rarely needed but useful for small vendors and markets.
ATMs are common at banks like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, as well as supermarkets and convenience stores. Out-of-network ATM fees range from $2.50 to $5 plus your bank's fees.
The Hillsboro School District offers K-12 education with diverse student support. No dedicated international schools are present. Enrollment follows the academic calendar.
Small and less formal community with few nomad-focused events. Some tech meetups and good cafés with Wi-Fi. Libraries and community centers serve as hubs.
Numerous parks like Shute Park and Jackson Bottom Wetlands offer shaded walking trails and good running paths.
Safe and scenic running routes exist in parks like Noble Woods Park and Jackson Bottom Wetlands. Local running groups organize events. Air quality can be affected by wildfires seasonally.
Gyms and fitness centers are available, including specialized studios for yoga, Pilates, and martial arts.
Public and private tennis courts are common, mostly hard courts. Booking may be needed at private clubs, which also offer coaching and memberships.
Padel facilities are not common in Hillsboro.
Multiple yoga studios offer various styles with drop-in and membership options. Most instructors speak English.
Several schools offer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Taekwondo, Karate, Judo, Muay Thai, boxing and kickboxing. Both traditional dojos and modern gyms exist with mostly English-speaking instructors.
Mount Hood resorts are 1.5 to 2 hours away, open late fall through spring with terrain for all levels. Rentals are available locally and at the resorts.
Kayaking, paddleboarding, and canoeing are popular on the Tualatin River and nearby lakes. Rentals and guided tours are available, mainly in warmer months.
Surf spots are on the Oregon Coast about 1 to 1.5 hours away. Water is cold year-round, needing proper wetsuits. Fall and winter bring bigger waves; summer is milder. Some spots are beginner-friendly, others for experienced surfers.
Diving along the Oregon Coast is limited and challenging due to cold, low visibility water. Mostly suited for experienced divers. Equipment rentals and certification centers exist nearby.
Hillsboro offers quality healthcare with hospitals like Tuality Healthcare and many clinics. English-speaking staff are common. Pharmacies such as Walgreens and CVS are widespread and some operate 24/7.
Tap water is safe and meets all federal and state standards, with regular quality testing.
Many parks and playgrounds like Shute Park and Noble Woods Park. Kid-friendly dining is common. Baby supplies are easy to find. Nearby attractions include the Oregon Zoo and local libraries with children's programs.
The city is generally accepting with many inclusive spaces. Larger Pride events take place in nearby Portland. Legal protections are strong and discrimination risk is low.
Pets are welcome in many outdoor spaces and some businesses. Several dog parks and veterinary services are available. Pet supplies stores are present around town.
Power is reliable with infrequent outages, usually short and caused by severe weather.
Oregon Coast beaches like Cannon Beach are about 1 to 1.5 hours away by car, known for rugged, scenic shorelines and cooler temperatures.
The Coast Range is close by with hiking trails, while the Cascade Range and Mount Hood are 1.5 to 2 hours east. Numerous parks and forests offer hiking options.
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