The city of Vancouver, Washington is one of America's most beautiful treasures. Located in Clark County, Vancouver is the southern gateway to the state, and just across the Columbia River from Portland, Oregon. The city is the oldest continuous non-Native American colony in the Northwest, and combines its deep history with every modern amenity imaginable. Vancouver's setting is idyllic, with the sparkling Columbia River forming its southern and western boundaries, while the magnificent Cascade Mountain Range rises into the sky on the city's eastern edge.

Quality of life in Vancouver is incredibly high, and it is little wonder that the city has become a popular relocation destination. There are currently some 143,560 residents living in Vancouver, with a median age of thirty years old. Of the town's working age population, approximately thirty three percent are employed in the service industry. Following in a close second, around twenty nine percent of locals are employed in a professional or managerial capacity, while an additional sixteen percent work in an administrative role. The annual household income in Vancouver is around $41,618 per year.

The city and its residents benefit from an incredibly strong local economy. Several leading national corporations maintain a presence here, including Hewlett-Packard, Sharp Microelectronics and Georgia-Pacific. Corporations of all sizes have chosen to place their regional and national corporate headquarters here in Vancouver. For residents, this means a consistently low unemployment rate, as well as a diverse array of economic streams feeding the local economy.

Newcomers will have no shortage of housing options to explore. A unique feature of Vancouver is that, at its core, it is very much an urban center. But there are plenty of open spaces both in the city proper and the outlying areas. Potential home buyers will find that homes here are fairly evenly divided between single-family detached style homes and multi-family options, including lofts, condominiums, town houses, and duplexes.

Home ownership has become an incredibly attractive option for locals here. Home owners have seen a steady increase in their homes' values, making owning a solid investment decision. But Vancouver remains one of the more affordable Pacific cities. Home buyers will find a house suitable to every taste and budget in this vibrant city. Recent real estate reports indicate that the average purchase price of a home in Vancouver is currently $160,800.

In their free time, Vancouver residents have no shortage of activities in which to take part. The region is an absolute haven for outdoorsmen. Hiking, fishing, biking, rock climbing, skiing and snowboarding are all popular activities. And the region's many mountains, trails, lakes and streams provide a breathtaking environment in which to while away an afternoon.

The arts are also an important element of life in Vancouver. One of the most popular events in the region is held here, the Vancouver Wine and Jazz Festival, which draws thousands of people from throughout the Pacific Northwest. You will find public art throughout the city and local parks. And the city hosts a steady stream of plays, musicals, concerts, and performances.

Vancouver is simply one of the nation's most well-balanced cities. The town offers city living that never feels hectic, thanks in part to its environment of unparalleled natural beauty. Residents here are intelligent, diverse and friendly, making them the best kind of neighbors. There is so much to explore in Vancouver that it makes an ideal hometown for singles, seniors and families alike. If you are thinking about moving, consider the many benefits of life in Vancouver, Washington! To learn more, simply request our free relocation packet today.