Last Updated on October 30, 2022 by Lily Connel
Vancouver, WA, is a great place to live if you’re looking for a small-town feel with all of the amenities of a larger city. But, People living in Vancouver Washington are not happy with their public transit.
Pros and Cons of Living in Vancouver, WA – The Comparison Table
| Serial | Pros of Living in Vancouver, WA | Cons of Living in Vancouver, WA |
| 1. | Vancouver, WA weather is Comfortable. | Traffic is not easy. |
| 2. | Vancouver is a short drive away from Portland, OR. | The Crime rate is shocking. |
| 3. | The Housing Market is very affordable in Portland, OR. | Vancouver, WA living cost of expensive. |
| 4. | Vancouver, WA public and private schools provide high-quality education. | Vancouver, WA is the warmest place in the world. |
| 5. | Booming the job market in Vancouver, WA. | Education quality is not great. |
| 6. | Outdoor Recreation is extensive. | Reading culture shock was a bit of a culture shock. |
| 7. | Vancouver has an incredible art scene. | Apartment buildings are not enough in Vancouver, WA. |
| 8. | The Food is delicious. | A lot of rainfall in Vancouver, WA. |
| 9. | Vancouver is a shopper’s City. | Homeless people are raised. |
| 10. | The people are friendly. | Vancouver is lacking in ethnic diversity. |
Pros of Living in Vancouver, WA
Pro #01: The Weather
The weather in Vancouver, WA, is lovely. The summers are warm and sunny, but not too hot. The winters are mild, with very little snowfall. Overall, the climate is perfect for those who don’t like extreme weather conditions.
Pro #02: The Location
Vancouver, WA, is located just a short drive from Portland, OR. This makes it the perfect place to live for those who want to be close to a major city but don’t necessarily want to live in one. Vancouver is also situated near some of the most beautiful scenery in the Pacific Northwest, including the Columbia River Gorge and Mt. St. Helens.
Pro #03: The Housing Market
The housing market in Vancouver, WA, is very affordable. You can find various homes to fit any budget, whether you’re looking for a starter home or something more luxurious. There is also a good selection of rentals available if you’re not ready to buy.
Pro #04: The School Districts
You’ll be happy to know that Vancouver is home to some excellent school districts if you have children. Both public and private schools here offer high-quality education, so you can choose the option that best meets your family’s needs.
Pro #05: The Job Market
The job market in Vancouver, WA, is booming. There are plenty of opportunities for employment here, whether you’re looking for a traditional nine-to-five job or something more creative. The unemployment rate is low, and the average salary is high, so you can feel confident about finding a good job in Vancouver.
Pro #06: The Outdoor Recreation
If you love spending time outdoors, Vancouver is the perfect place for you. There are countless parks and trails to explore, and the city is located close to both the mountains and the coast. You’ll never get bored living in Vancouver if you enjoy spending time outdoors.
Pro #07: The Arts Scene
Vancouver has a thriving arts scene. There are numerous art galleries, performance venues, and museums to enjoy. If you’re a fan of the arts, you’ll be right at home living in Vancouver.
Pro #08: The Food
If you love food, you’ll enjoy living in Vancouver. There are countless great restaurants to choose from, serving everything from local cuisine to international dishes. You’ll never go hungry living in Vancouver!
Pro #09: The Shopping
Vancouver is a shopper’s paradise. There are countless malls, boutiques, and antique shops to explore. Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift or just treating yourself, you’ll be able to find what you’re looking for in Vancouver.
Pro #010: The People
Last but not least, the people of Vancouver are some of the friendliest you’ll ever meet. You’ll quickly feel like part of the community here, and you’ll never be short on things to do or people to meet.
Now that you know some of the pros of living in Vancouver, WA, it’s time to consider the cons. While Vancouver is a fantastic place to live, it’s not perfect. Here are a few of the potential drawbacks of living in this city:
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Cons of Living in Vancouver, WA
Con #01: The Traffic
The traffic in Vancouver can be a bit of a nightmare. If you’re commuting to Portland for work, you can expect to spend a lot of time sitting in traffic. The good news is that the city is working on improving its public transportation system, so the traffic situation should improve in the future.
Con #02: The Cost of Living
While living in Vancouver is affordable compared to other major cities, it’s still higher than in some other parts of Washington state. If you’re on a tight budget, you may find it challenging to make ends meet living in Vancouver.
Con #03: The Crime Rate
The crime rate in Vancouver is higher than the national average. While this isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker, it’s something to keep in mind if you’re moving here with your family.
Con #04: Bugs Everywhere
If you’re not a fan of bugs, living in Vancouver, WA, may not be for you. There are spiders, flies, and mosquitoes galore – especially in the summertime. Even if you keep your house clean and tidy, it’s nearly impossible to avoid them entirely.
Con #05: The Weather Can Be a Bit Strange
Vancouver, WA, is located in what’s known as the “banana belt.” That means that it’s one of the warmest places in Washington state – which sounds great until you realize that it also means it’s one of the wettest. It rains A LOT here, and even when it’s not raining, the air is often thick with fog and mist.
Con #06: It Can Be Difficult to Find an Apartment or House to Rent
The vacancy rate in Vancouver, WA, is meager, which means it can be difficult (and expensive) to find a place to rent. If you’re not prepared to spend a lot of time and energy searching for a place to live, you may want to look elsewhere.
Con #07: The Cost of Living
Living in Vancouver, WA, is not cheap. In fact, according to the cost of living calculator on Best Places, the cost of living in Vancouver is nearly 20% higher than the national average. Housing costs are a big part of that – according to Zillow, the median home value in Vancouver is $360,000. And that’s just the median! Many homes cost much more than that.
Con #08: The School Systems
If you have children, you’ll want to know that they’re getting a good education. Unfortunately, the school systems in Vancouver, WA, are not highly rated. In fact, according to Great Schools, only 22% of the schools in Vancouver are considered “good” or “excellent.”
Con #09: There’s Not a Lot to Do
If you’re looking for a city with many things to do, Vancouver, WA, will not be at the top of your list. There are some great restaurants and cafes, but there’s not a lot of nightlife or entertainment. If you like to go out and explore your city, you may find yourself getting bored living in Vancouver.
Con #010: It Can Be a Bit of a Culture Shock
If you’re not used to living in a small city, moving to Vancouver, WA, can be quite a culture shock. Everything moves slower here, and people are generally more laid-back than they are in other parts of the country. While this can be refreshing, it can also be jarring if you’re not expecting it.
So there you have it – the pros and cons of living in Vancouver, WA. As you can see, there are some great things about living in this city, but it’s not perfect. If you’re considering moving to Vancouver, weigh the pros and cons carefully to see if it’s the right fit for you.
