5 things you didn’t know for our 5th birthday

Another trip around the sun brings Reed’s Crossing to five amazing years—time really does fly when you’re having fun! Since home sales began in 2019 we’ve come a long way, from celebrating 1,000 homes sold and the opening of 6 unique parks to the rapidly-growing Town Center nestled at the heart of it all. We couldn’t be happier with the way the community has blossomed, and we can’t wait to see what the next five years will bring.

To put a fun spin on our annual celebration, this year we’ve gathered five little-known facts about this place we call home. Whether you’re a seasoned Oregonian who has lived here for decades, or you’re brand-new to the Pacific Northwest, we’re willing to bet there’s at least one thing on this list you haven’t heard before!

Hillsboro, Oregon is home to one of America’s smallest skate parks

There are a lot of unique things to see around the Portland area, from voodoo doll-shaped donuts and the world's largest independent bookstore to the city’s famous bagpiper on a unicycle. But did you know that you can also find one of the smallest skate parks around? 

Described by locals as “a super positive learning environment” and “a great place to work on fundamentals,” the skate pod at Hillsboro’s Tamarack Park encompasses just 1,500 square feet. If you’re looking for a place to practice your skills, or just want to snap a selfie in this small-but-mighty bowl, make sure to take a trip to Reed’s Crossing in South Hillsboro to check it out. 

The “Silicon Forest” dates all the way back to the 1940s 

Ever wondered why people refer to Portland as the Silicon Forest? Piggybacking off of California’s “Silicon Valley,” the term was first used in a press release from the 1980s to refer to the cluster of high-tech firms in Washington County that began to emerge as far back as the 1940s, with Tektronix and Electro Scientific Industries as its pioneers. 

Since then, the technology industry in the area has soared, becoming one of the most diverse high-tech clusters in the country. At the heart of the Silicon Forest lies Hillsboro, where many high-profile tech firms have planted their roots including Intel, Sun Microsystems, RadiSys, Planar Systems, and Genentech. Talk about a fan-tech-stic history!

There are five historic oak trees in the parks in South Hillsboro

As creators of holistically designed communities, we take pride in the land and its history, working hard to preserve this connection for future generations. And while much of this preservation is done behind the scenes (like using reclaimed wood for park benches), one highly visible representation is the five magnificent historic oak trees thriving in the parks at Reed’s Crossing. 

Stepping into Oak Grove Park is a bit like stepping back in time, home to three towering, 200-year-old oaks that stand sentinel on the corner of SE Blanton St. and SE Salmonfly Ln. Nearby, nestled beneath the sprawling branches of a 150-year-old oak tree in Tamarack Park, visitors find a serene spot to enjoy a quiet moment of natural beauty amidst the park’s vibrant energy. And finally, the majestic oak in playful Dobbin Park stands proudly at its heart, providing shade as it watches over generations of children enjoying the bright red, barn-themed play area. 

Hillsboro has been named one of the best cities in America 7 times

How many ways can you spell thrivability? Since 2010, Hillsboro has been included on major best lifestyle lists a whopping seven times, including CNN’s Best Small Cities, Money Magazine’s Best Places to Live, That Oregon Life’s Best Places to Live in Oregon, and Livability’s 100 Best Places to Live—in 2021, 2022, and 2023!

While it may seem like a run-of-the-mill suburb from an outsider’s perspective, Hillsboro packs a punch for those looking for a mix of vibrant urban spaces and small-town charm. With a strong dedication to sustainability, a diverse and welcoming community, close proximity to natural areas, and some of the best food in the metro area, Hillsboro is no longer one of Oregon’s best-kept secrets.

Every major Oregon city has a sister city in Japan

While you may not think the PNW has much in common with Japan, every major Oregon city has a sister city in the land of the rising sun. In fact, Hillsboro and sister city Fukuroi bear remarkable resemblance, with a shared foundation in technology and agriculture (although Fukuroi specializes in green tea and musk melons instead of wine and hazelnuts). 

In 1988, Hillsboro formed an official sister city relationship with Fukuroi, joining Portland and Sapporo, Eugene and Kakegawa, Bend and Fujioka, and Salem and Ota to cultivate a partnership geared at promoting cultural connection. If you've been looking to expand your horizons, you might consider adding some of these beautiful destinations to your vacation bucket list!

Want to learn more about life in Hillsboro, Oregon? Take a virtual tour, come by for a visit, or sneak a peek at what’s in store for the future.