My husband started a job in Hillsboro and we'll be looking for a place to rent. I'd love if anyone has suggestions of towns to explore for possible rentals. We'd like to keep his commute within 15 miles. Here's my preferences: Walkability factor, public transportation, hoping for a view out my window (water, mountain, greenery), safe and friendly. Any ideas are greatly appreciated!
Buggylou

We have 1965 trailer for sale in McMinnville. The commute would be 45 minutes, There's a hospital with a track in the back, movie theater, Chemeketa Community College nearby. It is safe and friendly.

Just throwing this out to anyone looking =)

Purplerose and Froggyking

Here's my preferences: Walkability factor, public transportation, hoping for a view out my window (water, mountain, greenery), safe and friendly.

For public transportation, I'd focus on locations near the MAX stations. They're super-convenient for getting around the Portland area.

If you're looking for a short commute, it makes sense to stay in Hillsboro. No real reason to "explore" other towns--the further away you get from Hillsboro, the less convenient the commute will be. And if you can find a place within easy walking distance of the job, you could avoid the drive completely! I used to live in Hillsboro right across the street from where I worked. Very convenient! =)

-- Ryan

There's a website called walkscore.com that can help with the walkability rating of rentals that you might be looking at.
dp

Thanks for all the suggestions- love the walkscore site. There's also a padmapper that will show apartments near transportation. Looking forward to boxing in the northwest!
Happy new year.