Thinking about a move to the Pacific Northwest? Vancouver, Washington, sits just across the Columbia River from Portland, and it keeps growing for good reason. It offers no state income tax, fast access to trails and water, and a friendly vibe that appeals to families, professionals, and retirees.

This updated guide highlights the best parts and the trade-offs. Housing hovered around a $535,000 median in 2024, with a slight bump to about $550,000 expected in 2025.

Top Reasons to Love Living in Vancouver, WA

Vancouver brings West Coast perks without the chaos. It blends city comforts with small-town ease, and it rewards careful planners with real savings and a strong work-life balance.

A Strong and Diversified Job Market

Vancouver’s economy pulls from several sectors; it’s not overly reliant on just one.

• Tech and remote work: Many residents work from home for firms in Portland, Seattle, or beyond.

• Healthcare: Hospitals and clinics throughout both the Portland and Vancouver areas.

• Manufacturing and logistics: Proximity to I-5 and ports supports production and distribution.

• Local small businesses: This makes up a large portion of our jobs

• Outlook for 2026: Gradual job growth supports families that want stable careers and flexible schedules.

No State Income Tax

Washington is one of nine states without an income tax. That is a direct win for earners used to Oregon’s roughly 9 to 10 percent rates. Here are some other taxes you will have in the state of Washington:

• Sales tax: We do, however, have a sales tax, around 8.5 to 9 percent, depending on which county and city you’re making a purchase in.

• Property tax: In W, property taxes are based on assessed values, not property sale prices. Most assessed home values will lag behind real market value anywhere from 5-25%. Expect about a 1% property tax, but realize it can vary depending on your specific location.

  • Example – If you buy a house for $600,000, expect an annual property tax of $4,800-$5,300 approx

• Excise tax: Paid when you sell property in Washington, starting at 1.6% of the sales price and going up from there in graduated tiers. The most updated rates are below.

  

• Capital Gains tax: There is a 7% capital gains tax on long-term capital gains $1,000,000 and below. The rate jumps to 9.9% for gains over $1,000,000.

Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Trails

• Columbia River and Vancouver Lake: Waterfront walks, kayaking, and picnics.

• Lacamas Regional Park and Round Lake: Forest loops, waterfalls, and bike paths.

• Moulton Falls: A classic weekend hike with photogenic bridges.

• Our favorite secret: The Urban Trails Clark County guidebook has every trail and hike you could want, plus it’s small and fits in any backpack

Affordable Homes Compared to West Coast Neighbors

Housing is not ‘cheap’, but your budget in Clark County will stretch more than in nearby West Coast markets

2025 Median Home Sale Prices (single-family homes)

• Clark County, WA: $553,000

• Portland Metro, OR: $611,000

• Seattle, WA: $1,083,000

• Bellevue, WA: $1,500,000

• Los Angeles, CA: $1,035,000

• San Francisco, CA: $1,710,000

• San Diego, CA: $1,025,000

• Takeaway: You’ll get more yard, more house, and better value in Clark County than in many California and Seattle area markets.

A Welcoming Community

People often visit Clark County and are amazed (and pleasantly surprised) when strangers will talk to them in line and hold the door for them.

• Friendly moments at coffee shops, gyms, and parks.

• A balanced political mix, roughly 50/50, keeps most conversations civil.

• Newcomers find it easy to build a circle.

Thriving Growth and New Developments

• Vancouver Waterfront and Parker’s Landing: Dining, trails, and events by the water. We did a whole vlog tour of the Vancouver waterfront. Check it out below

  • https://youtu.be/FcXy2jZFeTc?si=ISTgAnHGHzofpqVr

• Columbia Palisades off 192nd: Housing, retail, and office space will be built here over the next ten years. It will also have the first-ever mid-rise condo building in Camas. This development will really put Camas on the map!

  • https://youtu.be/SJmvv3fiTtU?si=66dpaZyeM1vcw6tB

• Vancouver Innovation Center: Located in the old HP campus, this light industrial development will become a “20-minute city” hub for the east side. Developed by Rabina & New Blueprint Partners out of New York.

  • Watch our interview we did with the developer here https://youtu.be/kgQe5XbON3k?si=JslqjsnGIPeSWbEU.

Steady Population Growth Signals Strength

Over two decades, the metro has added more than 200,000 residents. That trend supports new schools, better roads, and long-term investment. Clark County expects approximately 10,000 new residents a year to move in.

Challenges to Weigh Before Moving to Vancouver, WA

High Cost of Living on the West Coast

Life costs more than the national average.

• Beyond the mortgage, expect utilities, groceries, and fun to run 20 to 30 percent higher than in many non-coastal cities in the United States.

• Home prices: The median sale price in Clark County right now is about $554,000, while nationally, it’s $410,000, a 35% difference

Denser Neighborhoods from Rapid Development

• State policy and urban growth boundaries favor townhomes and apartment complexes.

• Single-family lots sit closer together, sometimes 8 feet apart

• The shift mirrors national trends in fast-growing regions

Wildfires Edging Closer to the Area

City risk stays low, yet smoke can drift in summer.

• Rural and roadside fires have popped up more often in the last decade

• The Columbia River Gorge area (Hood River, White Salmon), just an hour away from Clark County, has seen considerable, destructive wildfires in the last decade

Hotter Summers Changing Daily Life

• Summers in Clark County used to be more moderate, think in the mid-70s. Today, our summers tend to be in the mid-80s, and we usually get a few weeks in the 95-105 degree range.

• Most homes these days do have AC or a Heat Pump (which provides cooling) installed to stay cool in the summer.

Earthquake Risks in a Seismic Zone

• Vancouver, WA, is in the Cascadia subduction zone

• Large quakes are rare, but possible

Is Vancouver, WA the Right Move?

For many leaving higher-cost areas, the pros win. A strong job base, no state income tax, and easy access to nature offer a real quality of life. The cons, from natural disasters to denser housing, are manageable with smart prep.

Next steps:

• Tour neighborhoods and walk the waterfront.

• Subscribe to Weekend Happenings with Hannah to get the best local, fun events straight to your inbox.

• Talk with your local realtor for on-the-ground insights – we’re here to help at Dubyne Realty Group!