Vancouver’s name stretches back to the creation of Fort Vancouver, a fur trading post of the Hudson’s Bay Company in 1824. Today, Vancouver WA is hands down the largest suburb of the Portland Metro, despite being located in Washington State. With a little under 200,000 residents, it has grown exponentially since 1990. Two major reasons for that were the affordability of homes and proximity to Portland. Residents could benefit from Washington’s lack of an income tax and Oregon’s lack of a sales tax. Therefore, it was a pretty sweet set up.
Vancouver runs along the southern border of Washington with the Columbia River to it’s south and West. Camas lies to its East and a smattering of small towns to its North. Various places in Vancouver have glorious views of Downtown Portland, the Columbia River, Mt St Helens, Mt Hood, and even snowcapped tops of other mountains in the Cascade range.
The frenzy in the market in 2020 and 2021 greatly diminished the affordability of homes in comparison to the rest of the Portland market. As a result, the Clark County market is experiencing the least amount of inventory in the entire Portland Metro market. Regardless, people continue to flock to the city.
Resources for Vancouver WA
City of Vancouver WA website
Vancouver Downtown Association Facebook Page
Visit Vancouver USA Facebook Page
Vancouver Fire Department Website and Facebook Page
Vancouver Police Department Website
Schools in Vancouver WA
Public Schools
Vancouver falls within two school districts.
The Evergreen School District includes 5 high schools, 6 middles schools , 21 elementary schools and 4 alternative schools.
The Vancouver Public Schools district includes 4 high schools, 6 middle schools, and 22 elementary schools. Additionally, there is iTech Preparatory (STEM-focused) and Vancouver School of Arts and Academics for grades 6-12, and the Vancouver Flex Academy.
Private Schools
Vancouver has a number of private schools to pick from.
- King’s Way Christian Schools (k-12)
- Skinner’s Montessori Elementary School
- Cascadia School (Montessori) (1-8)
- Mannahouse Christian Academy (k-12)
- Cornerstone Christian Academy (k-12)
- Hosanna Christian School (k-12)
- St Joseph Catholic School (k-8)
- Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School (preschool-8)
- Slavic Christian Academy (preschool-8)
- Gardner School of Arts & Sciences (early childhood-8)
- Sonshine Christian School (preschool-5)
- Lupine Experiential School (k-8)
Higher Education
Washington State University Vancouver
Things to do in Vancouver WA
Vancouver hosts two Farmers Markets during the year. The Downtown Market runs from March through October while the East Vancouver Market runs from mid-June through August. Additionally, the city also has the Vancouver Night Market, a monthly marketplace showcasing local businesses and talent.
Step back in time by visiting Fort Vancouver, once a fur trading post for the Hudson’s Bay Company.
With a number of restaurants and tasting rooms, the Vancouver Waterfront is a great place to hang out. Enjoy gorgeous views and a whole list of new amenities in Vancouver’s latest revitalization!
Head to Vancouver Lake for a day of fun! Vancouver Regional Park offers 2.5 miles of beach front access to the calm lake where kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding are popular. The lake also plays host to a series of rowing competitions each year.
Homes for Sale in Vancouver WA
Looking to buy or sell a home in Vancouver WA? Contact Erica Parsons at Keller Williams Realty Elite to get started! (503)706-8638
