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.
Employment
With higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates, this area scores extremely well in the employment category.
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.
Cost Of Living
This area is known for its high cost of living, which means you should anticipate higher costs for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries, and health care.
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 is a medium-sized city located in the state of Washington. The city has a population of 188,837 inhabitants. With a population density of 4,022 people per square mile, Vancouver is well above the nation's average density level. According to the most recent Census, 78% of Vancouver residents are White, 6% Asian and 2% Black. Long travel times to work can be one of the most frustrating things in the world - right behind housework! If you decide that living in Vancouver is the right fit for you, your one way commute time will average 25 minutes, which is about average when compared to the national commute time of 26 minutes.
If you’re considering relocating to any new city, it could be a very daunting 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 crime, commute, education, housing and other important metrics.
Using data and statistics Vancouver has received a livability score of 82/100. This score is ranked in the 96th percentile when compared to all other cities. Based on this score, Vancouver would be considered a very livable city! Vancouver has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. For each of the livability categories, we know that Vancouver ranks very well for employment (B) and housing (A+). There is at least one category that does not have great scores in Vancouver. The following was graded with a disappointing score: crime (F).
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. Some of the interesting things to do and attractions include: Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, Esther Short Park, and Officers' Row.
A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Vancouver excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.
Vancouver real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Vancouver. Median real estate prices in Vancouver come in at $583,822, which is 18.7% higher than the Washington average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Vancouver, the home price to income ratio is 6.1, which is 13% higher than the Washington average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| 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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