Vancouver versus Portland? (Orchards, Washougal, Felida: sales, apartment, house)

[neal93]

We're thinking about moving to the Portland area (from Eastern Washington) and may also consider Vancouver, Washington. What are some of the pros & cons of Vancouver? We're of course aware of the no sales tax in Oregon & no state tax in Washington, but what may be the advantages of Vancouver?

[StealthRabbit]

Originally Posted by neal93

We're of course aware of the no sales tax in Oregon & no state PERSONAL INCOME tax in Washington, but what may be the advantages of Vancouver?

I take it you are an employee and not an employer, or SE? (that makes a BIG difference on costs of doing business in the region)

There will be plenty of posts if you search this forum.

Do you need schools (pre-school to grad school), youth activity, jobs, retirement center, medical, culture, access to supplies and equipment, HS internet...?

Are you significantly polarized in political persuasion; and if so, left or right? (This is the BIGGEST deal for Oregonians)

[neal93]

Originally Posted by StealthRabbit

I take it you are an employee and not an employer, or SE? (that makes a BIG difference on costs of doing business in the region)

There will be plenty of posts if you search this forum.

Do you need schools (pre-school to grad school), youth activity, jobs, retirement center, medical, culture, access to supplies and equipment, HS internet...?

Are you significantly polarized in political persuasion; and if so, left or right? (This is the BIGGEST deal for Oregonians)

Self employed professional, married, no kids, moderate democrat, early 40's, 2 dogs...

[StealthRabbit]

As a previous WA resident, and a moderate DEM, then by all means, Vancouver with EZ access to Portland for other needs.

(Ran over for to Pearl District in Portland for a terrific 'free' Classical Concert last evening)

Let us know your neighborhood, gardening, access, recreation, price desires and we can save you some time looking.
(Lots of suburbia, but some 'quaint' and older too) There are some newer dog parks, and there are plenty of acreages. Prices are quite depressed, especially in high end pricing and Washougal (over-built in $500k+ / view price range). (neighbor paid $800k for rural acreage and immaculate 4500 SF house / shop / barn / apartment / gated / marble... now priced near $350k, and not selling). I prefer Southeast county (it is COLDER), as I love the views, weather, pics, and hiking in Columbia Gorge. (my dog likes it too, but a little tough on outdoor cats (Bobcats, cougars, and plenty of coyotes)) cape horn Washington - Google Search

gardening / climate is best in Brushprairie, Felida, very rocky soil and questionable area = Orchards

Best commute is near I-205 or SR-14 (Interstate Bridge and I-5 can be crowded at times + it's a draw bridge, and gonna be rebuilt, eventually...)

Currently good time to shop for props. For near town I like the areas very near (east) of Ft Vancouver, off SE Evergreen. Other nice areas close in are in 'the heights', Lakeshore.

Coming from Colorado 30 yrs ago the weather (gray) kills me. Best advise I got was, "Don't buy a home nestled in the trees!, tempting as that may be." (Moss, mold, dark, cold, needles ruin roof). Go for FULL sun, south facing, and lots of light.