What happens when a city has more jobs than homes

Business is booming in Hillsboro, Oregon. After being named a Best Place to Live six times in three years—not to mention a recent Intel funding reported to create thousands of new jobs—it’s never been a better place to be. 

That said, finding a home in Hillsboro can feel tough. The latest housing report shows this midsize metropolis needs roughly 14,000 more homes by 2043. So, the city is seeking innovative solutions to ensure its future growth is inclusive and sustainable, offering a welcoming place to live for all.

Why does Hillsboro, Oregon need more homes? 

Everyone’s housing needs fluctuate throughout their lifetime. Things like changes in income, relocation, and starting a family can all be driving forces behind the need for a new home. Not to mention unexpected challenges—during the Covid-19 pandemic, for example, data showed an uptick in people moving to the suburbs in an escape from overcrowded cities. Reflecting on its past and anticipating the future, Hillsboro has forecasted that the city’s population is expected to increase each year, especially as local tech companies in the Silicon Forest continue to grow and innovate.

So, how exactly is Hillsboro going to meet the housing needs of its people? Key players include new home communities like Reed’s Crossing, located in South Hillsboro. But we’re not just building houses. Reed’s Crossing was inspired by the principles of New Urbanism, a progressive design movement focused on neighborhoods that are holistically designed with both nature and people in mind. From walkability scores to a diverse range of housing types, the tenets of New Urbanism all lead to one place: building a true community in every sense of the word.

A housing mix for all

From single-family homes to townhomes, duplexes, triplexes, and apartments, offering a variety of home styles, floor plans, and price points helps the city support a range of household sizes and needs. Reed’s Crossing, for example, is home to a huge variety of people, from young singles and couples to families and empty nesters, and even boasts a dedicated senior living residence—all leading to a more vibrant and diverse community. By catering to a wider group of buyers, Hillsboro can ensure a path to homeownership for more of its residents. 

Stacking up solutions

When it comes to land use, Hillsboro is getting creative. With more attached housing options, like townhomes and duplexes, every bit of land dedicated to building homes can be maximized. You may also see more mixed-use buildings, where shops and restaurants are topped by apartments or condos. This approach maximizes vertical space while promoting neighborhoods where residents can live, work, and play within a short distance. At Reed’s Crossing, everything in the community will be less than a mile apart and it’s all connected by a network of multimodal paths to get you where you need to go.

Balancing green and growth

With more jobs comes more people, and potentially more traffic. Except when you plan a smart, connected community where it’s easier to walk and bike than ever before. With nearly 20 percent of Reed’s Crossing dedicated to open space—including amenities like firepits, tables, benches, gardens, and multiple playgrounds and parks—residents are encouraged to think of the shared green space as an extension of their own backyard, fostering a stronger sense of community between neighbors.

How you live matters

Hillsboro is an environmentally sustainable community that takes proactive steps to protect natural assets, including popular programs like Solarize Hillsboro. Featuring energy-efficient designs that are solar- and electric charging station-ready, all new homes at Reed’s Crossing are required to meet an Earth Advantage Silver or equivalent rating. With drought-resistant Eco-Lawn™ in most areas, a minimum of 250 trees planted each year, and thoughtful reuse of materials—like reclaimed walnut and oak for bench seating—a connection with the land is purposefully designed for generations to enjoy.

Looking for a new home in Hillsboro, Oregon? Take a virtual tour, come by for a visit, or sneak a peek at what’s in store for the future.