Exploring the Suburbs of Vancouver, Washington: A Local's Guide

Hey everyone! I'm Cassandra Marks, also known as Realtor Cass, and I'm thrilled to have you here. If you've found your way to this blog, chances are you're considering a move to Vancouver, Washington, or perhaps you're just curious about what this beautiful area has to offer. Vancouver is a gem in Southwest Washington, but it's surrounded by several wonderful suburbs that you should know about. Today, I'm excited to share the charm and character of six suburbs around Vancouver that make this region such a fantastic place to live.

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Camas

First up on our list is Camas, a well-known and highly sought-after suburb. Located east of Vancouver down Highway 14, Camas has a population of about 26,000 as of the 2020 census. It's a favorite among many, especially those relocating from California. If you don't end up in Old Evergreen Highway or Salmon Creek in Vancouver, Camas is likely your next stop.

What Makes Camas Special?
Camas is home to the massive Georgia-Pacific paper mill, a cornerstone of the local economy and the inspiration behind the Camas High School mascot, the "Papermakers." The mill is currently undergoing a significant transformation to revitalize downtown, which already boasts a charming array of shops, boutiques, salons, cafes, ice cream parlors, and restaurants. This vibrant downtown hosts delightful events throughout the year, like trick-or-treating at Halloween and a spectacular Christmas light display.

Living in Camas
Camas has experienced heavy residential development over the past 15-20 years, offering plenty of modern housing options. The town's hilly terrain provides many homes with stunning views of the Columbia River or Lacamas Lake. While Lacamas Lake does experience occasional closures due to blue-green algae, it's a beloved recreational spot. Camas is known for its excellent schools, beautiful homes, and strong sense of community, making it a top choice for many families.

Washougal

Next on our list is Washougal, a quaint town just east of Camas. Washougal serves as the gateway to the scenic and breathtaking Columbia River Gorge, a protected area that spans both sides of the river in Oregon and Washington. This region is cherished for its natural beauty and limited development, ensuring it remains pristine.

The Appeal of Washougal
Washougal is an up-and-coming area with significant residential and commercial development along the Columbia River. This development aims to create a walkable and livable riverfront with apartments, restaurants, and commercial spaces. The town is still relatively affordable, with many homes offering stunning views of the Columbia River Gorge.

Living in Washougal
A unique aspect of Washougal is that some homes are zoned for the highly-regarded Camas School District due to their proximity to Camas High School. Washougal itself has a charming downtown with a notable highlight: the Pendleton store. If you're from the Pacific Northwest, owning a Pendleton blanket or two is almost a rite of passage. Washougal, with its affordable housing and picturesque views, is a fantastic place to call home.

Brush Prairie

Brush Prairie is a bit different from the previous suburbs. It's not an official city but a census-designated place (CDP) with a rural charm. I live in Brush Prairie, and I absolutely love it. Back in 2010, the population was about 2,700, but it's grown significantly since then due to ongoing development.

Why Brush Prairie?
Brush Prairie offers a mix of farms and residential neighborhoods, providing a serene and spacious living environment. The area is primarily flat, making it easy to navigate and enjoy the scenic landscapes. Brush Prairie is known for its blue-collar, salt-of-the-earth residents, many of whom are farmers.

Life in Brush Prairie
This area has seen substantial growth within the urban growth boundary of Vancouver, with many new developments and commercial projects along 117th Avenue. Despite the growth, Brush Prairie maintains its quiet, rural atmosphere, making it an ideal place for those who appreciate a more laid-back lifestyle.

Hockinson

Hockinson is another CDP that's a bit tricky to pinpoint on a map. It's a popular area with no true town center, but it boasts a strong sense of community. You'll find just a small strip mall with a salon (which I personally frequent), a car shop, and a gas station.

The Charm of Hockinson
Hockinson is divided into flats and hills, with most homes zoned for five-acre lots. This means you'll see many "McMansions" on large plots of land, offering privacy and space. Many residents have horses, pigs, cows, and even llamas, creating a delightful rural atmosphere.

Living in Hockinson
Despite its rural feel, Hockinson is commutable to downtown Portland, taking about 40 minutes on a good day and up to an hour and 20 minutes on a bad day. The Hockinson School District is highly regarded, with strong support from the community for various programs and activities. If you enjoy hobby farming and a tight-knit community, Hockinson is a wonderful place to live.

Battle Ground

Battle Ground is a more established city located north of Brush Prairie and Hockinson. With a population of over 20,000 in 2020, Battle Ground is a sizable town with deep farming roots.

Discovering Battle Ground
Battle Ground is known for its rural charm, with many residents donning Carhartt jackets and driving trucks. The town has a vibrant downtown area perfect for antiquing, with numerous antique shops scattered throughout. You'll also find cafes, bars, and a variety of restaurants, both local and chain.

Living in Battle Ground
Battle Ground offers a mix of large acreages and more densely built neighborhoods. It has the convenience of larger box stores like Walmart and multiple grocery stores, making it a self-sufficient town. Despite its growth, Battle Ground retains its quiet, salt-of-the-earth atmosphere, making it an appealing place for those who enjoy a rural lifestyle with modern amenities.

Ridgefield

Last but not least, we have Ridgefield, located directly north of Vancouver along I-5. Ridgefield's population was just over 10,000 in 2020, but it's experiencing rapid growth.

Ridgefield's Transformation
Ridgefield has undergone significant changes in recent years, with extensive residential development. The town has embraced growth, with new neighborhoods and commercial areas popping up regularly. Ridgefield has also rezoned to attract large box stores and grocery chains to support its expanding population.

Living in Ridgefield
One of the highlights of Ridgefield is its old downtown area, a charming and cozy spot with cafes, restaurants, and food trucks. Additionally, the nearby Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge is a fantastic place to explore, with 5,200 acres of wetland, grassland, and woodlands. It's a perfect spot for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.

And there you have it – a tour of six fantastic suburbs around Vancouver, Washington. Whether you're looking for the bustling charm of Camas, the scenic beauty of Washougal, the rural tranquility of Brush Prairie and Hockinson, the established community of Battle Ground, or the rapidly growing Ridgefield, there's a place here that will fit your needs.

Thank you for joining me on this journey through Southwest Washington. I'm Cassandra Marks, also known as Realtor Cass. If you found this guide helpful and want to learn more about the area, please like and subscribe to my blog. Feel free to drop your questions or comments below – I'd love to connect with you and help you find your perfect home. Have a wonderful day, and I'll see you again next week!

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