Located in the scenic region of the Pacific Northwest and on the banks of the Columbia River, the city of Vancouver has breath-taking mountain views, low costs of living, and historic small-town charm mixed with big-city culture and diversity.
If you are planning or just considering relocating to Vancouver, read on to find out more about the schools, housing, weather and recreation in this beautiful city. If you decide that this city is the right place for you, you can begin comparing moving quotes and getting ready to book your move!
Vancouver Climate
The city lies in the dry-summer subtropical zone, with chilly, wet winters and warm, dry summers. Rainfall is frequent in the city from fall through spring, ceasing around June. Snowfall is sporadic--usually light dustings that do not accumulate too much. However, ice storms and freezing rain often strike the region.
Winter temperatures usually range from the 30s to the mid-40s, and summers are mild with lows in the 50s and highs in the 70s.
Vancouver Neighborhoods
Located in south-central Vancouver, Sunset is a vibrant, ethnically diverse neighborhood that features single-family homes, low-rise apartments, and various small retail shops. Main Street and Fraser Street are exciting shopping areas lined with many independently-owned stores and restaurants.
Grandview is one of the city's hippest districts. The popular strip Commercial Drive (known simply as "The Drive" to locals) features organic food stores, eclectic ethnic cuisine, unique shops and various heritage festivals. The bohemian-esque area has been nicknamed the Greenwich Village of Vancouver.
Point Grey, one of the city's oldest neighborhoods, is home to the two popular beaches, Jericho Beach and Spanish Banks, where you can enjoy beautiful views of the mountains overlooking the English Bay from the shores. The area's chic, tree-lined shopping district Point Grey Village adds to the neighborhood's historic charm.
Registering Your Car
As a new resident of Washington, you will be required to update your plates and registration within 30 days of relocating. To do so, you can visit any DOL location or submit the following documents by mail: notarized Vehicle Certificate of Ownership Application, out of state title, and check or money order for the associated fees.
Your driver's license must also be transferred within 30 days of your arrival in the state. You will need to pass a vision test, show proof of identity (in addition to your current out of state license), and your Social Security number. There will also be $35 application fee and a $45 licensing fee, payable with cash, check or credit. Your license can be updated at any Washington DOL office in your area.
Vancouver Schools
There are two school districts operating in the city--Vancouver Public Schools and Evergreen School District.
If you will be relocating to West Vancouver, your children will attend Vancouver Public Schools. The system consists of 36 facilities, with 22,000 students enrolled. There are five standard high schools, and two magnet schools for specialized education--Vancouver School of Arts and Academics and Vancouver iTech Preparatory.
If you will reside in East Vancouver, you will send your children to Evergreen School District. It operates 36 schools educating 26,000 students. Evergreen School District is one of the fastest-growing in the state, as well as the fourth-largest in Washington..
For higher education, the city is home to a branch of the public college Washington State University, as well as the two-year Clark Community College.
Vancouver Employment
The state of Washington has no state income tax, and a sales tax that is slightly above average.--8.4 percent as of May 2013. If you cross the Columbia River to the city's neighbor Portland, you will find the opposite--no sales tax, but a high income tax rate. For this reason, many Vancouverites travel to Portland to shop. However, despite the lack of income tax in the city and the contrastingly high state income taxes in Oregon, many residents of Vancouver also commute to Portland for work. An estimated 30 percent of Portland's work force are residents of Clark County.
The city's economy, once heavily dependent on trade and salmon-fishing, has changed to mostly high-tech and service sectors. Major employers in the city include Vancouver and Evergreen School Districts, Southwest Washington Medical Center, County of Clark, Hewlett-Packard, Fred Meyer, SEH America, City of Vancouver, Wells Fargo, and Kaiser Permanente.
Living Costs in the City
The cost of living in the city is moderate, at about four percent greater than the national average overall. Housing costs are among the most affordable expenses in the city, at three percent less than average. A standard one-bedroom apartment in Vancouver goes for about $1013 a month, and a two-bedroom will run you around $1079. The median list price for a home in the city is $202,900. Utility costs also low--three percent less than the typical American city as well.
Transportation and health care costs are a bit more expensive--11 percent and 12 percent above the mean, respectively. Prices for groceries fall right at the average level for the nation.
The city's property taxes are also below average, but the 8.4 percent sales tax is greater than the national median. Additionally, the state of Washington does not levy an income tax.
Vancouver Transportation
Mass transit in the city is operated by the Clark County Public Transportation Benefit Area Authority (C-Tran). The system runs 135 bus lines, vanpools, and paratransit vehicles within Vancouver and the rest of Clark County. There are also several express routes into nearby Portland for commuters.
If you will be using your personal vehicle to travel around town, you will become familiar with the city's two interstate freeways--I-5 and I-25. Both run north-south, towards both Portland and Seattle.
Culture and Contemporary Life
Downtown Vancouver is home to several art galleries, and the First Friday ArtWalk--a monthly public art unveiling with contributions from local artists. The city's rich, Polynesian cultural presence is celebrated with the Three Days of Aloha Festival, featuring dancers, drummers, and other island-influenced performances. Additionally, the Recycled Arts Festival in June features exotic exhibits created from everyday objects.
Dining in the city is heavily focused on organic, locally-grown foods--fresh produce, artisan meats and cheeses, and local seafood are commonplace on the menus of the city's eclectic eateries. Additionally, Vancouver is home to an exciting wine and brewery scene. The Battle Ground and Ridgefield regions feature a variety of wineries, and locally-crafted beers, ales, and stouts can be enjoyed at one of many brewpubs in the city. Vancouver also celebrates its love for beer and wine with several annual festivals, such as the Vancouver Wine and Jazz festival and Vancouver Brewfest.
Vancouver Relocation Tips
- Be sure to pack your umbrella and invest in flood insurance! Like much of the Pacific Northwest, the city is quite prone to rain.
- Get moving quotes from several movers in the city before choosing one to hire. You can start today right here at Movers.com.