Relocating to Vancouver, Washington

Relocation to Vancouver, WA

Relocating to Clark County, Washington

If you're considering a move to Vancouver and Clark County, you're onto something special. Our community is growing for good reason - we've got that perfect blend of small-town feel with big-city perks that so many families are looking for these days.

Vancouver has this wonderful mix of suburban peace and urban convenience. You'll find families enjoying our parks and splash pads one day, then heading downtown for fun events the next - all with those gorgeous mountain and river views as your backdrop!

Education is a big deal here, from our solid high schools to Washington State University Vancouver. It's no wonder Clark County welcomed over 4,400 new residents last year, with nearly 1,950 choosing Vancouver itself. We're seeing lots of folks from California and Texas discovering our little corner of the Pacific Northwest.

Many newcomers tell me Vancouver feels "up-and-coming" while still being incredibly welcoming. I love that about our community! People appreciate our spacious, safe neighborhoods and the skilled local workforce that's attracting more businesses.

Oh, and a huge perk? Washington has no state income tax, which makes your $140K+ income stretch much further! Plus, many of us hop over to Oregon for tax-free shopping. Between these financial benefits and our abundant parks and good infrastructure, life here is both affordable and really comfortable.

Vancouver, Washington

Community & Lifestyle

Overview

Vancouver is consistently ranked one of the region’s best places to live for families. Crime rates are relatively low for a city of 190,000; people often describe the neighborhoods as “safe and quiet,” especially out in suburbs like Camas or near lakes in Salmon Creek. Parks are plentiful (Esther Short in downtown and the riverfront, East Fork Lake, the Columbia Wall ascent park, etc.), along with playgrounds and community pools. Families enjoy weekend activities like the Clark County Fair, public library events, and farmer’s markets. The area is culturally diverse and welcoming; you’ll find families from all backgrounds here.

Lifestyle

Vancouver’s public schools and nearby private and charter schools have solid reputations (see the Know Vancouver schools guide for details). For nature outings, spots like Beacon Rock, Lacamas Lake, and Cape Horn are scenic escapes. The Columbia River waterfront offers walking and biking paths; even airplane enthusiasts love watching takeoffs at Pearson Field. Plus, get the benefits of the Portland metro (museums, PDX, and a big-city job market) just across the bridge. “You feel a mix of city life and nature here – we go boating on the lake in summer and still grab sushi in downtown Portland.”

Data

Recent census data shows an interesting trend: Portland's population has dipped slightly while Vancouver continues to grow. You'll be joining a thriving community with new stores, schools, and housing developments popping up. Local officials are working to improve roads and parks to keep pace.Yes, traffic can be heavy during rush hour (especially on the I-5 bridge), but most residents will tell you it's a small price to pay for the quality of life here. Vancouver has become a place where families put down roots for the long term.

Local Economy

Clark County's economy has really diversified in recent years. Major employers include PeaceHealth and Kaiser hospitals, HP, school districts, state government offices, and manufacturers. We're also seeing more high-tech and green-tech companies launching projects here. while traditional companies like St. Luke's and Finlandia Logistics are expanding their Vancouver operations. Entrepreneurs and remote workers have found a home in our coworking spaces and startup incubators. Our labor market stays strong with unemployment rates below the national average, thanks in part to our skilled workforce.

Moving Logistics

Options

Full-Service Movers

These teams handle everything - packing, loading, driving, and unpacking. It's the easiest option but also the most expensive. For a 3-4 bedroom home, expect $2,000-$5,000+ depending on volume and distance. If convenience is your priority and it fits your budget, this option saves you a lot of hassle (plus you get insurance and help with heavy lifting).

Portable Storage (PODS, etc)

(PODS/U-Box/ReloCube): You pack a container at your own pace, then the company delivers it to your new home. The big advantage? You don't have to drive cross-country! Companies like PODS include gas and tolls in the price and offer storage if you need to wait for housing. This typically costs more than a rental truck but less than full-service movers. Pro tip: Get quotes from multiple providers as prices vary widely.

Truck Rental

The most budget-friendly option is renting a truck, loading it yourself, and driving it. You'll pay for rental time plus gas/mileage, often under $2,000 for long-distance moves. The downside? You're doing all the driving and heavy lifting. If you have strong friends and don't mind a road trip, this can save significant money.

Employers