About The Vancouver, Washington Area

Enjoy beautiful and scenic Vancouver. Just nine miles from Portland, Vancouver’s relaxing county atmosphere is right on the pulse of the Portland metropolitan area. Because of its prime location, residents of Vancouver enjoy the best that Oregon and Washington have to offer. Vancouver is well known for its intriguing history, and old-town feel. The 157,493 residents enjoy the plentitude of opportunities afforded them by their proximity to Portland. With over 7,000 acres of well-preserved parkland, the city is lush and green. Experience the great outdoors in any direction you go.

Location

Vancouver is a city located in Clark County, Washington. Portland, Oregon lies just south of Vancouver, across the Columbia River. Clark County is bounded by the Columbia River to the west and south. To the north is Cowlitz County and to the east is Skamania County.

Geography/Terrain

Lovely Vancouver is situated on the north bank of the Columbia River, across which lies all of Portland, Oregon just nine miles south. Part of the Portland metropolitan area, Vancouver offers ready access to all the amenities of the metropolitan life. To the west and south, Vancouver is bordered by the beautiful Columbia River. The Cascade Mountain Range lies to the east, and to the north Mount St. Helens. Surrounded by the majestic Columbia River and the scenic Cascade Mountain Range, the land is typically flat with gently rolling terraced surfaces, which attract many hikers Altitudes range from 152 to 294 feet. Vancouver occupies 45 square miles of land. One of the most significant features about the Vancouver and Portland metropolitan area is that they are nearby to scenic extinct volcanic zones. Vancouver lies 90 miles east of the Pacific Ocean, lending to its marine air.

Distance To Three Closest Major Cities

Portland is nine miles south of Vancouver, and Beaverton, Oregon is 16 miles to the northeast. Salem, the capital of Oregon, is 55 miles to the south of Vancouver. Olympia, the capital of Washington, is 105 miles to the north. Seattle is still further north, 165 miles from Vancouver.

Jobs

Due to Vancouver’s proximity to the Portland, more than half of the Vancouver residents work there. The median household income is $41,618. Major industries providing employment in Vancouver are: manufacturing; educational, health and social services; and retail trade.

Below is information on the Portland metropolitan area:

Historically and still to this day, Portland’s economy has largely come from its export business. With the nearby Willamette and Columbia rivers easily accessing the Pacific Ocean, Portland has long been the supply hub for local and outreaching farming communities as well as acting as a shipping center for the larger West Coast. Today, Portland is one of the largest export ports on the West Coast, with revenues of over $11 billion in 2003. With its easy access to the United States proper via the international airport services, the well-developed freeway systems, and the intercontinental railroads, Portland is a very important West Coast and international distribution center.

More recently, Portland has become well known for its association with high-tech industries. With the establishment of such companies as Intel Corporation, Tektronix, Microsoft, IBM, and Hewlett-Packard, Portland’s reputation for high-tech job employment is on the rise. There are now more than 1,500 companies based in Portland providing support services for the high-tech industry.

Other leading employment industries in Portland are educational, health, social services, manufacturing, and retail trade. A vast majority of the Portland residents live within the metropolitan area, with only 23% of the workforce commuting.

Housing

Vancouver offers a diverse variety of homes to fit every individual’s and family’s needs. For the renter, choose from chic lofts, condominiums, town homes, or apartments. For the homeowner, choose from the wide array of houses in both new developments and well-established neighborhoods. The median prices for homes in the Vancouver are $142,900.

Parks/Sports/Recreation/Golf

Following the in tradition of the northwest, Vancouver offers beautiful, pristine parks and open areas for the entire family’s enjoyment. Be captivated by the breathtaking views, stunning scenery, and historic sites. Take a stroll in a nearby park or greenway. Explore the well-preserved, intricate trail systems. Discover the protected open spaces and wildlife habitat. There are eight regional parks in Clark County alone. Vancouver itself has nearly 7,000 acres of parkland, and over 44 miles of trails. Additionally, there are 37,000 acres of open park space in the nearby Portland area, an unchallenged number in any metropolitan area in the United States.

Vancouver offers many recreational activities including hiking, fishing, camping, and many varieties of water sports. There are so many things to see and do! Enjoy such activities as dancing, quilting, chess, and much more. Take advantage of the two community centers, four swimming pool facilities, and the nearby skatepark. There are numerous organized activities to participate in whether it is joining a local softball team, or learning how to make stained glass.

Looking for an out of town adventure? Cross the Columbia River and explore Portland. Take a 90-minute drive west to the Pacific Ocean and enjoy the salty ocean air. The beautiful scenic areas on and around Mt. St. Helens lie to the north, and wineries a-plenty lie to the south in Oregon, so pick up a bottle of your favorite wine and head to the nearby lakes and rivers for a day in the sun.

Vancouver offers several area golf courses with breathtaking views ranging from the Cascade Mountain Range to the Columbia River. There are six courses within the Vancouver city limits itself, with many more in neighboring towns and cities, including the awarding winning Royal Oaks Country Club offering a challenging 18-hole features 6,900 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 72.

Special Attractions/Events

Discover the Vancouver Farmers Market featuring the most exquisite naturally grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs, farm fresh eggs and dairy products and northwest meats including fish. The Vancouver Farmers Market showcases and makes available the area’s premium agricultural products. Experience the traditional feeling of the outdoor market with friendly people and stalls aplenty.

Attend the music concerts and movies offered in the summertime at Esther Short Park where there is plenty of sun, food, and entertainment. Enjoy shows put on by the “Riverview Vancouver Symphony under the Stars at The Taste of Vancouver” or “Riverview Six to Sunset Concerts.” Stay through the evening to catch a large screen flick.

That is just the tip of the iceberg. See what nearby Portland has to offer:

Portland claims bragging rights to more than just its parks. It is the proud home of the Portland Trail Blazers. The diverse community comes together to support their professional basketball team, as well as its international basketball team, the Portland Chinooks. The city participates in many larger competitive sports arenas including minor league baseball, ice hockey, soccer, paintball, and even lacrosse.

Portland has countless year-round events and activities to experience. There are many popular festivals and events to attend. In the summer months, be sure to mark your calendar with your favorite events including the Portland Rose Festival and Parade; the Mount Hood Jazz Festival, one of the nation’s premiere jazz festivals; the Bite, featuring excellent food and wine from Portland’s best restaurants and music; and the Safeway Waterfront Blues Festival, featuring spectacular 4th of July fireworks.

Portland has a great number of local attractions, some of the most popular being: the world-class Oregon Zoo; inexpensive to downright cheap shopping with its 0% sales tax law; the internationally known Portland Symphony; the International Test Rose Gardens and the Portland Art Museum.

Portland begs you to turn off your television and hit the road! Enjoy the fresh air in the beautiful scenic parks, forests, and trails either on foot, or by bike. Have fun in the water, and take your pick of venues: river, lake, ocean, or swimming pool. Take pleasure in the gardens unique to Portland. There are countless outdoor venues and activities for you to partake in.

Interesting Facts/Historic Buildings and Places

Vancouver was named by British Lieutenant William Broughton, in honor of his commander, Captain George Vancouver. Vancouver has a long, well-documented history dating back to its settlement in the late 1700s.

There are specific trees designated and protected as “Heritage Trees” in Vancouver. These trees are preserved for their historical significance and beauty for all to enjoy.

Explore Clark County’s historic buildings and properties, which they boast, are the “cornerstone of Clark County heritage and culture.”

It's my job to know EVERYTHING about Portland, OR, Beaverton, Or and Vancouver, WA! Ask me any question. Or request a FREE information package. There's no obligation, and I promise to get back to you quickly...