Oak Hills, OR

Oak Hills is a peaceful, tree-lined community on Portland's west side, tucked just north of Beaverton and Highway 26. When people talk about Oak Hills, they are often referring to either the original 1960s planned neighborhood or the larger suburban area surrounding it. The historic core includes roughly 650 homes surrounded by 40 acres of shared green space, while nearby streets feature a wider variety of later builds. Everyday conveniences are close by, with grocery stores and restaurants along Cornell Road and larger retail hubs in Tanasbourne. Getting around is simple, with quick connections to Bethany Boulevard, Cornell Road, and the Sunset Highway.

ATTRM.O. Stevens / CC BY 3.0

The neighborhood was originally laid out in the 1960s around a shared school, recreation center, and winding greenbelts. Classic ranch homes and split-levels define most streets, alongside a coveted collection of mid-century modern houses built by Robert Rummer. In 2013, the core subdivision was listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its Modern Movement architecture and innovative community design. If you are shopping for a home, make sure to check whether a specific address belongs to the original homeowners association, as the historic district boundaries come with unique design guidelines and architectural reviews for renovations.

ATTRBase map: OpenStreetMap contributors District boundaries/shading: Ian Poellet ( User:Ipoellet ) / CC BY-SA 2.0

Members of the original association get full access to neighborhood perks like the community pool, tennis courts, recreation hall, playgrounds, and paved walking paths. Oak Hills Elementary sits right in the center of the historic section, allowing many kids to walk to school, and Beaverton School District serves the area for middle and high school. The location is especially popular with professionals working along the Highway 26 tech corridor, with major employers like Intel in Hillsboro and Nike's world headquarters nearby. Even with such close proximity to major job hubs, the area maintains a quiet, residential feel.

ATTRSteve Morgan / CC BY-SA 3.0

When evaluating a home here, start by checking the exact boundaries to know which homeowners association, amenities, and school feeds apply to the property. With many houses dating back to the 1960s, a standard home inspection should focus on classic mid-century systems like wiring, plumbing, insulation, and roof condition. In the Pacific Northwest climate, it is also smart to look at crawlspace moisture, moss, and yard drainage during rainy months. Because Oak Hills is unincorporated, Washington County handles local building permits and land use. Lastly, try driving your daily commute on Highway 26 or Cornell Road during rush hour to see how the traffic feels.