So, yeah - I live a bit north of Vancouver - almost into the next county. Moved in here 6 years ago and the home value has doubled - and unfortunately, so has the property tax. Being retired now, that $10K/yr that I pay the county for that immense privilege, truly sux - not sure how long this path can continue...
They will run you down, for heading to Portland in the morning with Oregon plates on your ride... I'm sure some folks squeak through - but it is no sure thing, these days. Don't be "stealing" from the state - few things motivate them like a dollar!!
The silicon forest days are pretty much over, though Intel owns several (6-8) very large fabrication facilities out in Beaverton/Hillsboro area; This is probably 20-25% of Intel's total employee headcount. There were other companies that manufactured silicon ingots and wafers - though there are still a couple of them around, I don't see a lot of them anymore. Some were my customers once - and I have the end of a silicone ingot here in the office! More of a conversation piece than anything useful.
Finally, I know what I call Portland - but, momma said..... something about saying nice things!!