Vancouver or Portland? (Camas, Washougal: sales, real estate, 2010)

[meltinjohn]

Some say they would rather live in Vancouver because they wont pay OR income tax, but they also want to shop on OR for no sales tax. I talked to some ppl from Oregon about this, but what are you Washington folks opinions on this? Someone told me they would pay the income tax just to live in Oregon since this person said he can barely take Washington as a state.
I think living in Vancouver WA sounds pretty good since its right on the Portland line anyhow.
Also, do they ever plan to extend the MAX out there?
I dont live in the area at all since Im in New England, but am considering a move to either Vancouver, Portland, or Beaverton. Thoughts?

[trooper208]

Lightrail, or as a past Clark County commissioner would say, Rapid Transit, will eventually make its way to Vancouver. It's a big debate currently with the new 1-5 bridge plans, etc. But it'll come whether the community likes it or not. As far as the tax thing, I think we're doing a lot better having a sales tax than not having one. It's conveniant to live in Vancouver, and have PDX right across the river if you ever want to purchase large items, and don't want to pay the sales tax. Other than that, I do all my shopping here, and help stimulate my own economy.

[thrillobyte]

How come Washington doesn't post state revenue agents or something at the Vancouver side of the bridges to inspect vehicles hauling large purchases made in Oregon to escape paying the Washington sales tax?

[sayulita]

It sort of depends on where you are going to work. If you live in Vancouver and work in Portland, you will still pay Oregon State tax.

[happygorgedwellers]

Is that person from England reading replies??? Read my "Hey, this is the Gorge!" thread..we are Portlanders who moved across the river to Camas/Washougal area up on the ridge and LOVE LOVE LOVE IT we are stunned at the clean air, safe communities, friendly people, GORGE VIEWS, hiking, wilderness, Mt. Hood views even better than Portland here (and we drove to Govt. Camp in one hour) okay so this is a no brainer, great real estate prices, AMAZING SCHOOLS with new buildings being built and even a green high school "carbon zero" building being built for 2010..mostly we love going to Portland for concerts or dinner, driving home and walking up the ridge, looking at the Portland lights below and breathing CLEAN AIR and seeing the stars that were so blurry from down there....the next day drive 20 minutes and hike through wilderness and waterfalls that would astound you...or better yet wind surf?? (kite surfing looks cool too) Even the drive is amazing if you don't hike--are we in Norway or is it just my imagination???

[moniqueb]

Well this is cool because I am planning to move to Portland in 2years but it sounds like Vancouver will be better?

[Dogs4us]

Beaverton is very much suburbia, with lots of traffic, strip malls, and the like. Vancouver sadly has little charm, with one cookie cutter development on top of another (it was really nice about 20 years ago, but there was an influx from Cali and the developers had a hey day). The best thing about living in Vancouver (I've been gone for seven years but go back to visit 3-4 times a year) is Portland right across the river - THE most amazing city on the planet, IMHO!
Is it true that there is a plan to charge tolls on the I-5 and I-205 bridges?

[love2explore]

I just read today that Portland Oregon is ranked #1 for the lowest crime of any major city. I grew up north of Vancouver & lived there for 23 Years. I think Vancouver & Portland are alot like. Wherever You Go... I Am sure you will like it. Sounds like an adventure! Have Fun!