The Considerable Appeal of Living in Vancouver, Washington

Situated along the banks of the Columbia River and boasting close proximity to the Cascade Mountains, you’ll never be at a loss for picturesque scenery while living in Vancouver, Washington. Also located near the thriving metropolis of Portland in nearby Oregon, Washington’s fourth-largest city offers an attractive blend of urban convenience and rural charm. Let’s explore why this exciting Clark County city is such an alluring prospect for house hunters in the Pacific Northwest:

Abundant outdoor recreation

If you like getting out and enjoying the great outdoors, Vancouver is a great place to call home. Boasting a plethora of parks and 1,600+ acres of dedicated outdoor space, there are innumerable ways to take in the area’s breathtaking scenery and bountiful fresh air. All four seasons can be experienced in Vancouver, which offers a relatively mild climate and typically receives less rain than some other cities in the region. Beautiful wildflowers are a staple of springtime and vibrant foliage can be enjoyed during autumn.

Popular warm-weather activities in and around Vancouver include kayaking, fishing, mountain biking, birdwatching, hiking, golfing and swimming. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try out hang-gliding, zip-lining or even parasailing. During the winter months, you can hit the slopes, go snowshoeing, do some ice skating, partake in a spirited curling match or go cross-country skiing on one of Cypress Mountain’s meticulously groomed tracks.

World-class shopping & dining

Finding a good place to eat in Clark County shouldn’t be an issue, with highly rated restaurants proliferating throughout the area and a thriving food truck scene providing additional options for foodies to explore various culinary delights. There are also several popular bakeries in Vancouver, affording you the opportunity to indulge your sweet tooth.

Renowned for its breweries, Clark County also boasts an impressive array of wineries and distilleries, as well as notable coffee houses and cocktail lounges. If you’re in the mood for some retail therapy, you can pay a visit to one of the many shopping districts and promenades in the area. There are also several farmer’s markets and boutique shops to get out and patronize. For those who enjoy antiquing, great news: an entire mall in Vancouver is dedicated to treasure hunters!

Cultural & entertainment attractions

Numerous art installations and galleries can be found in Clark County, as can prominent museums and historical landmarks. Having undergone a significant renaissance in recent years, Vancouver’s bustling waterfront district now offers a beautiful park, as well as a scenic trail and maritime-themed businesses.

Vancouver’s Downtown Association hosts monthly First Friday Art Walks, where local businesses stay open late, showcasing rotating gallery exhibits, glass-blowing demos, and exclusive restaurant specials. As part of this event, beautiful paintings from local artists are commissioned by the Clark County Mural Society and displayed downtown.

Live music/performing arts venues abound in Clark County, as do popular comedy clubs and theaters. A nearby casino/resort also regularly welcomes noteworthy entertainers. As part of the Portland metropolitan area, Vancouver residents are also able to frequent large arenas and stadiums that play host to high-profile artists from around the world. 

Exceptional quality of life

Clark County’s median cost of living is slightly lower than the Washington State average and notably lower than other counties in and around Metro Portland. The county is home to top medical centers like Kaiser Permanente Northwest, The Vancouver Clinic, and Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center, ensuring residents have access to high-quality healthcare.

Washington currently does not have an income tax, and Vancouver’s property tax rate is below the national average. In 2024, the city was ranked among the safest in America in terms of avoiding a natural disaster, and has been named one of the best places to live in the United States by Livability.com on multiple occasions.

Convenient transportation

Boasting a prime location near the Washington-Oregon border, Vancouver serves as a functional artery for both states’ sophisticated highway systems. Commuting to downtown Portland is achievable via I-5 and I-205 while several Clark County buses also offer regular express routes in and out of “Rose City.” Launched in 2024, the Vancouver Moves Transportation System Plan is an ambitious 20-year program focused on shifting from car-centric transportation, with an emphasis on safety, equity, and sustainability.

Vancouver has long been served by rail. Current freight operations include BNSF and Union Pacific while Amtrak’s Coast Starlight, Empire Builder and Cascades passenger trains offer long-distance routes throughout the country and even into Western Canada. A high-speed light rail with service to Portland and Seattle is also in development. Among the oldest airfields in the U.S., Clark County’s Pearson Airpark offers select regional commercial flights and Portland International Airport provides air service to most anywhere in the world.

Family-friendly sites & events

You won’t have to worry about keeping the kiddos entertained in Vancouver. The city offers a dinosaur-themed playground, an environmental education center, an indoor jungle gym, a bowling alley/arcade and more to give the youngsters plenty to do year-round. Teenagers can also stay busy with a variety of interactive learning and activity centers geared toward older adolescents.

Taking place every August, the Clark County Fair provides classic rides and carnival-style fare/fun, as well as unique exhibitions and grandstand entertainment, such as monster truck races and rodeo demonstrations. Vancouver hosts annual spring, summer, fall and winter celebrations, not to mention a Hawaiian-themed festival and multiple car shows. An Independence Day fireworks display is held at the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, which also serves as a full-time monument to the city’s origins.

Sports hub

Clark County’s Parks & Rec Department offers a variety of youth and adult athletic leagues and multi-purpose facilities for residents to enjoy. In addition to the Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex and the Harmony Sports Complex, an aquatic center and a pair of community centers are open to the public. Joggers will appreciate Vancouver’s running club as well as the city’s various competitive races and fun runs held throughout the year.  

Spectator-friendly events that Vancouver has hosted include the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, the U.S. Rowing Northwest Junior/Master Championships and the USAG Men’s Gymnastics Championships. A premiere pickleball facility is coming soon to the area, and an official FIFA World Cup Fan Zone will be setup in Clark County in 2026.

Vancouverites can also root, root, root for the home team on the regular as a handful of collegiate, pro and semi-pro teams call Clark County home. Grab your popcorn and cheer on the local baseball, basketball and soccer squads!

Well-regarded academia

Two school districts, Vancouver and Evergreen, serve “The Couve,” both of which have received accolades in recent years in recognition of their respective educational achievements. Postsecondary institutions in Clark County, meanwhile, include WSU Vancouver and Clark College.

Multifaceted economy

Originally founded as a fur-trading outpost in the mid-1800s, Vancouver’s economy quickly evolved to include lumber and agriculture as well as commercial fishing. Rapid Industrial growth occurred in the 20^th century with developments like shipyards and paper mills prompting a steady influx of new residents. The city eventually shifted to high-tech and service industry jobs, with the population growing exponentially since the turn of the millennium.

Today, Vancouver’s economy has become a dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem featuring several industries and businesses. The city is currently home to several corporate headquarters, including BowFlex, Inc., ZoomInfo, and Papa Murphy’s Pizza. Major employers in the area include PeaceHealth and Shin-Etsu Chemical. Vancouver also serves as a major port on the Columbia River, generating significant revenue while handling hundreds of ocean-bound vessels annually.

Clark County’s economy is expected to continue growing for the foreseeable future. In fact, Vancouver officials are planning on its population doubling in the next 20 years as transplants from in- and out-of-state move to the city at a high rate. A bold expansion proposal currently under consideration by local government officials and involving the territorial absorption of various nearby towns could see Vancouver become the second-biggest city in the state much sooner than that.

Rich military tradition

Having served as the home of the Pacific Northwest’s first-ever army base, as well as a key training facility for soldiers and an important shipbuilding port during World War II, Vancouver has played a major role in the region’s military history. Richmond American works with active-duty and veteran homebuyers every day and is proud to be able to help the brave men and women of our armed forces find the home of their dreams. If you are stationed at Camp Murray or a veteran looking to relocate to Clark County, be sure to download our Military Homebuyer Guide to learn all about VA financing and more!

Must-see communities

Considering a move to Vancouver? Richmond American has several notable neighborhoods open for sales in the area, including Cascadia Ridge, Parkers Landing, Seasons at Maple Grove, and Seasons at North Haven. These communities offer desirable amenities, sought-after locations and popular home collections. A brand-new neighborhood, Luden Estates, is coming soon!

Lifestyle-approved floor plans

Do you need a home office? Maybe a playroom for your children? How about a guest suite to make multigenerational living more manageable? Our talented team of designers has been diligently working to outfit homes with an impressive array of thoughtful features, helping to ensure that every aspect of living, working, and entertaining is made easier, more enjoyable, and truly seamless. From carefully selected layouts to modern, innovative amenities, we’ve considered every detail to provide comfort and convenience.

Whether you’re unwinding with family, entertaining friends, or navigating your daily routine, our homes are crafted to enhance every moment. We take great pride in offering spaces that go beyond functionality — they’re Lifestyle Approved, embodying our dedication to enriching the lives of those who make them home.

Quick move-in homes*

If you’re considering a move to Vancouver, Washington, a quick move-in home might be the perfect solution. With the ability to close in as little as 90, 60, or even 30 days, these homes are ideal for those with tight timelines. Our talented team of in-house designers has carefully selected fixtures and finishes to help ensure every listing is as beautiful as it is functional. Your dream home could be ready and waiting!

Exciting special offers

If you’re ready to find your next home, be sure to ask about our special offers. Call 833.371.0976 or sign up today to get started.

Want more information? Our knowledgeable New Home Specialists can be reached at 888.799.8322. They’re happy to help you learn all about Richmond American’s quick move-in options available in cities in the Vancouver area!