Thinking about moving to Vancouver, Washington? The city sits next to Portland, with easy access to mountains, rivers, and trails. Many people love the area. Still, no place is perfect, and Vancouver has downsides that can surprise transplants.
Seven Biggest CONS of Living in Vancouver, WA
Vancouver, WA traffic is not the worst in the Northwest, but it can get backed up. The bridges into Portland clog during rush hour, from around 7:30-9:30 am and 3:30-6:30 pm. For drivers used to small towns, the stop-and-go can feel rough. For former big-city commuters, it may feel easier, but still not fun.
Our suggestion: pick a job on the same side of the river, or plan for flexible work hours. Remote work, carpooling, and timing errands outside peak windows can be a lifesaver.
Public transportation in Vancouver supports basic trips, not car-free living. C-TRAN runs buses and express routes, and there is a link to the Portland light rail near the border. Still, most trips take longer than driving, so almost all residents rely on cars. Don’t expect this to change anytime soon, as infrastructure is already spread out far enough that only cars are practical.
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Clark County home prices are always above the national average
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Median home prices have increased nearly 50% in the last 5 years!
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First-time buyers may need to widen the search to condos, townhomes, or older ranch homes.s
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More affordable pockets exist near central Vancouver, parts of the Orchards, or farther north, while tradeoffs include commute time or renovation needs.
In Vancouver, WA, most homes were built after the 80s; however, this is an infill development area of the county, so you will see a variety of styles and sometimes “patchy” feeling neighborhoods.
The Patchwork of Neighborhood Styles
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On one street: modern townhomes. On the next: 90s builds and a farmhouse.
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Pros: character, mature trees, and unique lots.
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Cons: less uniform curb appeal and mixed finishes.
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You won’t find massive masterplanned communities here like you may in Arizona, Florida, and Texas.
Vancouver, WA, weather is not endless rain, but winters bring many gray days. Expect a rotating mix: light rain, cloudy stretches, sunny breaks, and the occasional snow. Summer is gorgeous, which helps, but those winter clouds can test morale.
Homelessness in Vancouver, WA, is most common near
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freeway ramps
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major corridors
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public spaces, particularly in Downtown Vancouver
The City of Vancouver declared it a public emergency in November 2023. The City & Clark County have outreach programs, and it seems they are always trying to improve cleanups. The Stay Safe Communities program has made a noticeable change in what were previously homeless encampments.
The situation is noticeable, not overwhelming, but many locals are displeased with how it’s been handled.
The City of Vancouver has a downtown with a storied history; however, it’s not all sunshine and roses. Some parts are run down, have vacancies, and there are even homelessness/safety issues.
Conclusion
Thinking about buying or selling a home in Vancouver or Camas, and looking for a realtor team that really knows what they’re doing? Reach out to us at Dubyne Realty Group for local guidance, data-backed negotiations, and neighborhood insights.
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