Vancouver, WABest Places To Live in the U.S. in 2023
Located along the Columbia River, Vancouver combines natural beauty and urban amenities. With a friendly community, a strong job market and excellent schools, not to mention a low cost of living and plenty of outdoor activities, Vancouver offers a high quality of life.
Vancouver, WA, Is One of the Best Cities To Live in America
Find Pacific Northwest magic at its best in Vancouver, WA. This community of 200,000 sits nestled along the shores of the Columbia River Gorge and is conveniently located across from Portland, with the Cascade Mountains providing a gorgeous backdrop.
As one of the best places to live in the U.S., Vancouver is an inclusive place to call home, with a proud LGBTQ community and a longstanding Pride celebration. Vancouver is also the birthplace of Willie Nelson’s music career and is not too far from the Pacific Ocean, which comes with all the makings for great weekend escapes — we’re talking moody beach towns, whale-watching spots and coastal trails. Residents can also fill their weekend calendars with fun things to do, including festivals that celebrate everything from art made of recycled materials to Polynesian culture. Or kick your feet up and appreciate the region’s burgeoning craft beer and wine scene.
Not surprisingly, “The ’Couve” has great local roasters and coffee shops (there’s even a festival devoted to cold brew!), cozy bakeries and a fantastic beer scene, with traditions like Music Bingo at Ghost Runners Brewery. Plus, the waterfront is bustling. Locals and tourists alike can take a leisurely stroll at the Vancouver Waterfront Park and grab some beer-battered fish and chips from a walk-up window at What a Catch Fishbar.
Part of the “Silicon Forest,” the greater Clark County area is appealing to startup and software companies that are looking for alternatives to the Bay Area and Seattle. Clean technology, solar power and autonomous cars are all industries showing lots of promise in Vancouver and its environs.
Vancouver, WA Quality of Life LivScore
Vancouver, WA Top Categories
Environment
Economy
Transportation
Vancouver ranks highest for environment, economy and transportation.
Weather and Outdoor Activities in Vancouver, WA
Vancouver’s year-round climate is mild, with temperatures rarely dipping below freezing and temperate summers that rarely go into the 80s. Spring brings a few showers, and fall is gorgeous. The average highs and lows are 79°F and 56°F (summer) and 48°F and 35°F (winter).
The average annual snowfall in Vancouver is relatively low at just 3.8 inches.
The average annual rainfall in Vancouver is around 42 inches, with November through February being the rainiest season.
Vancouver averages 144 sunny days a year.
Go kayaking, canoeing or try out windsurfing at Vancouver Lake Regional Park.
Vancouver Weather
144 days
Average Annual Sun
42 inches
Average Annual Rain
3.8 inches
Average Annual Snow
Things To Do in Vancouver, WA
First debuted during the 1850s, Esther Short Park in downtown Vancouver is the oldest public square in Washington and probably the West. It remains a community gathering space today, and 35 cast-bronze bells in a 69-foot bell tower chime throughout the day.
See early 20th-century aircraft on display at the Pearson Air Museum.
Grab the kids and take them to explore Uptown Village. Visitors can order tasty dishes from a variety of food trucks, visit a kid-friendly brewery, shop the unique boutiques and much more.
The Vancouver Farmers Market is a favorite local spot. You can even get a Market Box subscription packed with fruits, veggies, recipes and preparation ideas.
The Local and State Economy in Vancouver, WA
Manufacturing, health care and technology are three of the largest industries in Vancouver. Small businesses make up nearly 95% of the city’s economy.
In 2023, the sales tax rate in Vancouver is 8.7%.
No, Washington does not have a state income tax.
PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center is the largest hospital in the Vancouver area and is a high performer in nine procedures and conditions. Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center is also a high-performing facility in the area, and residents have access to even more health care providers and options in nearby Portland.
There are several colleges and universities in Vancouver, WA, including Clark College, Washington State University and Charter College.
Quick Facts About Vancouver, WA
- Median Household Income
- $69,371
- Median Home Value
- $420,948
- Average State Property Tax
- $3,752
- Total Population
- 197,159
- Median Rent/Mo.
- $1,309
- Average Commute
- 18.92 minutes
Vancouver’s high-quality educational offerings and strong economy landed it on the list. It has the highest overall score among Washington cities. Learn more about Vancouver and its delicious dining scene, or consider more great communities near Portland.