What You Need to Know Before Moving to Vancouver, Washington

So, you’re thinking of making the move to Vancouver, Washington? It’s a gem in the Pacific Northwest, but if you’re after an honest take—no fluff included—you’re in the right place. It's been 18 months since I last covered this topic so I feel like it is time to revisit it and see how some of my gripes have aged.....No city is perfect, and Vancouver, Washington, is no exception. About five years in, I’m still living here, and some things still bug me, while others, I’ve come to accept. Let’s dive into the realities of this city that have kept me here for five years—and maybe see if they’re the right fit for you.

If you love peace and quiet, brace yourself. Vancouver has its fair share of “enthusiastic” drivers, especially one specific black BMW that revs by my house daily, backfiring down my street like a scene straight out of Fast and Furious. And it’s not just one rogue driver—street racing is a common sight around here, especially on those curvy country roads. 

Some of these roads have deep ditches, which aren’t kind to cars that take turns a little too fast. If you’re moving to Vancouver, maybe invest in some good tires…and an extra dose of patience.

2. Parking Prices: Not As Bad as You’d Think

Paid parking is a topic that divides opinions here. But honestly, it’s become a non-issue for me. You’ll find meters downtown, but a quick app payment later, and it’s no big deal. Vancouver’s still got a lot more free or cheap parking options than bigger cities, and I’m grateful for that every time I visit Portland.

3. Gray Skies and the “Big Dark”

Ah, the Pacific Northwest—where gray skies and misty rain are just part of the charm. Around this time of year, Vancouver becomes a bit of a twilight zone as our skies turn an unyielding shade of gray. You might find yourself adjusting to earlier sunsets and the “unicloud” that blankets the city, which can make for a unique experience (just bring some vitamin D).

4. A New, Stunning Waterfront...If You Don't Look South

Vancouver’s waterfront has been transformed over the years. It’s now one of my favorite spots, with beautiful walkways, restaurants, and river views. They're even adding an open-air market like Seattle’s Pike Place Market! But here’s the trick: keep your eyes on the Vancouver side. The view across the river into Oregon? Let’s just say it’s…different.

5. Drivers: Take a Deep Breath

Let’s talk about driving. In the spirit of full disclosure, people in Vancouver could use a few more hours in the driver’s ed classroom. Even after five years, I’m still baffled by the “creative” driving techniques I see here. And with the much-debated I-5 bridge upgrade on the horizon, traffic woes aren’t expected to ease up soon. For over a decade, Washington and Oregon have debated how best to replace the aging I-5 bridge between Vancouver and Portland. With construction on the horizon, this project is expected to create major traffic impacts, as many commuters will likely shift to the I-205 to avoid construction delays.

Recent reports suggest this project could take up to nine years to complete, and by then, Vancouver’s population may have outgrown even the expanded bridge capacity. Some residents are now advocating for a third bridge to ease the congestion. If you're curious about the details and timeline, check out the latest on the I-5 bridge project.

6. Litter on the Roadside—And the Endless Trash Bags

Each fall, Vancouver’s sides of the road transform as city crews pick up the annual collection of trash. Coming from Minnesota, I still find it surprising to see so much litter, especially compared to back home. My tip for new residents: secure your loads if you’re hauling anything. It seems simple, but around here, it’s apparently easier said than done.

7. “20 Minutes” to Everything

Time management hack or small-town charm? In Vancouver, you’ll find you’re about “20 minutes” away from just about anywhere you need to be. Whether you’re heading to downtown, Camas, or nearby Salmon Creek, you can pretty much bank on a 20-minute drive. As far as complaints go, this one’s more of a silver lining—it’s a consistent, manageable commute across town.

8. Homelessness in Transition

Homelessness is a tough issue nationwide, and Vancouver’s been addressing it head-on. The city declared a public emergency and has since worked to provide transitional housing solutions through initiatives like Safe Stay Communities. These communities offer supportive resources that help individuals transition from the streets to stable housing. Many people from Portland, seeking assistance, have come to Vancouver due to its more focused approach. To learn more about these initiatives, visit the City of Vancouver’s Safe Stay Communities page.

New Challenges Since I Last Checked In

As I mentioned, some things have changed, and I’ve got a few new gripes to add to the list.

9. Pothole Purgatory

The roads here are filled with potholes—some of which could practically swallow a tire whole. The city does patch them up twice a year, but they always seem to reappear. Instead of focusing on new roundabouts and traffic lights, I’d love to see more investment in actual road repair. Locals in online forums echo this frustration, and it’s particularly noticeable for anyone driving regularly, like I do.

10. Roadside Signs: A Growing Eyesore

If it’s not potholes, it’s the political and construction signs littering the roadsides. During election season, you’ll see countless signs that seem to stay up indefinitely, and construction signs often blow away, ending up as litter. It’s become a constant source of visual clutter, and no one seems to be in a hurry to clean it up.

11. Local Economy vs. Corporate Greed

Here’s one that hits close to home. There’s been a recent debate about farmland being rezoned for development. Some developers are eyeing land that, while not classified as ideal for human food production, has been supporting local livestock. Removing this farmland for housing developments means fewer opportunities to keep the food supply local, impacting the local economy.

However, studies have shown that for every 1% of Clark County's consumption of fruits, vegetables, and meat bought at local farmers' markets, the region retains an extra $5 million in the local economy. This highlights the importance of supporting local farmers and markets. If you want to dive deeper into how your choices impact our community, check out Friends of Clark County (FOCC) for more information. I’m all for development, but I wish it didn’t come at the cost of the farming heritage that makes this area so special.

12. The Bridge Construction Saga

Back to traffic, the I-5 bridge replacement project will be a headache for anyone commuting to Portland. It’s already a challenging drive, and with expected delays, people will be rerouting to the 205 bridge. With current growth rates, Vancouver may outgrow the bridge capacity by the time construction is finished. I’m not looking forward to the impact on daily commutes, but I understand it’s a necessity if we want to keep up with the city’s growth.

So, What’s the Verdict?

Like every city, Vancouver has its quirks, its irritations, and its charms. It’s a place where residents can enjoy stunning scenery, vibrant neighborhoods, and a developing waterfront, even as they dodge a few potholes and witness the occasional street race. It’s a city that’s growing, changing, and adapting with each year.

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