Considering living in Vancouver? Not only is it one of the best places for remote work, but The Couve also has plenty of safe neighborhoods with affordable housing, trendy things to do, and mouthwatering restaurants. Check out these five safe, affordable neighborhoods in Vancouver!

Arnada

Located just a few blocks east of the city center, you’ll find the quiet and quaint area of Arnada—one of the most historic neighborhoods in Vancouver. Residents living in this highly walkable area are surrounded by plenty of restaurants, bars, coffee shops, boutiques, entertainment, and more! This Vancouver neighborhood is also home to namesake Arnada Park, where the Arnada Neighborhood Association periodically organizes community events. Housing options in the area range from Craftsman bungalows and Victorians to brick ranches and Tudor-style homes. Plus, healthcare professionals living in Arnada will appreciate living close to the Vancouver VA Medical Center—located just a few minutes east of the neighborhood—while those looking to pursue a degree or work in academia will be just a short drive from Clark College!

Things to Do in Arnada

Learn about local Vancouver history with exhibits like Homegrown Historians and History A-Brewin’, or attend events like the Haunted Walking Tours at Clark County Historical Museum. Browse rows of vintage comic books and collectibles or attend in-store special events like Free Comic Book Day and signings from renowned comic book creators at I Like Comics. Shop for handmade decor, gifts, women’s clothing, greeting cards, and more at Not Too Shabby Boutique. Meet up with friends to enjoy weekly events like comedy nights, karaoke nights, and drag brunches at UnderBar. Start your morning with drinks like the Ranger Mocha, Drip Coffee, or Traditional Macchiato at Relevant Coffee. Pick up some fresh-baked pastries or bread like Honey Pecan Sticky Buns, Twice Baked Nutella Croissants, or a Potato Roasted Garlic Deli Loaf at Bleu Door Bakery. Try the Angry Peno, Cheeseburger, or Bavarian pizza pies at The Piehole Pizzeria. Or order the Marinated Olives, Roasted Chicken Breast, and Smoked Mushroom Ravioli at La Bottega Cafe, Deli, and Wine Shop.

Cascade Highlands

Situated 15 minutes east of downtown is Cascade Highlands—one of the best places to live in Vancouver! This quiet, mostly residential neighborhood is a great area for families, thanks to nearby Vancouver schools such as Mill Plain Elementary and Mountain View High School. Those looking to rent or purchase a home in Cascade Highlands can find plenty of single-family ranch-style homes, as well as affordable apartments. And while you’ll be slightly further away from the hustle and bustle of Downtown Vancouver, there are still quaint coffee shops, delicious restaurants, and other fun things for locals to enjoy.

Things to Do in Cascade Highlands

Learn how to ice skate, play a pick-up game of hockey, or sign your kids up for the figure skating academy at Mountain View Ice Arena. Knock some pins down in the bowling lanes or score tickets in the arcade to win prizes at Big Al’s Vancouver. Shop for gently-used, high-quality items like name-brand shoes, handbags, clothing, and accessories at Deja Vu Consignment Boutique. Purchase a new musical instrument or learn how to play the banjo, alto saxophone, or French horn at Beacock Music. Get specialty drinks like the Mandarin Orange Mocha, Peanut Butter Chino, and Iced Belgian Latte at Brewed Awakenings. Enjoy healthy, delicious meals like the Bubba Burrito, House-Made Vegan Chili, and Bollywood Bowl at Laughing Planet Cafe. Try the Beef Hot Soup, Shrimp Fried Rice, and Popcorn Chicken at Tasty Pot. Or hang out with friends over a round of authentic German beers like the Bitburger Pilsner, Franziskaner Hefe-Weissbier, and Spaten Oktoberfest at Gustav’s.

Columbia Way

If you’re looking to live in one of Vancouver’s safest neighborhoods, check out Columbia Way! With both industrial and residential areas, this neighborhood attracts people of all ages thanks to its convenient location, job opportunities, and access to beaches, parks, restaurants, shops, and more. Those looking to purchase or rent a piece of Vancouver real estate will find plenty of modern condos and townhomes, and residents who work in other parts of the city can easily commute via Lewis and Clark Hwy and I-5. Columbia Way also borders Pearson Field Airport—one of the oldest operating airfields in the United States—where residents can learn to fly recreational planes. And when it comes to outdoor recreation, you can stay active by exploring nature along the Columbia River Waterfront Renaissance Trail!

Things to Do in Columbia Way

Take your boat out on the Columbia River, let your kids run around the playground, and have an outdoor picnic at Marine Park. Head just north of the neighborhood to learn about the fur trade, explore over 2.5 million archaeological artifacts at the Pearson Air Museum, and walk along the trails at the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. Spend the day swimming, sunbathing, and fishing at Surprise Beach. Take music lessons or learn the art of dance with tap, ballet, and jazz classes at Groove Nation Performing Arts. Get up early on Saturday and Sunday to enjoy the Buttermilk Biscuits and Gravy, Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, and Red Barrel Braised Short Rib Hash for brunch at The Cove Restaurant. If you’re craving Mexican food in Vancouver, order the Sizzling Sirloin Steak Fajitas or Beef Birria Tacos, and wash them down with a House Margarita at Who Song & Larry’s. Try the Chef’s Jambalaya, Pan Seared Chicken, and Stuffed Salmon at Cecilia. Or chow down on the Bayou Mac, BBQ Pork Sandwich, and Brazilian Beef Medallions at Beaches Restaurant & Bar.

Esther Short

Part of Downtown Vancouver and located directly in front of the Columbia River waterfront, Esther Short is an affordable Vancouver neighborhood full of modern and contemporary apartments, condos, and townhomes. While known for its rich history, Esther Short also offers residents a commercial center surrounded by trendy shops, enticing restaurants, and exciting nightlife. Additionally, people living in the neighborhood can attend a multitude of community events and Vancouver festivals such as the Vancouver Farmers Market, Vancouver Wine & Jazz Festival, 4 Days of Aloha, and The Craft Beer & Wine Fest at Esther Short Park—the oldest public square in Washington!

Things to Do in Esther Short

Watch your kids play in the splash pad by the Headwaters Wall or take in beautiful views along the pier at Vancouver Waterfront Park. Snag season tickets to see plays and musicals like Steel Magnolias, Murdered to Death, and Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story at Magenta Theater. Attend baby storytimes, writing workshops, book groups, and more at the Vancouver Community Library. Learn how to rock climb with boulder and belay classes at Source Climbing Center. Order authentic handmade pasta dishes like the Black Truffle Pappardelle, Fusilli Alla Vodka, and Spaghetti Aglio Olio at Grassa. If you’re in search of Thai food in Vancouver, savor the Pad Thai Lemongrass Chicken, Garlic Shrimp, or Crab Fried Rice at Thai Orchid Restaurant. Stop in for happy hour to sink your teeth into the Brisky Sliders, Brisket Mac, or Chicken Ranchero Tostada at The Smokin’ Oak Barbeque Restaurant, Bar, & Catering. Or try authentic Georgian cuisine with meals like the Lobio Pot, Tevzi Salmon, and Kababi at Dediko.

Oakbrook

Oakbrook is one of most affordable neighborhoods in Vancouver, and families will appreciate being able to send their children to nearby schools like Ogden Elementary School and Endeavour Elementary School. Though you may have to venture just outside Oakbrook’s borders for food and fun, this quiet, residential area is filled with bountiful outdoor recreation spots such as Oakbrook Park and Beaver Marsh. Plus, homebuyers can find plenty of options in varying styles—ranging from Craftsman and Neocolonial homes to affordable ranches, condos, and townhouses—on beautiful tree-lined streets. And with close proximity to I-205, residents are just a short drive from all the action in the city’s center.

Things to Do in Oakbrook

Float down the lazy river, play a few rounds of golf, and get a full-body workout in the fitness center when you become a member at Royal Oaks Country Club. Spend the day shopping at stores like Buckle, Ulta Beauty, and Macy’s at the Vancouver Mall. For some fun in the sun, go hiking, biking, and birdwatching at Meadowbrook Marsh Park. Drive just a few minutes northeast of the neighborhood to purchase game night materials like boardgames, trading cards, and more at Dice Age Games. Dig into Pizza Fries, the Peanut Butter Bacon Burger, and Buffalo Boneless Wings as you watch the game at Charlie’s Sports Bar & Grill. Try specialty sushi rolls like the Baked Scallop Roll, Dragon Roll, and Hawaiian Roll at Oishi Sushi. Enjoy the Tri Tip Philly Cheesesteak, Cottage Pie, and Cajun Chicken at Grady’s Public House. Or fill up on the Coconut Shrimp, Basil Duck, or Red Curry at Kwan Thai Cuisine.

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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes