Views on homosexuality in Vancouver?

[NWGirl74]

As a single woman in her 30's, I have to say the dating scene isn't great on either side of the river. However, I do agree with those who have said there is more of a single life in Portland. I spend most of my time there, but live here because I grew up in small towns and like the small town feel. Plus, I'm one of the lucky ones who lives and works on this side.

I find that people in Vancouver pretty much keep to themselves. Portland is definitely gay-friendly and I agree if you are going to work on that side, it's more beneficial to live on that side. You still have to pay Oregon income tax if you live in Vancouver, which a lot of people don't realize when they move here.

[Ayry]

Thanks for all of the answers guys. We actually ended up moving to Washougal, WA because of various reasons; but, it's all been the worst because our only form of transportation is broken down and now we're sitting ducks without jobs and without a vehicle. :C Applying to places, but people just keep throwing us around like crazy. First chance we get... Vancouver or Portland, here we come.

If only money grew on trees, huh?

[mikebchipper]

Thank you for this thread because my husband and I have actually considered looking into Vancouver. We are NOT big city people, but we do like to go in about once or twice a month. We are basically looking for a nice neighborhood that is welcoming to a same-sex couple. We are a couple that likes to have cook-outs, wine with neighbors, DVD nights at home, and an evening coffee at the local Starbucks. We like parks and quiet walks on the streets. I like the idea of being near Portland, but don't really need the big city nightlife/busy lifestyle. I like the idea of being able to take a short ride to Target or a movie theatre and not fight traffic for it. Based on this, does Vancouver sound like a good pick for us? We want to stay on the Washington side, with hopes that the Same-sex marriage law will go into effect after the November voting. Thank you for your opinions and feedback everyone!

[silibran]

Your description of how you like to live your life sounds a lot like Portland. There are many neighborhoods in Portland, and they all seem to have great parks. However it is more expensive to live there than in Vancouver.

I can't answer whether Vancouver is gay-friendly. I haven't been here long myself. But I can describe Eastern Vancouver easily--it feels like anywhere suburbia in a lovely setting. I have seen some people I took for gay couples walking in parks, but I admit I didn't give it much thought, so I don't remember where. The parks where I have walked are nice, but they don't have the character of many of the parks I've visited in Portland. The Vancouver parks department is asking for a sales tax to help with its upkeep. Apparently that department has been starved during the Great Recession. I hope it passes, because parks are a major asset to a community.

In east Vancouver (I can't speak for the downtown area and the residential areas nearby) you will probably have to drive to Starbucks, rather than walk, as you will for almost anything in this area.

There is a really nice condo development on the SE side, on the Columbia River, called Northwynd. I am quite taken with its location and the way it looks. There are some walking to destinations, including a couple of restaurants right on the river. Its just a lovely location, and located well for downtown destinations and both I 5 and I 205. They are called resort condos, and I know nothing about them except I'd live there if I was looking for a condo!

If the ballot issue passes, why don't you visit to see for yourself if Vancouver would work for you?

[mikebchipper]

Thank you for the information! In the process now of looking for employment in the Seattle metro and Vancouver/Portland area. Where I land the job is where I'll go, for the most part. I am leaning towards Vancouver because I like the idea of being near the Oregon coast, Portland, and being a hop/skip/jump to northern California.