Orenco Station

Orenco Station is frequently cited as one of the Pacific Northwest's most successful experiments in new-urbanism. Built starting in the late 1990s around the MAX Blue Line stop in Hillsboro, the development was designed from the ground up to be walkable, transit-oriented, and neighborhood-scaled — an antidote to the sea of strip-mall sprawl that surrounded it. The name descends from the Oregon Nursery Company ("Ore-N-Co"), which cultivated the land as a nursery town in the early 20th century.

Today, Orenco Station Loop and the surrounding blocks form one of the densest, most varied dining corridors in Washington County. Orenco Station Grill anchors the corner with steaks and seafood; Swagat serves South Indian cuisine; Yuki's Sushi & Sake Bar draws regulars for Japanese fare; The Dignitary offers craft cocktails and small plates; La Provence brings French breakfast and brunch; Tous Les Jours is a French-Asian bakery; NineDang Fine Thai fills the block with fragrant Thai cooking. LittleBig Burger provides quick-service burgers in a stylish setting.

Beyond dining, the neighborhood hosts the Orenco Station Sunday Market (late April through late October, 10am–2pm) with local produce, baked goods, artisan crafts, and food stands. Central Park, Rosebay Park, Cornell Creek Park with a dog run, and Nobel Woods Park give residents 25 miles of connected trail access within walking distance of the MAX platform.