Vancouver’s Growth and Community Update

Vancouver, Washington, continues to attract families seeking space, great schools, and quick access to Portland. October 2025 brings major updates that strengthen the city’s appeal — three large mixed-use projects are transforming local living, affordable housing is expanding, and steady progress is being made on homelessness. Together, these efforts point toward a vibrant and balanced future for residents, buyers, and investors.

Exciting Mixed-Use Developments

New developments across the city are reshaping how people live, work, and connect. Each project blends housing, retail, and recreation to make daily life more walkable and convenient

• More housing choices: New apartments, townhomes, and condos across price ranges.

• Walkable living: Shops, dining, and parks within a short stroll.

• Family-friendly focus: Schools, community centers, and safe pathways throughout.

The Waterfront, Vancouver Innovation Center, and Heights Redevelopment projects together add housing supply, jobs, and amenities — keeping daily needs within 10–15 minutes of home.

Vancouver Waterfront: Growth Along the Columbia

The 32-acre Waterfront District has become a centerpiece of modern Vancouver living. 18 years in the making, it continues to expand with:

• New restaurants, tasting rooms, and riverfront condos.

• An 8-story parking structure that opened in 2025

• Additional apartments and retail on the way.

Public spaces, art, and open lawns create a lively, community-driven atmosphere. A simple weekend walk along the river now doubles as a snapshot of Vancouver’s evolution.

Vancouver Innovation Center: Reviving East Vancouver

Set on the former HP campus in Fisher’s Landing, this 179-acre redevelopment is turning an underused, abandoned site into a thriving neighborhood.
Expected features include:

• Apartments, townhomes, and (maybe) small-lot single-family homes.

• Retail, parks, and a new school.

• A walking loop encircling the property with mature trees that will be retained

With its blend of housing types and thoughtful planning, this project will give East Vancouver a true “20-minute community” where errands, school, and recreation are all nearby.

Heights Redevelopment: Renewing Middle Vancouver

The Heights project off Fourth Plain is modernizing one of Vancouver’s older areas. After early planning delays, construction is planned to start in 2026. The plan includes:

• Parks, community gathering spaces, and apartments.

• Retail and mixed-income housing with aging-in-place design.

• Accessible features like wide doors and roll-in showers in apartments

Vancouver’s Push for Affordable Housing

High interest rates have tightened housing access across the country, but Vancouver continues to invest in affordability. The city allocated $2.4 million to create subsidized units for households earning under 50% of the area’s median income.

Long-term, Vancouver estimates a need for 50,000 additional homes by 2044. Projects like Fourth Plain Community Commons showcase how affordable housing, small businesses, and local services can revitalize corridors and expand opportunity.

Homelessness in Clark County

While homelessness remains a national issue, Vancouver’s approach is pragmatic and focused on results.
Key initiatives include:

• Expanded funding through a local state of emergency (2023).

• New mental health and diversion programs connecting people to care.

• StaySafe Communities — managed, small-scale villages offering secure huts and essential services.

Sites like the 112th StaySafe Village show a compassionate, structured model that balances safety and support for vulnerable residents.

Closing Thoughts

Vancouver’s momentum is clear — thoughtful development, more housing options, and practical community solutions are shaping a city that’s both livable and forward-looking. Families, first-time buyers, and investors alike can find opportunity in this next phase of growth.

For local insight or relocation guidance, contact Dubyne Realty Group at [email protected] or text 360.347.2551

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