Vancouver, WA, known as "Gateway to the Pacific Northwest," offers a vibrant lifestyle with stunning natural beauty. Located in southwestern Washington along the Columbia River, Vancouver is approximately 10 miles north of Portland, OR. This medium-sized city provides a unique blend of urban amenities and outdoor activities, making it a highly desirable place to live.
Vancouver's climate features mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers, ideal for enjoying outdoor activities year-round. The city boasts numerous parks and recreational areas, such as the scenic Esther Short Park and the expansive Vancouver Lake Regional Park, which offer hiking, biking, and opportunities for water sports.
The cultural scene in Vancouver is dynamic, with attractions like the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, the Pearson Air Museum, and the Kiggins Theatre. The city hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year, including the Vancouver Wine & Jazz Festival and the Recycled Arts Festival, which draw visitors and residents alike.
Education is a priority in Vancouver, with institutions like Clark College and Washington State University Vancouver providing higher education opportunities. The city's public and private schools are highly regarded, making Vancouver an attractive place for families. The presence of major healthcare institutions, such as PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center, also supports a strong job market.
Living in Vancouver combines the benefits of urban living with the charm of a community-oriented city. Residents enjoy access to top-notch healthcare facilities, diverse dining options, and a range of housing choices. The city's efficient public transportation system and well-maintained infrastructure make commuting and exploring the area convenient. With its natural beauty, cultural richness, and welcoming atmosphere, Vancouver offers a dynamic and fulfilling living experience.
Amenities
Conveniently located, the area boasts a variety of amenities, including grocery stores, shopping, coffee shops and entertainment options all within walking distance.
Commute
The high commute score in this area could imply easy access to public transportation, as well as shorter-than-average commute times to your workplace.
Housing
Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.
Health & Safety
Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.
Ratings
According to recent surveys and polls, locals had excellent ratings for walkability to nearby amenities, safety, access to public transit and the overall sense of community in the area.
Crime
Reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people, this area may be perceived as an unsafe place to reside. These statistics encompass both violent and property crime rates.
Vancouver, Washington is a moderately-sized city with a population of 182,792 residents. In Vancouver, there are 3,750 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (78% White). Given that fact, Vancouver could be considered less diverse than other cities. On a daily basis, the typical American spends approximately 26 minutes on their one-way work commute. Reduced travel times not only contributes to increased overall happiness, but also affords more opportunities to cherish moments with family and friends. If you're living in Vancouver, your commute time will align closely with the national average, spanning a one-way duration of approximately 25 minutes.
If you’re considering relocating to any new city, it could be a very discouraging task. However, it could also be a good experience if you are willing to get to know the city before actually living in Vancouver, Washington. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. Finding the best places to live in Vancouver and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes amenities, crime, housing and other important metrics.
Vancouver, WA receives 82 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #54 in Washington and #760 in the USA. Clearly, Vancouver is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. This city is also ranked in the top 10 percentile of all cities across the USA. If we dig a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Vancouver has higher than average grades for the following: employment (B-) and housing (A+). Vancouver does not fare well for the following: crime (F). It might be a good idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
If you're considering living in Vancouver, it comes with numerous advantages, particularly in the form of an extensive selection of local amenities. These amenities play a pivotal role in elevating the quality of life within this vibrant community. From easily accessible grocery stores, to conveniently located fitness facilities, a diverse range of dining establishments and a multitude of shopping options, Vancouver provides a comprehensive array of resources for its residents. This ensures the effortless fulfillment of your daily needs and creates ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The convenience of these local offerings greatly contributes to the overall appeal of the area, making it an enticing destination for those in search of convenience, diversity, and a gratifying lifestyle. If you're contemplating a move, the abundance of local amenities could very well be a defining characteristic of this area. Among the enticing options for fun and exploration in Vancouver are: Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, Esther Short Park, and Officers' Row.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Vancouver market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
Assuming that Vancouver meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Vancouver. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Vancouver are simply unattainable. The median home price for Vancouver homes is $318,200, which is 18.2% higher than the Washington average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Vancouver, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 5, which is 16.3% higher than the Washington average.
| Statistic | Vancouver | Washington | National |
| Average one way commute | 25min | 27min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 74.9% | 72.3% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 9.9% | 10.2% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 2.9% | 6.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.5% | 0.9% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.9% | 3.6% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 8.8% | 5.6% | 4.6% |
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