Cedar Mill and Cedar Hills offer mature neighborhoods, large lots, and Beaverton School District access at prices well below comparable inner Portland options. Here is what buyers need to know.
Cedar Mill and Cedar Hills are technically unincorporated Washington County, not the city of Portland or the city of Beaverton. Practically speaking, they sit between the two, with access to both and the full benefits of the Beaverton School District. They are among the most underestimated areas in the entire Portland metro.
The reason they get overlooked is partly unfair. They do not have a catchy neighborhood identity or a distinctive commercial strip. What they have instead: large lots for the price, mature landscaping, mid-century homes with good bones, and school district access that buyers in inner Portland would pay a significant premium for.
The Housing Stock
Cedar Mill and Cedar Hills were developed primarily in the 1950s through 1970s. The dominant home style is the ranch house, single-story or split-level, typically 1,400 to 2,200 square feet on lots of 7,000 to 10,000 square feet. Some lots are much larger.
The original construction was solid. Old-growth fir floors and real wood trim are common. Kitchens and bathrooms often need updating, which is where buyers find equity opportunity. A Cedar Mill ranch in original condition lists in the $450,000 to $550,000 range. A renovated version of the same house on the same street sells for $650,000 to $750,000.
Beaverton School District
This is the headline. Beaverton School District is consistently among Oregon's highest-performing large districts. Elementary schools in Cedar Mill and Cedar Hills include Findley and West Tualatin View, both well-regarded. Cedar Mill feeds into Meadow Park Middle and Sunset High School, which has strong AP and IB offerings.
For buyers with school-age children, this access represents real value. The same money that buys you a Cedar Mill ranch buys you considerably less square footage in Portland neighborhoods that feed into PPS schools of comparable quality.
Access and Commute
The NW 185th MAX Blue Line station is nearby for commuters heading downtown or to Hillsboro. Highway 26 is immediately accessible. The Tanasbourne and Cedar Hills Crossing areas provide retail, restaurants, and services without requiring a trip to Portland or downtown Beaverton.
Commute downtown Portland is 25 to 40 minutes by car depending on traffic, or about 40 to 50 minutes by MAX. Commute to the Sunset Corridor tech campuses (Nike, Intel area) is 15 to 25 minutes.
What to Watch For
Many Cedar Mill homes have not been updated since the 1970s or 1980s. Older wiring, original HVAC, and dated kitchens are common. Price accordingly and get a thorough inspection.
The lot sizes that make Cedar Mill attractive also come with maintenance expectations. If you want a big yard, this is your area. If a smaller footprint sounds more appealing, Beaverton proper has newer options.
For buyers who care about schools, square footage, and lot size, Cedar Mill and Cedar Hills consistently deliver more per dollar than comparable Portland neighborhoods. I can show you what is available and what the comps look like. 503-544-5722 or the contact page.
Former professional dancer turned Portland real estate broker. Working in Portland real estate since 2015, personally, for every client. 500 transactions supported, 68+ closed sales, and a 5.0-star Zillow reputation to show for it. She handles her own calls, her own clients, and her own relationships.