Robert, originally from Woodland Hills, California, and Devon, from Fullerton, were living in Santa Barbara when Robert received a job offer from Intel Corporation at their Hawthorn Farm campus in Hillsboro. Having recently lost a close family member, Robert was ready for a fresh start, and Devon was eager for change. The couple settled in the Orenco neighborhood of Hillsboro, where they lived for ten years.

Everything changed in mid-2020. Like many families, the Carters found themselves navigating the challenges of two full-time work-from-home jobs while caring for their toddler daughter, Madeline, all within the confines of a small house. "We found ourselves constantly in each other's way and feeling like we were on top of each other," Devon recalls. "We needed a place where both parents could have an office of their own. We also wanted a bigger backyard for our child."

The solution came from an unexpected source of inspiration. "Every time I drove past or through this neighborhood on my way from Portland to Hillsboro, I knew I wanted to live here," Devon explains. "The stately homes by the pond, the sidewalk-lined streets, the great schools, the playground, the built-in network of trails where I can run in any weather — this neighborhood had everything that I was always looking for, plus a home with the square footage we needed."

Today, the Carter family of three has made Forest Heights their true home. Devon, who holds a bachelor's degree in political science from UC Santa Barbara and has worked in technology, legal, and publications fields, is currently fully employed as a stay-at-home mom. Robert, who leads the Expert Services team at Portugal-based tech firm OutSystems, brings his expertise to the global technology sector while working from their Forest Heights home office.

Seven-year-old Madeline is thriving as a first grader at Forest Park Elementary. Her interests span from arts and crafts to gymnastics, with particular fascinations for cats, superheroes, and outer space. This spring, she played on the Forest Heights Soccer Club kinder girls soccer team, which the team members aptly named "Kitty Ice Cream Giraffe Cookie."

The family's newest member is Mouse, a one-year-old indoor tabby cat they adopted from the Oregon Humane Society in January 2025. According to Devon, Mouse has appointed himself the family's security chief, suspecting that "the birds in Forest Heights are plotting to overthrow the establishment" and maintaining constant vigilance from their window sills.

The Carters have embraced both local traditions and created their own. Robert's passion for Thanksgiving has led to an evolving seasonal display in their front yard, which they plan to expand for years to come. When it comes to favorite local spots, the family frequents Kozan Ramen (Devon considers herself a ramen junkie), Jim and Patty's, and WC Taekwondo, with Mill Pond Park playground serving as another beloved family hangout.

Devon actively contributes to the community through her volunteer work with the Forest Park Elementary Garden Committee, where she encourages other parents to get involved. But perhaps the most meaningful aspect of their Forest Heights experience came during the January 2024 ice storm and power outage.

"On the third or fourth morning of the power outage, my husband and I decided to start a bonfire in front of our house and invite the neighbors on our cul-de-sac to join us," Devon remembers. "Within 15 minutes of lighting the fire, all 5 families on our cul-de-sac had emerged from their houses in snow gear with sleds, blankets, extra mittens, and ingredients for making s'mores."

What followed was a beautiful display of community spirit. Neighbors exchanged groceries and supplies, children spent the day sledding and forgot about the power outage, and lasting friendships were forged. "There was a sense of teamwork and accomplishment and now I feel like my neighbors and I all know each other better," Devon reflects.

For the Carter family, Forest Heights represents more than just a neighborhood — it's a place where community, connection, and belonging come naturally together.