As an avid concert-goer, there’s nothing I love more than a night out enjoying the sights and sounds of Portland. With great venues like the Crystal Ballroom and Revolution Hall, the city has drawn in exceptional performers over the years. And the ability to make the short 15-minute drive over the Columbia River to experience all that Portland has to offer is just one of the reasons I love living in Vancouver, Washington.
Many Portland-based friends have asked me, “Why not just pack up and move into Portland city proper?” And while the Rose City has its perks, there are so many benefits to living a short distance away in Vancouver. My family and I moved to Vancouver in 2007, and over the past decade I’ve learned what makes Vancouver such a special place to live.
Read on to learn some of my favorite things about living in Vancouver, Washington.
1. Calmer Pace of Life
As I mentioned, Vancouver is just a quick drive away from Oregon’s largest city. In fact, Vancouver is only about seven miles away from Downtown Portland. Though close in proximity, you’ll quickly learn that Vancouver has a slower and calmer pace of life. Vancouver is a great community for families with plenty of quiet neighborhoods. In recent years, it has even topped the lists of Best Places To Live and Best Places To Retire. And, Vancouver is no concrete jungle! With plenty of parks, lawns, and trees, Vancouver has found a way to stay green in an otherwise bustling area of the world.
2. Plenty to Do
While Vancouver does not have the breadth of cultural happenings that occupy Portland’s event calendar, it still has plenty to offer residents and visitors. The Vancouver Farmers Market is the biggest attraction in Southwest Washington. Esther Short Park is host to a plethora of year-round special events and fun for the whole family, including the popular Vancouver Brewfest. There is plenty of educational fun to be had at the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, and unique shopping experiences in Downtown Vancouver and Uptown Village. To learn more about things to do in Vancouver, CLICK HERE.
3. Lower Cost of Living
One of the biggest benefits to living in Vancouver is the cost of living. Most residents find that living in Vancouver actually helps them save money. When you live and work in Washington, you avoid paying Oregon’s personal income tax. And while Washington does have a sales tax, Oregon is just a short drive away if you want to make a big purchase on things like furniture, home electronics, and the like.
4. New Construction at an Affordable Price
Speaking of affordability, there is a lot of new construction happening in the Vancouver area. These new construction projects are providing affordable alternatives to the high rent costs and more expensive condo options in Portland.
If you’re dreaming of fantastic open floor plans, luxury finishes, and large lot sizes, look no further than the new Vancouver community of Sebastian Heights! Sebastian Heights offers premium features, such as quartz countertops, stainless steel kitchen appliances, gas fireplaces, two car garages, and much more. Starting in the low $300,000’s, the opportunity to own one of these newly constructed homes in Vancouver won’t last long.
And, save even more when you finance your newly constructed Sebastian Heights home with Summit Mortgage Corporation. Don’t forget to ask about our $1500 Closing Cost Credit!** Purchase a newly constructed home or condo in Vancouver and take advantage of our offer.
Have I convinced you to make Vancouver your new home? Let’s get the process of purchasing a beautiful, new home in the Sebastian Heights development started! Getting pre-qualified with Summit Mortgage Corporation* is a great next step. You’ll have a better understanding of your preliminary financing options and you’ll be more prepared to make an offer on a new Sebastian Heights home. To learn more about the pre-qualification process, CLICK HERE or for a no-obligation pre-qualification consultation, GIVE ME A CALL TODAY!
Want to learn more? Visit SebastianHeights.com for more information or contact me today!
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ROBERT WILLIAMS
Senior Mortgage Banker • NMLS 107465
C: 816.419.7852
robertw@go-summit.com
RobertWilliamsHomeLoans.com
Summit Mortgage Corporation • NMLS 3236
*While there is no obligation to fund your home loans with Summit Mortgage Corporation, pre-qualification with Summit Mortgage Corporation is required to begin the home buying process within this development. **$1,500.00 closing cost credit promotion offer is for purchase loan applications on newly constructed homes or condos, with property identified, and application received between August 1st, 2015 – December 31st, 2018. This is not an offer for extension of credit or a commitment to lend and is subject to change without notice. Certain restrictions apply on all programs. Complete guidelines, loan applications, interest rates and annual percentage rates (APRs) are available through Summit Mortgage Corporation. Licensed in CA by the California Department of Business Oversight under the Residential Mortgage Act. Questions and Concerns may be directed to support@go-summit.com, 13115 NE 4th Street, Ste. 160, Vancouver, WA 98684. NMLS Consumer Access – Summit Mortgage Corporation/3236. Other restrictions or limitations to any program may apply. Not all applicants will qualify. This is not a commitment to lend. Robert Williams Home Loans is a division of Summit Mortgage Corporation. Robert Williams is licensed to originate loans in OR/WA.