What Do you like about living in Vancouver? (Pacific, Rainier: rental, insurance)

[silibran]

I wanted to start a positive forum, although I might add a couple of thoughts to the "What do you NOT like about Vancouver" from the point of view of a newcomer. At any rate we are finding it to be a very nice place, overall.

I like coming over the I-205 bridge from Portland and seeing how green it is here.

I love the Vancouver Farmers' market on the weekends.

I am amazed at the friendliness of everyone. I've had strangers invite me in to see their houses during my search for a home to buy. Retail workers are almost never sullen or silent. They are often chatty, and so far, nice. (I don't come from an unfriendly place at all. But the friendliness of everyone here is surprising.)

You can see Mt. Hood from many places in Vancouver. It is impressive as you cross the river or drive west on Highway 14. In general the setting is very, very pretty.

The weather is sublime! At least this summer it is. I will be singing a different song in January, no?

We love the landscaping, the stuff growing in yards, the hydrangea bushes, the very tall conifers. Lavender used as landscaping.

Rainier cherries.

The cost of homeowner's insurance, compared with the cost in the midwest. A nice surprise.

What do you like about living here?

[NWGirl74]

Having grown up in Eastern WA and Northern ID, I like the small town feel with the big city close by. I feel safe here. People are pretty friendly (though there doesn't seem to be much of a dating scene if you are in your 30's-on either side of the river). The town is also pretty easy to navigate once you know what streets have peak travel times. My 5-mile radius has pretty much everything I need which is convenient.

[hamellr]

I appreciate the historical aspects of Vancouver.

Fort Vancouver specifically.

[silibran]

Another thing to like about Vancouver: it is 2 hours away from Cannon Beach!

No kidding, this is great.

There will be a vote in November to fully fund the city park system. I am impressed with the Pacific Park. Great dog park and good walkling trail. I hope the measure passes.

[StealthRabbit]

Originally Posted by silibran

Another thing to like about Vancouver: it is 2 hours away from Cannon Beach!

No kidding, this is great.

....

Next trip to Cannon Beach.... DO NOT miss
hug point history - Google Search

(~5 min further south) Walk ~ 300 yds to the north of beach entrance and enjoy, waterfalls, caves, and stage road (with great tide pools)

We often drive out for sunset, and have Halibut & Chips on the way home at "Sea Breeze" Cafe ~ 200 yrd north of Hwy 26 and 101 interchange (toward Seaside). We can usually make the trip in 1:15 - 1:30 but avoid traffic like the plague... (Usually ~ 2pm out of Portland, and 10 PM before leaving coast)


Sept and Oct Sunsets are the BEST... and good from Ecola and Cape Lookout / So of Depot Bay. (Otter Crest (so of Depot Bay) is a pretty good spot for WINTER Storm Watching, we have relatives with condo there, but private stay is possible too) 2.5 hrs SW. Many folks like Surfrider too for storms. (SO Lincoln City). I don't find the No OR coast (Cannon Beach quite as lively for storms) Tho I would love to find a frequent rental in Arch Cape.

Drift wood beach is GREAT at Twin Rocks (North of Tillmook)

[silibran]

That sounds great. I want to go back in mid October. But--we've bought a house, and we will be closing then. Its going to be hard to convince DH to go back then.

But I did see a sign for Hug Point when we drove to Manzanita. Nice town, beautiful beach. But I prefer Cannon to stay the night, frankly.

I will make sure to visit Hug Point next time though.

[silibran]

One other thing I like about living here. It doesn't take very long to get from one part of town to another. It isn't like a large metro area. I'm used to allowing 30 min, plus or minus, to get anywhere. Here it often only takes 15 min plus or minus.

[Beenhere4ever]

Did anyone mention the Columbia River. I think it is a major plus for both sides of the river.

[silibran]

The river is very pretty at this time of year.

[jonh23]

I don't live in Vancouver (hope to live in the area someday), but have visited many times. Here's what I have to add to the list of positives:

- Fort Vancouver and Officer's Row (especially eating at the Grant House!)
- Esther Short Park
- the new downtown library
- escaping Portland traffic (it's MUCH easier to get around Vancouver)