The Character and Identity of Cedar Hills
Cedar Hills is an unincorporated community in Washington County, Oregon, situated on the western edge of the Tualatin Mountains (West Hills) and the eastern reaches of the Tualatin Valley floor. Positioned directly northwest of Beaverton's urban core and southwest of the Cedar Mill community, Cedar Hills occupies a distinctive geographic and topographic position that shapes both its character as a neighborhood and its specific vulnerability to water damage.
The community takes its name from the cedar-covered hills of the West Hills range that define its eastern and northeastern skyline — and those hills play a significant role in Cedar Hills' water damage risk profile, as discussed in detail in Section 2. Cedar Hills is anchored by Cedar Hills Crossing — one of the most prominent retail and commercial centers in Washington County, featuring a major cinema, large-format retailers, restaurants, and a wide range of services — and is well-served by the MAX Blue Line light rail, with the Cedar Hills Station providing rapid transit connection to downtown Portland, Beaverton, and Hillsboro.
Development History and Housing Stock
Cedar Hills experienced its primary residential development during the post-World War II suburban expansion era of the 1950s and 1960s, when the community became one of the first major planned suburban developments in Washington County. This development history means that a significant majority of Cedar Hills' housing stock is now 60 to 70 years old — placing it firmly in the highest-risk category for plumbing system failures, roof deterioration, foundation moisture issues, and the various structural vulnerabilities that accumulate over decades of service.
Homes built in this era typically feature:
- Galvanized steel water supply pipes that corrode from the inside out, progressively restricting flow and eventually developing pinhole leaks or catastrophic failures.
- Cast iron drain and waste lines susceptible to internal corrosion, root intrusion, and joint deterioration.
- Original roof systems that may have been replaced once or twice but may now be approaching or past their replacement lifecycle.
- Slab-on-grade or crawl space foundations with original waterproofing that has degraded significantly over decades of exposure to Pacific Northwest ground moisture.
- Original or early-replacement water heaters in homes with recent ownership changes where deferred maintenance has accumulated.
Geographic Context and Surroundings
Bordering Communities
- Beaverton — South and Southwest
- Cedar Mill — North and Northeast
- West Slope — Southeast
- Oak Hills — Northwest
- West Hills (Tualatin Mountains) — East and Northeast
Major Transportation Corridors
- SW Canyon Road (US 26 Business)
- Sunset Highway (US 26)
- SW Cedar Hills Boulevard
- SW Barnes Road
- MAX Blue Line — Cedar Hills Station
Famous Places and Landmarks in Cedar Hills
Cedar Hills Crossing
The community's anchor retail and commercial development featuring a major cinema complex, large-format retailers including Powell's Books at Cedar Hills Crossing, restaurants, and extensive commercial services.
Cedar Hills Park
A well-maintained community park managed by the Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District (THPRD), featuring sports fields, picnic areas, playground facilities, and open green space.
Cedar Hills Recreation Center
A fully equipped THPRD recreation center offering fitness facilities, group fitness classes, aquatics, and community programming for Cedar Hills residents.
MAX Blue Line — Cedar Hills Station
Providing convenient light rail access to the broader Portland metropolitan area, connecting Cedar Hills residents to employment, cultural venues, and services throughout the region.
Powell's Books at Cedar Hills Crossing
A beloved community institution and regional landmark, representing the Pacific Northwest's celebrated independent bookstore culture.
Tualatin Hills Nature Park
Just minutes south of Cedar Hills, this 222-acre natural area managed by THPRD offers extensive trail systems through forests, wetlands, and meadows — one of the largest urban natural areas in Oregon.
Cooper Mountain Nature Park
Southwest of Cedar Hills, this Washington County natural area features native grasslands, oak woodlands, and panoramic views of the Tualatin Valley.
Fanno Creek Trail
The beloved regional multi-use trail corridor passing through Beaverton and connecting to Tigard and Tualatin, accessible from multiple points near Cedar Hills.
Historic Jenkins Estate
The historic estate and THPRD-managed event venue, preserving the historic agricultural character of the pre-suburban Tualatin Valley.
Oregon Zoo & Washington Park
Minutes from Cedar Hills via SW Canyon Road into Washington Park, encompassing the Oregon Zoo, Portland Japanese Garden, International Rose Test Garden, and Hoyt Arboretum.