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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
The family is ready to GO haha. I hope your wife likes it when you're able to visit. Hang in there until then!
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.
spill over from Portland is a deal breaker-
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.
I currently live in St Louis Mo. Vancouver or even Portland is like a low crime paradise compared to St Louis.
Good point! Everything is so relative
Funnily enough, I just visited St Louis and it was fine, at least where I stayed.
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.
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.
Such a good one! I've already talked about that pro so much, but maybe I should have thrown it in there again
Come on, isn't Portland better than Vancouver? Whenever I mention Vancouver everyone thinks it Canada. lol
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.
Don't move here, you're making it worse