Many people who come to Vancouver Washington, to settle or work, get taken aback by the glaring suburban atmosphere heavily juxtaposing the busy life of the adjacent, Portland city. Nevertheless, once they stop and smell the coffee, they begin to appreciate the relaxed affordable semi-rural setting that is home to over 160,000 plus residents. Vancouver, WA is packed with all the amenities to favor a young family or the businessperson looking for profitable ground to set up camp.
Housing
A big percentage of the suburbia comprise of residential homes owned or rented by locals. Real estate is way affordable, compared to Portland, as taxes are lower raising the purchase power of home owners. An average home should cost around $192,000 with the price becoming fairer as you move towards the rural easterly side; and of course pricier around the high-end residential estates. Additionally, State-of-the-art condominiums are rapidly sprouting in Vancouver Washington as the suburb slowly snails its way to becoming a full urban center in the near future.
Education
Vancouver is a haven for some of the top rated schools in Washington. West of Vancouver harbors most of the public high schools while the Evergreen School District houses the top private schools. Within the District are six middle schools and a wealth of elementary schools, especially in Evergreen. The town also boasts of the Clark’s college and a prestigious campus branch of Washington State University. It is the ideal place to raise your children, who will have all the options in the world to attend some of the prestigious schools in the district.
Transport
The residential suburbia is served by two interstate freeways that connect the District to the great metropolis of Portland. Within the District are two state freeways to get you faster to downtown Vancouver or over to the East where the rural life lurks. Another state highway connects downtown area with West of Vancouver. If you are not driving, you will then enjoy the convenience of the rail system served by several credible Railway companies in the District. The nearest airstrip is the Portland International Airport, which is a few minutes drive to the metropolis.
Amenities
Once you settle in the peaceful and self-sustained Vancouver town, seldom will you drive out to Portland city, if not for work. There large and well stocked Westfield Mall will cater for all your household needs alongside other mini malls that are sprouting fast within the region. There are car dealerships, high-rate hotels (like the Hilton and Marriott) and lavish mini pubs to cater for the night life. Vancouver has its own newspaper authority, The Columbian, that has faithfully served the residents since its establishment. Banking sectors have also set camp in this blissful town, like the Bank of America with a network of clientele all over the town.
Right next to the Hilton Hotel, and Bank of America, is the Esther Short Park; a public park dedicated for fun and relaxing to the Vancouver community.
Attractions
Though famed for its dreary country life, Vancouver Washington is one of the best places to be in terms of attractions. Each year residents are treated to thrilling annual events-like ‘Cruisin’ the Gut’ and ‘Fourth of July Fireworks- which sees many revelers come from the East, West and even from the main city Portland. Vancouver heavily delights in its art and culture, which you will get to appreciate once you visit downtown Kiggins Theater or the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra where the most harmonious symphonic performances congregate.
Notable and celebrated buildings in the area include Heritage Building, Smith Tower, The House of Providence and the Elks Building. They are noted for their intrinsic architecture with some having been around for quite a while to tell the ancient history of this great suburbia
Vancouver Washington is an ideal environment to dwell in and raise a young family. The environment is quite serene with an available public park as a playing ground, and plenty of schools for kids to get educated in. The lower tax rates of the town makes it easy to own a home or launch a start-up that will rise steadily to a recognizable franchise. For the moving couple or family wanting a fresh start far from the bustle of the city, Vancouver is the place to be.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
