Firstly why Vancouver, Washington?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Vancouver
• State: Washington
• Population: 182,205 people
• Vancouver’s quick summary would be Celebrated for its scenic Fort Vancouver National Historic Site and vibrant downtown waterfront.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 15,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 17,000 annually
• Net Migration: -2000 less people annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 2,000
• Number of Homeless people: 400

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it features proximity to Portland and a vibrant community attracting diverse residents

Perk #1: Vancouver Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 31%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 59%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is White
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $64,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Vancouver is $66,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $2000 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Vancouver’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 130 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $3,682
• Property Tax %: 1.14%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,300
• Rent for an average house: $2,200
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Vancouver
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Vancouver, Camas, Washougal, Ridgefield, and probably could include Battle-Ground
• Avg. Age of Homes in Vancouver: 52 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.6%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Vancouver’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Vancouver are  Manufacturing, Retail, and Technology
• Vancouver Job Scene: strong job market primarily in education and healthcare
• The General Tech Scene: growing tech scene focused on creative technology and logistics , ,
• Vancouver Resident’s pay $1,300 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Vancouver: 8.1%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 120 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 18

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Vancouver

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $130 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-5 runs through Vancouver linking it to Portland
• Commute Time: 26 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: slowdowns on I-5
• Transportation Score: 45 out of 100 described as Some Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Vancouver: 86,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.5
• No. of Car Washes: 10 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Vancouver: dol.wa.gov
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 64 of 100
• Local Airport: Portland International

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Vancouver’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Earthquakes
• General Weather in Vancouver is best described as mild winters mild summers with ample rainfall
• Winter Weather in Vancouver i’d describe as cool with rain
• Spring Weather in Vancouver can be described as cool with rain likely
• Summer’s in Vancouver are mostly mild and pleasant
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Vancouver is usually cool with rainy days
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 3 days in summer
• Days in a row in Vancouver below Freezing: 4
• Average Annual Rainfall: 39 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality primarily maintained through environmental actions
• Vancouver Winter Air generally good air quality slight pollution influences

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Vancouver Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Vancouver 4
• While the number of trade schools inside Vancouvers’s city limits are 3
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Vancouver Community Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Vancouver Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 9 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Vancouver only Doctors is about 60
• Local Hospitals here is  5
• Full-time Vancouver only Police Officers is about 400
• Crime Rate Index: 30/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Vancouver’s Monthly utility bill average is $130
• Vancouver’s Monthly Gym Membership: $48
• Vancouver’s Water Quality Score: 78

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Vancouver

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 12 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: suburb of Portland known for its waterfront parks and activities
• You might enjoy performances at the Vancouver Convention Center
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Vancouver  has a lively nightlife with an array of bars and restaurants offering diverse options for evening enjoyment

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Vancouver

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Includes diverse dining options with a focus on fresh ingredients
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 60 scattered around Vancouver
• The Popular Sports Team is Vancouver Canadians
• Top Level Political Climate in Vancouver can be described as politically mixed city emphasizing growth and community development
• Vancouver’s Longer standing religious establishment is Vancouver Church of Christ

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Vancouver Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Vancouver has 30 Parks?
• Vancouver Waterfront Park is Vancouver’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Vancouver Farmers Market normally open Saturday 9am-3pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, biking, and outdoor events

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Vancouver Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Vancouver can be described as active urban lifestyle with close proximity to nature and outdoor activities
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Vancouver visiting parks hiking trails communal activities picnics
• The Cities people commute to from Vancouver are Seattle 10 miles away Renton 15 miles away Auburn 20 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Vancouver or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: slowdowns on I-5. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Vancouver’s Earthquakes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Vancouver is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Vancouver are Seattle 10 miles away Renton 15 miles away Auburn 20 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 30 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Vancouver has 4 days in a row below freezing and 3 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Vancouver people have an average (positive or negative) $2000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   400 homeless people living in Vancouver. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general politically mixed city emphasizing growth and community development could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Vancouver.

Retiree & Senior Life in Vancouver

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can can benefit from income tax credits focusing on rental properties
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Waters
• Vancouver Senior Center hosts educational workshops arts programs and recreational activities

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Vancouver, Washington?

If Vancouver, Washington ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Vancouver, Washington, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!