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!
Bennington
Photo via @reserve_ctc
- Home Price: $258,750 median purchase price, $1,302 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 31% of Vancouver neighborhoods
Searching for the best places to raise a family in Vancouver? Give Bennington a look! There’s a great mix of condos, apartments, and Craftsman-style homes to choose from, and it’s close to exceptional public schools like Columbia Valley Elementary School, Shahala Middle School, and Union High School. Not to mention, you can find employment opportunities at Hewlett-Packard’s corporate campus or the Columbia Tech Center, both of which are located in Bennington!
Things to Do in Bennington
Shop at stores like Bed Bath & Beyond, Michael’s, and Ross Dress for Less at Columbia Crossing Shopping Center. Play a game of basketball, hang out on the playground, or walk along nature path at Columbia Tech Center Park. Take the family to learn more about Mt. St. Helens and watch the Trashcano explode at Cascades Volcano Observatory. Order sweet treats like Pear Frangipane, French Macarons, or Strawberry Mousse Cake at Baron Patisserie. Head to Catedral Tapatia for authentic Mexican dishes like the Super Burrito, Fajita Salad or Chicken Chimichanga. Try the Bomber Burger and wash it down with an Organic Tree Frog Pale Ale at Hopworks Urban Brewery. Or spend an evening tasting wines at English Estate Winery, the oldest vineyard and winery in Vancouver.
Cascade Highlands
Photo via @nicolesellshomes_pnw
- Home Price: $165,633 median purchase price; $316 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 48% of Vancouver neighborhoods
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 into the downtown area, 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
Catch animated films and the latest blockbusters at the Regal Cascade IMAX Theater. Take the dog for a walk, visit the playground, or have a picnic at Homestead Neighborhood Park. Go rock climbing, play racquetball, or attend a spin class at Cascade Athletic Club. 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 Tscos or the Shang-hai Burrito at Southwestern restaurant Cactus Ya Ya. Fill up on hot dishes like Springs Rolls, Mongolian Beef, and Orange Chicken at the all-you-can-eat Makoto Japanese Buffet. Or grab a Loaded Bilmo Cheesesteak or Meatball Hoagie and Chili Fries at Philly Bilmos.
Fisher’s Landing East
Photo via @clearviewpaintnw
- Home Price: $254,740 median purchase price; $1,415 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 85% of Vancouver neighborhoods
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 houses with good-sized yards, modern apartments, and excellent local schools like Fisher’s Landing Elementary School. 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
Play on the playgrounds and walk along the paths at Heritage Park or Clearmeadows Park. Get in some exercise with a hot yoga class at Hot Yoga Vancouver. Take the family out for a night of bowling and arcade games at Big Al’s Bowling. Splurge on sweets like Salted Caramel ice cream, Oreo donuts, or Apple Fritters at dot donuts. Try Thai dishes like Mango Sticky Rice and Teriyaki Chicken at Wild Tiger. Grab panini sandwiches, seasonal pastries, and coffee for lunch at Di Tazza. Head to Tapped Brewhouse for Avocado Fries, Pork Belly Burnt Ends, and craft beer. Or eat German-inspired dishes like the Chicken Schnitzel and Sauerbraten at Gustav’s Pub & Grill.
Northwest Vancouver
Photo via @coleisrealestate
- Home Price: $254,680 median purchase price; $827 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 84% of Vancouver neighborhoods
Looking for a safe neighborhood in Vancouver surrounded by outdoor recreation? Northwest Vancouver may be the place for you! Located along Vancouver Lake, this neighborhood offers spacious Mid-Century Modern houses and affordable apartments, several local parks, and highly-rated schools like Benjamin Franklin Elementary School, Discovery Middle School, and Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School. In addition, Northwest Vancouver has convenient access to I-5, making commutes into Portland and Downtown Vancouver quick!
Things to do in Northwest Vancouver
Walk along Burnt Bridge Creek Greenway, an 8-mile trail running alongside Vancouver Lake. Take sailing classes at the Vancouver Lake Sailing Club. Spend the day enjoying the outdoors with a family picnic or by hanging out on the playground at Franklin Park. Get in a round of golf at Lakeview Par 3, which sits right on Vancouver Lake. Order a Breakfast Bowl or Waffle Breakfast Sandwich with a cappucino at Latta Da Coffee House & Wine Bar. Try the Portabello Mushroom Reuben or Macfredo at Vancouver’s first gastropub, Frontier Public House. Or dig into savory Mexican dishes like Pollo Asado or Camarones con Crema at family-friendly El Tapatio.
Oakbrook
Photo via @katepnw.realestate
- Home Price: $207,925 median purchase price; $1,232 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 93% of Vancouver neighborhoods
Oakbrook is an ideal neighborhood in Vancouver for families, thanks to its low crime rate, plentiful green space, and good mix of affordable condos, townhomes, and single-family houses. Kids can attend excellent schools in the area like Peter S Ogden Elementary School and Martin Luther King Elementary School, and parents will appreciate the easy commutes into the city center or over the river via I-205.
Things to Do in Oakbrook
Head over to Vancouver Mall to shop at stores like H&M, The Children’s Place, and Macy’s. Become a member at Royal Oaks Country Club to golf, swim, or use the fitness center. Go for a walk or have a picnic at Oakbrook Park. Check out some books or attend story time at local public library Fort Vancouver Regional Library. Take the kids to play laser tag and mini golf at Laser Blasters. Try the Nutella Latte, Taro Milk Tea, and Biali at Cupidone Coffee House. Snack on delicious desserts like Cherries in the Snow, Lemon Swiss Rolls, and a wide range of macaron flavors at Sweet Touch. Order the Pad Thai, Spicy Kimchi Fried Rice, and other Asian dishes at The Noodle Bar. Or feast on Pizza Fries and Pulled Pork Nachos at Hooligan’s Sports Bar & Grill.
***
Moving to Vancouver? Extra Space Storage has convenient self storage locations in Vancouver and the Portland metro, so we can help you transition. Find affordable storage units in Vancouver!
