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Clark County, Washington Guide: Vancouver, Camas, and the Best Places to Live

Clark County, Washington Guide: Vancouver, Camas, and the Best Places to Live

Clark County, WA COMPLETE Map Tour

Exploring Clark County, Washington

Over half a million people call Clark County home — and it’s easy to see why. This part of Washington blends city convenience with small-town calm, framed by rivers, lakes, and mountain views. Just across the Columbia River from Portland, it offers short commutes, simple travel, and endless weekend options.

Vancouver: The Heart of Clark County

Vancouver covers a large area, from East Vancouver and Cascade Park to Felida, Salmon Creek, and Downtown. Housing runs from 1980s $450,000 starter homes to luxury riverfront estates selling for $17 million. Some neighborhoods offer walkability and views, while others provide more privacy.
Local highlights:

  • Shopping: Trader Joe’s, New Seasons, Costco, and Fred Meyer
  • Dining: Pho Vi Van, Kenji’s Ramen, Smoking Oak BBQ
  • Parks: Esther Short Park downtown, plus the expanding Waterfront with trails and restaurants
  • Services: Legacy Salmon Creek Hospital, PeaceHealth, and WSU Vancouver

East Vancouver and Fishers Landing

This side of town lines up shopping and dining along Mill Plain Boulevard and 164th Avenue.

  • Neighborhood feel: small parks, front-porch charm, tidy streets
  • Pacific Community Park: wide fields and a popular dog park
  • Harmony Sports Complex: youth leagues and weekend tournaments
  • Vancouver Innovation Center: a planned, walkable mix of homes and shops
    Homes here move fast thanks to location and community amenities. Watch our interview with the VIC developer here

Downtown Vancouver and the Vancouver Waterfront

Downtown mixes early 1900s homes and tree-lined streets with a growing urban scene. The Vancouver Waterfront offers restaurants like homemade pasta at Grassa, wine tasting at Maryhill, and coffee + pastries at Kafiex.

  • Housing: condos at Kirkland Tower, historic homes nearby, and a plethora of apartments on the Vancouver Waterfront to rent
  • Things to do: Amaro’s Table or Woody’s Tacos for dinner, stroll along Grant pier, or enjoy a drink at the Witness Tree Lounge
  • It’s walkable, lively, and full of energy — great for those who want downtown living with Northwest charm.

Felida & Salmon Creek

Upscale yet relaxed and suburban, these areas feature green trails and established homes.

  • Felida: About 30–50% above Vancouver’s median price; known for Erickson Farms neighborhood, restaurants and well-kept communities
  • Salmon Creek: Home to Chuck’s Produce, Planet Thai, Legacy Hospital, and WSU Vancouver campus, plus miles of trails along the Salmon Creek greenway

Camas and Washougal

Camas wraps around three lakes — Lacamas, Round, and Fallen Leaf — with trails, waterfalls, and family parks.

Downtown Camas is alive and well with Hidden River Roasters, Cafe Piccolo, Grains of Wrath, and Feast at 316. Watch our Downtown Camas Tour here

Why families love Camas: top-rated schools, safe neighborhoods, and outdoor access within minutes.
Washougal blends suburban streets with open acreage. It has a cozy downtown, river access, and easy commuting to  Highway 14.

  • Dining: Don Pedro’s Tacos, Washougal Times, Taps & Trucks food carts
  • Recreation: Hathaway Park, the Sandy Swimming Hole, and the Motocross Park
  • Pros: Quiet, scenic, and affordable for its space

Ridgefield, Battle Ground, and Beyond

Ridgefield is growing fast, with Rosauer’s, a Costco that just opened, new schools, and a 10-year waterfront revitalization. Its downtown has food carts, coffee shops, and access to the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge.

Battle Ground keeps a small-town heartbeat with local festivals, family-friendly parks, and plenty of acreage. Brush Prairie and Hockinson have tight-knit schools and country living.

Woodland offers Lewis River views, affordable homes, and quick I-5 access, while Yacolt and Amboy deliver true rural peace near Lake Merwin for boating and camping.

Quick snapshot:

  • Ridgefield: New builds, easy I-5 commute, expanding amenities
  • Battle Ground: Friendly, affordable, mix of acreage and neighborhoods
  • Woodland: River scenery, local shops, strong community feel
  • Yacolt & Amboy: Private acreage, forest trails, quiet nights

Conclusion

Clark County offers a little bit of everything — from riverfront dining and modern condos to forested acreage and small-town streets. Families, first-time buyers, and outdoor lovers all find their niche here.

Thinking about a move? Reach out to us at Dubyne Realty Group for local expertise, neighborhood tours, and tailored advice across Vancouver, Camas, and beyond

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