Moving to or from Vancouver?
Washington's southwest-corner city across the Columbia River from Portland, Oregon — home to Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, with Washington's no-state-income-tax advantage drawing Portland-area professionals and the historic Vancouver Barracks preserving the Pacific Northwest's oldest continuous US military presence.
- 200,000 City population
- 2,600,000 Metro area
- 1825 Founded
- Southwest Washington / Portland OR Metro Region
Why people move to Vancouver.
- Being the oldest non-Native settlement in the Pacific Northwest (1825)
- Fort Vancouver National Historic Site
- Being Portland OR's no-state-income-tax Washington alternative
- Vancouver Barracks — the Pacific Northwest's oldest continuous US military presence
- Officers Row — preserved Victorian military homes
- Pearson Air Museum
Vancouver, Washington is the oldest non-Native settlement in the Pacific Northwest — established in 1825 by the Hudson's Bay Company as Fort Vancouver, 18 years before Oregon City. The city predates both Portland (1845) and Seattle (1851). Vancouver's historic Fort Vancouver is now a National Historic Site preserving the fur-trading era. Confusion with Vancouver, British Columbia (founded 1886) is constant — but Vancouver Washington is the original.
Where people live in Vancouver.
A quick guide to Vancouver's most moved-to neighborhoods.
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Downtown
Revitalized historic core with waterfront development
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Hazel Dell
Established residential north of downtown
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Cascade Park
Family-oriented with newer subdivisions
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Fisher's Landing
Eastside with mix of newer housing
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The Waterfront Vancouver
Recent mixed-use redevelopment on the Columbia River
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Camas / Washougal (adjacent)
Smaller nearby cities with charming downtowns
Where people spend their time in Vancouver.
- Fort Vancouver National Historic Site Central Vancouver
- Pearson Air Museum Fort Vancouver
- Officers Row Fort Vancouver
- The Waterfront Vancouver Waterfront
- Vancouver Lake Northwest Vancouver
- Columbia River Gorge (nearby) East of Vancouver
Planning a Vancouver move.
- Vancouver WA and Portland OR are often confused; confirm state in writing with movers
- Washington has no state income tax; Oregon has no sales tax — cross-border households plan accordingly
- Oregon employers may require careful tax planning for Washington residents
- Winter is wet and mild; rare severe cold; generally easy moving conditions
Moving in Vancouver: FAQ.
Which Vancouver is this?
Vancouver, WASHINGTON (the original, founded 1825) — not Vancouver, British Columbia (founded 1886, much larger and more famous internationally). The Washington version is just north of Portland, Oregon across the Columbia River. BC Vancouver is about 5 hours north near the US-Canada border. When hiring movers, always specify state (or country) clearly.
What's the Portland OR income tax trade-off?
Washington has no state income tax; Oregon has a high state income tax (up to 9.9%). Vancouver WA residents who work in Oregon may owe Oregon income tax on Oregon-earned wages (Oregon taxes nonresidents on income earned in Oregon). The reverse doesn't apply — Washington can't tax Oregon residents. Consult a tax professional if you're considering the cross-border lifestyle. Oregon has no sales tax, so many Vancouver WA residents shop in Portland for big purchases.
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