100% agree that Vancouver's future could look a lot like Bellevue! When we decided to relocate back to the PNW, we started by looking in Bellevue and surrounding areas since we had lived there before. But to own something there just wasn't financially feasible, and we started our search for alternative cities in Washington state that would be more affordable, but have a similar feel. After finding your channel and visiting Vancouver for ourselves, we felt like so many things mirrored Bellevue but it would probably take 10-15 years for development to bring it to a more comparable point. Even in just the year we've been here, I'm impressed at just how much things have already developed and am very excited for near and long-term developments to come!
There are pros and cons to everything. It boils down to what you can live with or without. I’m looking forward to coming out in late 2025 and getting a feel for the area. Oldest kid already checking out Clark County College and WSU. Youngest is telling everyone at school we’re moving, like right now. I know I can’t wait. Wife is undecided until we take a trip there. Lots to consider. Look forward to meeting you and Jarred. Thank you for your perspective on the pros and cons of living there.
We had an example of #2 today! We left a smartwatch at a park today for 2 hours and someone found it, called us from it, and waited until we got back to come get it. We always say "In California that would be gone!". Though not everyone was like that in CA, we have this guard up built into our culture that we are still trying to let down 2 years later.
People in Vancouver WA tend to be more conservative as compared to Portland. Pro for some, con for others. No income tax as long as you also work in Washington. If you work in Oregon, Oregon will still hit you for income taxes even though you live in Washington. Certain things you'll still pay sales tax for, like if you buy a car (even if you buy in Oregon) or certain things when ordered online. Traffic over the 2 bridges (yes only 2 bridges and only freeway traffic) can sometimes be horrible during rush hour, especially end of day rush hour. Schools are rated higher in Vancouver. Houses are slightly cheaper as well. Best case is you live and work in Vancouver (or remote) and drive over to Oregon outside of peak traffic times for non grocery purchases to avoid sales tax if the gas you use for those purchases justifies driving to buy it. Worst case if you live in Vancouver and work in Oregon and have to commute during standard rush hour, as you'll get taxed more.
As someone who is young and lived here almost my whole life, I’d say decent paying entry level jobs are very hard to come by. It seems like a lot of the good jobs are in Portland, or if they are in Vancouver, require a lot of experience. If you work in Portland, the traffic will suck and you will be paying Oregon taxes.
Well done. I would disagree with the community aspect/attitude as your pro. So many people have moved here from different areas, especially california, that it is not nearly like it was when I moved here 11 years ago. People are not as friendly as they used to be unless you're in the more outlying areas. Locals are also starting to resent this because of so many people flooding here that most people I know I can't afford to buy a house here anymore. It's also affecting the school systems as Vancouver and Evergreen school districts are getting overcrowded and don't have the funding to keep up. Looking at the grades and the rising discipline problems across the board, school is definitely deteriorating here and not getting better
I agree. I moved to Vancouver in 2005 from California. I absolutely loved less traffic, hardly any wait time in line (DMV was 15-20 minutes). It really did have a small-town, no stress feel. People were very friendly, genuine, relaxed. I will say that Camas, Battle Ground, Brush Prairie, Ridgefield, etc. are more desirable for families and better schools and community as well as outdoor activities. I left in 2015 before the rapid growth and undesirable, negative aspects. Young active singles who are open-minded and into spirituality, funkiness, and nature will love the downtown area and Portland.
Agreed. I was born and raised here. Californians sold their over priced houses down there and bought a ton up here. Yeah and our property taxes keep going up even though schools arent as good.
I want to relocate to WA in about a year and Vancouver caught my eye big time. I watched your video and really enjoyed it a lot. It was very informative and to the point. I currently live in Pasadena in LA County Ca. Last year in Sep I lost my homeowners policy on my home with Allstate Insurance Co who I had been with for 25 years. I could not find any insurance co that would write me a policy for three months. When I finally found one, it cost a lot more than what I was paying before and way less coverage. I have a 1952 ranch style home that is 1850 sf on a 8800 sf lot and I was paying $1850.00 for my policy. Now I am paying $5600.00. The same is happening to a lot of my neighbors. 1. How is the home owners insurance situation in Vancouver WA? If you know, how much would a homeowners policy in Vancouver cost for a 600K 1700-2000 sf home? 2. What is the property tax rate in Vancouver WA? 3. Approx how much would the prop taxes on a 600K house be a year? Itried to look it up but it was confusing. 4. In LA County your prop tax bill has a section called "general tax levy" that is the actual $ you pay in taxes. Then below that section is called "directed assessments" and "voted indebtedness" which adds thousands of $ to your tax bills. Does Vancouver have something similar like the aforementioned which adds more $ to your prop tax bill? Thank you
I'm in Vancouver and me n my friend do the best roof and house washing, and concrete cleaning! If you need your house to be in better shape and look newer, let me know if it's a service you need, god bless!
Con # 2 is the biggest issue for me.. too much expansion too quickly I fell in love with the area for most of the pro's decided to move here in 2004/2005, as you mentioned it was 15 minutes to the airport 20-25 to downtown Portland (unless rush hour traffic which made it 30-45 min) and about the same to be out of town into rural areas. hiking etc. now times are usually double that :( development without the infrastructure to support it as to the housing prices I bought my current home in 2013 for under 200K on .26 acre lot last estimated pricing was 500-550K not including the updates to the home..
Check out Camas, Ridgefield, Washougal, & Battle Ground. Many people move there to be farther away from Portland. It's all preference. Whereabouts do you live now?
I want to move to Vancouver I wanted to know if there is public transportation like bus trains ..and universities in Vancouver or universities close to Vancouver. Which side of town do you recommend
Yes, there is C-TRAN bus transit serving Vancouver and outer communities and the MAX rail system serving Portland. Both serve PDX airport as well. Portland is extremely liberal and open-minded. Known for being "weird." Very chill and fun! Just start Googling for more prospective answers.
The closer you are to the downtown cores the more transit options you’ll have (true for Portland Metro Area not just Vancouver) I suggest pairing a bike or escooter with transit so you aren’t waiting around for a transit connection that’s practically faster by foot or may not be running by the time you get done doing stuff and want to go home
That's a good point. It's really the Portland-Vancouver Metro area too, not just Portland. If the city annexed the unincorporated areas with Vancovuer addresses (Orchards, Minnehaha, Hazel Dell, Salmon Creek, etc) we would easily be the 2nd largest city in Washington
Tax hacks. Unless you work, invest,or bank in Oregon and live in Washington. Then you pay income tax to Oregon on income earned in Oregon. But not pay income tax to Oregon on any income earned in Washington.
I wouldn't say that makes it better. But everyone has different preferences & lifestyles. I love Portland, there's so many good things about it even with its challenges
If you like paying one of the highest tax rates in the country for terrible roads, high crime, very poor police response (average 911 response time in Portland is 35 minutes) then yea, Portland is for you.
Well you can blame WADOC for that. They shut down Larch Corrections center. Our inmate crews used to clean up Homeless camps and the trash on the side of the freeways.
