Thinking about moving to Vancouver? This Washington city and suburb of Portland is an excellent place for families to live in the Pacific Northwest—thanks to its friendly community, affordable housing, and outdoor recreation. If you’re looking for a safe neighborhood in Vancouver where you can raise kids, check out these top five areas!
| Neighborhood | Camas | Cascade Highlands | DuBois Park | Felida | Fisher’s Landing East |
| Median Home Price | $458,000 | $353,600 | $442,300 | $463,500 | $351,660 |
| Median Rent Price | $1,214 | $1,325 | $1,464 | $2,013 | $1,768 |
| Safer than % of Washington Cities | 94% | 34% | 55% | 62% | 63% |
| Median Household Income | $115,993 | $64,238 | $85,536 | $135,962 | $90,765 |
| High School Graduation Rate | 93% | 87% | 93% | 96% | 96% |
Camas
Camas is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, beautiful views of Mount Hood and the Columbia River Gorge, and abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities like Lacamas Lake. This vibrant Vancouver suburb features a well-preserved historic downtown full of charming shops, restaurants, and art galleries. Residents can take part in unique community events like First Fridays, the annual art-focused Picnic in Color, and Camas Days, a two-day festival held every July that has street vendors, live music, and a parade. Families looking to settle down will find Bungalow-style houses, townhomes, and condos alongside top-notch schools like Camas Montessori and Liberty Middle School. And Camas’ proximity to Vancouver and Portland ensures you’ll have big-city amenities while maintaining a small-town feel.
Things to Do in Camas
Play a game of tennis, watch your kids spin on the merry-go-round, or take a stroll at Crown Park. Spend an afternoon bird-watching, hiking, or checking out the wildlife at the 312-acre Lacamas Regional Park. Peruse a variety of novels and let the kids attend events like Tiny Tots Storytime at the Camas Public Library. Make an appointment to view art exhibits like Color Pulse or Morning Song at the Attic Gallery. Enjoy a Seafood Omelet, Crab Cake Benedict, or Deviled Eggs for brunch on Saturday and Sunday with the family at The Hammond Kitchen & Craft Bar. Dig in to Vancouver seafood favorites like New England Clam Chowder or Pan Fried Oysters, and treat your four-legged family member to a Puppy Lunch at Coast to Coast Fish House. Order a Bacon Brie Burger, Fish Tacos, or Smoked Tuna Melt off the locally inspired menu at Pacific House at Union Station. Or try the Smoked Chicken Wings, BBQ Ribs, or Shrimp Scampi at Hickory Restaurant + Bar.
Cascade Highlands
Just west of Bennington is Cascade Highlands, another great Vancouver neighborhood for families! With its affordable single-family homes and apartments, top-rated schools like Mill Plain Elementary and Mountain View High School, and quick 15-minute commute to Downtown Vancouver, Cascade Highlands is a favorite among families. And if you’re craving some outdoor recreation, you’re just a few minutes away from Peach Beach and the Columbia River!
Things to Do in Cascade Highlands
Take the dog for a walk, visit the playground, or have a picnic at Homestead Neighborhood Park. Embark on a family stroll, shoot some hoops on the basketball court, or hit up the play equipment at Bella Vista Park. Go rock climbing, play racquetball, or attend a spin class at Cascade Athletic Club. Participate in events like Family Storytime or find a book group at the Cascade Park Community Library. Order espresso drinks like the Mexican Mocha and Coffee Float or smoothies like Strawberry Wave and Banana Rama at Brewed Awakenings. Try the Baja Fish Tacos, Shrimp Pasta, or the Shang-hai Burrito at Southwestern restaurant Cactus Ya Ya. Fill up on Vancouver Japanese dishes like Springs Rolls, Mongolian Beef, and Orange Chicken at the all-you-can-eat Makoto Japanese Buffet. Or grab a Loaded Bilmo Cheesesteak, Meatball Hoagie, and Chili Cheese Fries at Philly Bilmos.
DuBois Park
With a friendly atmosphere and easy access to amenities, DuBois Park is a great Vancouver neighborhood for families! This quiet neighborhood is surrounded by natural beauty from scenic trails and parks like Blandford Canyon and the namesake DuBois Park, and you’ll find a mixture of housing options here, such as charming ranches, townhomes, and condos. Families with younger children can send them to great schools in the area like George C Marshall Elementary School and McLoughlin Middle School.
Things to Do in DuBois Park
Go boating or enjoy a walk along the scenic trails at the nearby 58-acre Marine Park. Head a short distance southeast to take a family walk along the beach or admire beautiful mountain views at Wintler Community Park. Try an Aqua Power class or swim at the Propstra Aquatic Center. Sign the kids up for a ballet or hip-hop dance class at Groove Nation Performing Arts. Begin your morning with a Cappuccino, Pumpkin Spice Latte, or Greek Yogurt Parfait at The Great North. Pick up Vancouver breakfast food like a Breakfast Burrito, Avocado Toast, or Egg Sando at River Maiden. Grab plates like the Classic Diner Burger, Country Fried Steak, or a Tuna Melt for lunch at The Diner Vancouver. Or order The Woodstock Pizza, Kicked Up Southern BBQ Pizza, or Chicken Club Salad while listening to live music at The Heavy Metal Pizza & Brewing Co.
Felida
A favorite Vancouver neighborhood for families, the charming suburb of Felida is know for its urban amenities, family-friendly attractions, and welcoming community. Residents can take in the lush greenery, parks, trails, and views of Vancouver Lake while getting to know their neighbors within the area. Felida’s variety of housing options—which include Craftsman-style homes, townhomes, and apartments—are situated near good schools, including Felida Elementary School, Thomas Jefferson Middle School, and Columbia River High School. It’s also conveniently located near major highways so residents can have easy access to Portland, the Vancouver city center, and other nearby cities.
Things to Do in Felida
Host a family picnic, challenge your friends to a soccer match, or let the little ones enjoy the play area at the 15-acre Felida Community Park. Go for a swim, take a hike, or enjoy the stunning views at Salmon Creek Greenway Trail. Spend a day fishing or boating at the Felida Moorage marina. Play a game of basketball or take a bike ride at Raspberry Fields Neighborhood Park. Start off your day with an Espresso, Cold Brew, or Green Machine Smoothie at Creed Coffee Co. Feast on Mexican favorites like a Vegetarian Burrito, Carne Asada, or Tostadas at Los Potrillos Mexican Restaurant. Savor an Egg Roll, Miso Soup, or Pad Thai at Local Asian Bistro. Or grab dishes like Pulled Pork Sliders, Steak Skewers, or a Caprese Flatbread for date night at Cork & Bubbles.
Fisher’s Landing East
Families will love living in Fisher’s Landing East! Not only does this Vancouver neighborhood offer plenty of green spaces and walking paths that make getting fresh air easy, but it also has large, Contemporary-style houses with good-sized yards, modern apartments, and excellent local schools like Fisher’s Landing Elementary School. Kids can play on the playgrounds and walk along the paths at Heritage Park or Clearmeadows Park. Plus, Fisher’s Landing East is within 20 minutes of tons of outdoor activities along the Columbia River Gorge!
Things to Do in Fisher’s Landing East
Bring your kiddos to the indoor playground or attend events like Meet Santa at City Play. Get in some exercise with a hot yoga class like Integrated Hatha at Hot Yoga Vancouver. Take the family out for a night of bowling, play arcade games, or catch a game on the big screen at Big Al’s Bowling. Grab an Egg and Cheese Bagel, seasonal pastries, and coffee for breakfast at Di-Tazza. Splurge on sweets like a Cinnamon Twist, Oreo donut, or the Apple Fritters at dot donuts. Try Thai dishes like Mango Sticky Rice, Tom Sum Noodle Soup, and Teriyaki Chicken at Wild Tiger. Heighten your senses while wearing a blindfold during a Black Forest Dark Dining Experience to make your meal of Cedar Planked Salmon, a Pulled Pork Sandwich, or Mushroom Swiss Burger more enjoyable at Wyld Pines. And eat German-inspired dishes like the Chicken Schnitzel, Steak Salat, and Sauerbraten at Gustav’s Pub & Grill.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
