Info about Vancouver,WA (Orchards, Salmon Creek: house, neighborhood, to buy)

[saam]

1. Can anyone recommend a town to buy a home with at least 1/2 acre within 15 miles from downtown Vancouver,WA? I love the gardening and outdoors.
2. What do you think of the weather there at Vancouver,WA/Portland,OR? It’s snowy out there?
3. What are great areas?(Vancouver,WA)

All opinions/comments are appreciated.

[RiftReaper]

I heard good things about battle ground, WA (dont let the name scare you :-D ) Its about 20 miles away from vancouver.

The weather isnt to bad, it rains every so often. The last winter we have a little snow, didn't stick very well.

[jennyb315]

saam,
To get a 1/2 acre lot, you may have to go further out than 15 miles-- but check in the Heights neighborhood--- those are older homes, back when the house were built with real yards. If you're looking to build a home, there are some 1+ acre lots out in Battle Ground that are gorgeous--- but depends what your price range is. While the market is flat there right now (we are also looking for a lot to build on), prices are still high, but not as high as they were 6-12 months ago.

The weather is absolutely fabulous---- in the summer, at least IMO. 80-90 degrees, sunny days and low humidity. Fall is usually cooler, but still with some sunny days in there. Winter, again, IMO, is horrid--- rain, grey, rain, and grey.......... ugh...... spring is only slightly better. But, keep in mind, I am a sun-lover Rarely these days do we get snow--- maybe 1-3 days a year, if that... and usually it's gone right away too.

Great areas--- depends on what you're looking for and what your budget is. Do you want shopping, schools, smaller towns, etc......

[pm352000]

you can still get an older home on a 1/2 acre lot in town or camas, battle ground,ridgefield, lacenter, brush prairie and close in woodland should work. the snow level usually hangs at 1,000 ft or above with the valley getting a dusting maybe 2-3 times a year.Moderator cut: soliciting removed best of luck
pam

[StealthRabbit]

We had a great home w/5acres and a fruit farm in the center of Minnehaha, (5 min to I-5)

there are some very large lots and great gardening soil near Ross Sub Station, (search for Minnehaha elementary school or Leverich Park if you want a map)... Also Hazel Dell, Salmon Creek, Felida, and Lincoln areas have some HUGE lots with good soils. I would avoid east of I-205 and south of 99th street as soils are gravel and rocks (Cascade Park, Orchards). Further north is OK (Brush Prairie and beyond), but do watch for 'lowlands' in any district. Soils need lots of lime, as rain + conifers = acid soils. Rhodies and Blueberries are very happy here! Fall fertilizer and lime (NOW) is most important of entire season. ...for lawns (especially) and gardens.

Call the county extension service and chat with a Master Gardener, they'll help you out.

[sykesfamily]

Yes there is good soil near the ross sub station. My friends back yard backed to it and she had a beautiful yard. I live in the minnehaha area in a newer development and we have clay soil and its awful. Plus really nice homes in that area as well. If we were staying here my husband and I would have bought my friends home.