5 Best Places to Live in Vancouver Washington

If you’re researching the best places to live in Vancouver Washington, you’ve come to the right place. In this post I’m breaking down the top neighborhoods and suburbs in Clark County that our team shows and sells the most: Camas, Washougal, Ridgefield, Lakeshore/Vancouver Lake, Fisher's Landing — and a little bonus look at Hockinson. I’ll walk you through the vibe, schools, amenities, commute, housing types, and who each area is best for, plus a practical checklist to help you choose the right spot.

We love talking about moving, working, and living across the Portland metro and Southwest Washington, and after showing homes and neighborhoods for years we’ve come to see patterns. Some places are ideal for families, some for young professionals, and others are perfect for buyers who want more land and no state income tax. Let’s dive in.

Table of Contents

Why Clark County (Vancouver, WA) Is So Popular Right Now

Clark County sits directly north of Portland across the Columbia River and many people who work in Portland choose to live in Vancouver and surrounding suburbs. Why? The combination of a growing Waterfront scene, new development projects, more affordable housing in some areas, larger lots in outlying neighborhoods, and the big draw — no state income tax in Washington — makes Clark County an attractive option.

To be clear, Vancouver is both a city and the hub for many of these suburbs. Some might be surprised to learn Vancouver is effectively part of the Portland metro area — geographically and economically — but it has its own identity and amenities that make it worth considering on its own merits.

How I Ranked These Neighborhoods

We’re sharing the top five places that buyers are choosing when they move to Southwest Washington. This list reflects what our clients are asking for, where inventory is moving quickest, and which communities are growing with strong amenities and long-term value. I’ll share pros and cons for each area, the types of homes you’ll see, and who typically buys there.

  • Focus on quality of life and outdoor access
  • Availability of good schools and family amenities
  • Development and future growth plans (waterfronts, retail, medical centers)
  • Price and lot sizes compared to Portland
  • Commute and connectivity to Portland

Camas — The Charming Family-Oriented Waterfront Town

Camas often tops our list. If you’re searching for the best places to live in Vancouver Washington with top schools, scenic views, and a strong sense of community, Camas consistently stands out.

The Vibe

Camas has that “small town, Hallmark movie” feel. Downtown is lovingly restored, walkable, and full of mom-and-pop shops, local restaurants, and seasonal events. The town’s proximity to Lacamas Lake, abundant trails, and mountain and river views make it an outdoor lover’s dream. It’s clean, charming, and community-first.

Who It’s For

  • Families prioritizing excellent schools
  • Buyers who want a picturesque downtown and outdoor access
  • People willing to pay a premium for community and quality of life

What to Expect — Pricing and Lifestyle

Camas is on the higher end of the market in Clark County. Many homes feature great views, newer developments, and luxury townhomes. If you don’t have kids, Camas can feel very suburban — think SUVs, youth sports, and neighborhood gatherings. But there are also townhome options and pockets where young professionals live comfortably.

If Camas fits your lifestyle, prepare for competition and a higher price tag. But for many buyers the tradeoff is worth it: excellent schools, highly walkable areas, and year-round outdoor recreation right in your backyard.

Washougal, WA

Washougal sits just south of Camas and offers a different value proposition. It’s historically been the quieter sibling to Camas, but major investment and a new waterfront development are changing that.

Why Washougal is Heating Up

They recently broke ground on a waterfront area modeled in part after Hood River’s lively riverfront — think wine shops, breweries, taprooms, restaurants, and boutique retail. Washougal already has parks, trails, and river access; adding a curated waterfront will increase walkability, tourism, and—crucially—property values.

Who It’s For

  • Buyers who want more lot and more house for their money
  • Investors looking at 5–10 year appreciation potential
  • Families and commuters who want suburban quiet but easy access to amenities

Schools and Community Investment

Washougal has recently passed school levies that will add funding to local schools, another good sign for families. If you want to get ahead of long-term appreciation, this is an area to explore now—especially if you prefer larger lots or a bit more affordability than Camas.

Ridgefield, WA

Ridgefield (referred to in our conversations as Bridgefield in some earlier clips — the area is Ridgefield) is north along I-5 and has exploded with new construction. What makes Ridgefield special is its master-planned layout: interconnected trail systems, a planned town center, and a substantial riverfront project.

What’s Being Built

Ridgefield’s growth includes:

  • Large-scale master-planned communities with miles of trails
  • A 40+ acre riverfront under development
  • Retail and commercial growth, including a new Costco in the works
  • Medical infrastructure like a Southwest Medical Center
  • A sports complex and stadium-like facilities for local rec and events

Outdoor Recreation and Wildlife

The Ridgefield area is adjacent to wildlife refuges, river paddling, and ample outdoor opportunities. If you love trail systems and the outdoors, Ridgefield is unique in connecting neighborhoods through green corridors so that residents can walk or bike to common areas and parks.

Who It’s For

  • Remote workers and outdoorsy families who want trails and space
  • Buyers seeking new builds with various price points
  • Retirees wanting single-level options and nearby medical facilities

For those moving from Portland, a Ridgefield commute to downtown is doable (25–35 minutes) outside peak rush hours, and the quality-of-life gains — especially no state income tax — attract many transplants.

Lakeshore Neighborhood in Vancouver, WA

Down closer to Vancouver proper, the Lakeshore neighborhood and areas around Vancouver Lake offer a comfortable balance: suburban feel with urban access. Close to I-5, these neighborhoods are convenient to shopping and are anchored by access to Vancouver Lake.

What Makes Lakeshore Special

Vancouver Lake and surrounding green spaces are a major draw. Lakeshore has local coffee shops, tap houses, and walkable streets. It’s truly an urban-suburban blend — you can have a small-town feel and still be close to big-city amenities and Vancouver’s developing Waterfront.

Who It’s For

  • Buyers who want water access within city limits
  • People who want short drives to downtown Vancouver and Portland
  • Those looking for a neighborhood that’s walkable but still residential

Vancouver Waterfront — Dining, Walking Paths, and Date Nights

While this area is technically Vancouver proper, I’m highlighting the Waterfront because it’s the go-to weekend and evening spot for residents across Clark County. Restaurants, miles of riverfront paths, and public events make it a top draw.

Vancouver has invested heavily in its Riverwalk, and recent redevelopment includes tearing down old motels and reimagining waterfront retail and market-style spaces. Think of it as Vancouver’s version of Pike Place — curated, clean, and geared toward local business.

Our team treats the Vancouver Waterfront as the preferred date-night destination for folks living in Camas, Ridgefield, Fisher's Landing, and beyond.

Fisher's Landing Neighborhood in Vancouver, WA

Fisher’s Landing is one of my personal favorites. It’s developed, family-oriented, and captures a lot of the benefits of Camas at a mid-range price point. Think parades, Easter egg hunts, and real neighborhood pride.

Why Buyers Love Fisher's Landing

  • Great community events and family activities
  • Wide selection of single-family homes and ranch-style options
  • HOA rules that limit rentals in many pockets — increased pride and stability
  • Close proximity to shopping corridors and I-205

Note: School district boundaries can be tricky in this area — some pockets feed into Camas schools, others into Evergreen. If schools are a priority, we always suggest verifying exact addresses for the district boundaries.

Bonus: Hockinson, WA

Hockinson deserves an honorable mention. It’s farther out but drawing attention for new construction and larger lot sizes at price points attractive to first-time buyers. If you want a yard and single-family living without the tiny-lot feel of some Portland builds, Hockinson might be the solution.

Who It’s For

  • First-time buyers who want a yard
  • Buyers who are comfortable being a little farther from city centers
  • People who are patient and planning for a 5–10 year appreciation timeline

Hockinson is part of a larger trend: buyers moving into the Vancouver-side for affordability, especially as single-family lot sizes shrink on the Oregon side after zoning changes.

Best Places to Live in Vancouver WA: Quick Cheat Sheet

  • Camas: Top schools, highly desirable, pricier, very family oriented.
  • Washougal: Bigger lots, growing waterfront, value for investors and families.
  • Ridgefield: Massive new construction, excellent trail system, new retail and medical infrastructure.
  • Lakeshore: Waterfront access, walkable, urban-suburban balance.
  • Fisher's Landing: Community events, mid-range pricing, family-centric with limited rentals in many areas.
  • Bonus: Hockinson: Emerging option for buyers who want bigger lots and new construction at affordable entry points.

Common Questions About Living in Vancouver WA

Throughout our work with buyers relocating to Clark County, the same themes keep popping up. Below are the questions we hear the most and the answers we give.

Is Vancouver considered part of Portland?

Yes and no. Vancouver is its own city in Washington, but it’s part of the greater Portland metropolitan area. Many people who work in Portland live in Vancouver or its suburbs because the commute is reasonable and the housing can be more attractive depending on the neighborhood.

How important are school districts when choosing between these areas?

Very important if you have kids. Camas is consistently recognized for top schools, Ridgefield and Washougal are investing in school infrastructure, and Fisher's Landing straddles district boundaries depending on the exact street. Always check the exact school assignment for a specific address — boundaries can cross neighborhoods.

What’s the commute like to Portland?

It depends on location and time of day. From Ridgefield and northeast Vancouver areas, you can be downtown Portland in about 25–35 minutes off-peak via I-5. Expect longer times during rush hour. Fisher's Landing and south Vancouver are closer to I-205 and have different commute dynamics.

Should I worry about property values and appreciation?

All five areas have upside, but timing and location matter. Washougal and Ridgefield offer notable appreciation potential because of new waterfronts and major developments. Camas holds steady thanks to demand for top schools and lifestyle. If appreciation is a key goal, consider where infrastructure and public investment are being directed.

How to Choose the Right Vancouver WA Neighborhood

  1. List your must-haves vs. nice-to-haves (schools, lot size, commute time).
  2. Decide price tolerance — Camas and some Ridgefield pockets come with a premium.
  3. Visit neighborhoods at different times of day — morning, afternoon, and evening.
  4. Check school boundaries for your exact prospective address.
  5. Consider resale: neighborhoods with community events, good walkability, and new infrastructure tend to perform better.
  6. Get ahead with pre-approval and plan home tours; we recommend contacting agents at least a week prior to any visit so your trip is productive.

We often work with buyers months in advance to dial in neighborhoods and plan purposeful visits. That prep work saved many of our clients time, stress, and money when they finally moved.

Local Lifestyle in Vancouver WA

Across Clark County you’ll notice a common theme: outdoor recreation is central to life here. Lakes, rivers, trails, and parks play large roles in daily routines. Restaurants and small businesses are thriving, especially on Vancouver’s Waterfront and in downtown Camas. Community events like parades, carnivals, and local festivals are common and contribute to the “town feel” so many buyers covet.

Final Thoughts on the Best Places to Live in Vancouver WA

When people ask me for the best places to live in Vancouver Washington, my answer always starts with: it depends on your lifestyle. Are you prioritizing top schools and community events? Camas might be the right fit. Want lots of square footage and an emerging waterfront to enjoy? Look at Washougal or Ridgefield. Need a central spot with easy water access and a blend of urban-suburban life? Lakeshore and the Vancouver Waterfront are excellent. Fisher’s Landing offers a middle ground that appeals to many families. Hockinson is a smart pick for buyers prioritizing lot size and affordability.

There’s no one-size-fits-all. But if you reach out early — really early — and tell us your priorities, we can map neighborhoods that match your needs and make your trip out efficient and productive. You don’t want to fly in without a plan; give us about a week to get a great tour lined up so your time here is well spent.

FAQs About Best Places to Live Vancouver, WA

Which area has the best schools?

Camas consistently ranks high for schools. But Ridgefield and Washougal are growing their educational infrastructure. Always confirm with specific address lookups for school boundaries.

Are homes more affordable in Washington than Portland?

Some suburbs in Clark County offer more affordability and larger lot sizes than comparable Portland neighborhoods, particularly with the appeal of no state income tax. Hockinson and parts of Washougal and Ridgefield often provide better value per square foot.

Is it easy to find new construction in Washington?

Yes. Ridgefield and parts of Hockinson and Washougal have abundant new construction options, from townhomes to custom homes on large lots.

Should I choose a neighborhood based on future developments like new water fronts?

If you’re thinking in terms of long-term appreciation, yes. Areas with planned waterfronts, medical centers, and retail often see increased demand and rising home values. That said, make sure planned projects are funded and moving forward before relying solely on that for your investment thesis.

How far in advance should I reach out to tour neighborhoods?

At least a week is the minimum to coordinate an efficient tour. Ideally, reach out months in advance if you can—especially if you’re relocating from out of state. That time allows us to tailor an itinerary that hits neighborhoods that match your non-negotiables.

Not sure which Vancouver WA neighborhood fits you? We can help!

We love helping people making big life moves to Portland and Southwest Washington. If you’re exploring the best places to live in Vancouver Washington, lean on local expertise: confirm school boundaries, visit neighborhoods at multiple times of day, evaluate commutes, and consider where future development will increase convenience and value.

Whether you want a Hallmark-town experience in Camas, the getting-in-now investment potential of Washougal, the trail-centric master plans of Ridgefield, the walkable lakeside life of Lakeshore, the community-driven Fisher’s Landing, or an affordable lot in Hockinson — there’s a place here for you. If you want a walkthrough of any of these neighborhoods or help building a tour, reach out and we’ll get you a targeted plan so your house-hunt is smart and stress-free.

Until next time — happy house hunting, and welcome to the Pacific Northwest lifestyle where rivers, lakes, and mountains are your everyday backyard.

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