Are you searching for the best places to live in Vancouver, Washington? While Vancouver is packed with excellent neighborhoods and subdivisions within its borders, there are many remarkable suburbs to acknowledge as well. Many of these suburbs provide some of the best outdoor recreation, space, and school systems in the country, typically with an affordable cost of living.
Wondering what the difference is between a suburb and a neighborhood? Well, a smaller community within a larger town or city is considered a neighborhood, whereas a city, town, or unincorporated area outside the primary city limits is a suburb. Without being in the urban core, many suburbs are mostly residential yet provide an urban lifestyle. Below is our list of the 9 best Vancouver suburbs for families, retirees, young professionals, and more!
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Mount Vista | Student-Friendly Suburb in Vancouver with State University
- Population: 10,051
- Median household income: $92,854
- Homes for sale in Mount Vista, WA
- Median home price: $478,000
- Average rent: $1,670
- Crime rate: 41% lower than the US average
- Distance to Vancouver: 9.6 miles
The census-designated place (CDP) of Mount Vista is one of the best suburbs in Vancouver and is best known for being the location of the Washington State University Vancouver campus of 3,233 students. Mt Vista is also near and home to several retirement communities, including The Park at University Village Independent Living Community. Mt. Vista is an ideal location for college students and retirees seeking to live just outside Vancouver.
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Those living in the beautiful Mt. Vista suburb of Vancouver have an abundance of single-family homes to choose from that are within close proximity to the community’s pet-friendly parks, sports courts, playgrounds, hiking areas, and private schools. You’ll also be just minutes from a diverse set of restaurants along 1-205.
Walnut Grove | Picturesque Vancouver Suburb with Most Affordable Housing
- Population: 9,907
- Median household income: $52,788
- Homes for sale in Walnut Grove, WA
- Median home price: $432,500
- Average rent: $1,596
- Crime rate: A- safety score on Crimegrade
- Distance to Vancouver: 6.4 miles
If you’re looking for a peaceful Vancouver suburb with some of the most affordable housing options in the region, look no further than Walnut Grove! This picturesque CDP has a median home price of just $432,500– that’s $185,500 below the state median home price. Despite the lower prices, most homesites here are beautifully wooded and nestled on spacious land with large backyards and vibrant gardens.
As one of the most affordable Vancouver suburbs, Walnut Grove is further home to outdoor activities, the Walnut Grove Neighborhood Park, and even a top-rated doggy daycare center for your furry best friends. While living in Walnut Grove, you’ll find yourself only 15 minutes from downtown Vancouver and within minutes from breathtaking mountains, beaches, lakes, and rivers. Your little ones will likely attend Walnut Grove Elementary School, while you and your family can join local events scattered throughout the community.
Camas | Safest & Wealthiest Suburb in Vancouver with Exceptional School District
- Population: 26,065
- Median household income: $121,094
- Homes for sale in Camas, WA
- Median home price: $767,500
- Average rent: $1,766
- Crime rate: 1,165 crimes per 100k population, 50.3% lower than the US average
- Distance to Vancouver: 14 miles
Looking for a safe Vancouver suburb where your kids can attend excellent schools with great education and competitive sports? Camas is home to one of the best school districts near Vancouver, WA. Overlooking the Columbia River, this affluent suburb in Vancouver provides numerous elementary, middle, and high schools– all of which are served by the Camas School District with 7,225 students and a student-teacher ratio of 18.58.
Camas, Washington, you made my day. pic.twitter.com/Qa84v0rqO7
— PNWinNETX (@carlthomasr) April 16, 2022
Camas further boasts a strong community spirit, a charming downtown, outdoor parks like Lacamas Park, a local farmer’s market, and fun local events like the Camas Days Festival. As far as safety goes, the area has a very low crime rate that’s over 50% below the national average, which makes Camas one of the safest suburbs in Vancouver for families. People moving to Camas have numerous high-end craftsman and contemporary housing options to choose from– many overlooking the Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood.
Hazel Dell | Diverse Vancouver Suburb with Central Location & Abundance of Shopping & Outdoor Recreation
- Population: 23,569
- Median household income: $64,408
- Homes for sale in Hazel Dell, WA
- Median home price: $519,995
- Average rent: $1,600
- Crime rate: B- safety score on Crimegrade
- Distance to Vancouver: 4.3 miles
Situated along Interstate 5 in the heart of Vancouver’s suburban area, Hazel Dell is an unincorporated and census-designated place with abundant shopping and outdoor recreation. Once the first suburban development outside of Vancouver, Hazel Dell provides easy commutes to restaurants, cinemas, and numerous shopping centers like Hazel Dell Crossing and Hazel Dell Marketplace. Regarding the outdoors and wildlife, there are many beautiful parks, sports complexes, and trails within the community for residents to enjoy.
Hazel Dell is one of the most diverse Vancouver suburbs, with Whites making up 72.5% of the population, Hispanics making up 13.7%, Asians at 3.4%, and Blacks at 3.3%. If you’re thinking about moving to Hazel Dell, there is no shortage of elementary and middle schools to choose from. The schools here– such as Hazel Dell Elementary School– are served by Vancouver Public Schools, with 21,897 students and a student-teacher ratio of 19:1.
Washougal | One of the Best & Most Walkable Vancouver Suburbs for Swimming & Exploring Wildlife
- Population: 17,039
- Median household income: $95,894
- Homes for sale in Washougal, WA
- Median home price: $545,000
- Average rent: $1,904
- Crime rate: 1,947 crimes per 100k population, 17% lower than the US average
- Distance to Vancouver: 16.8 miles
Situated on the outskirts of the greater Portland metro area, this charming city is nestled next to the Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge. The Washougal River flows through the middle of the community, which provides a fun, dog-friendly spot at the northern bank of its Sandy Swimming Hole. From the wildlife refuge to the Dougan Falls to the pristine beach, Washougal is one of the nicest Vancouver suburbs for swimming and enjoying nature.
Painting with my love today at the prettiest falls outside of Portland. #douganfalls #Washougal #Washington pic.twitter.com/e0zjxXAkwS
— The Night Painter (@_Night_Painter) September 28, 2022
In addition to its 18-hole Orchard Hills Golf Club, soothing beach, and shopping centers, this highly walkable Vancouver suburb boasts several great parks, including Hathaway Park and Captain William Clark Park. Washougal consists of a few private schools, six elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school– primarily served by the Washougal School District of 3,001 students and a student-teacher ratio of 20 to 1. The city is home to single-family homes, as well as a few luxury homes along the Columbia near the Port of Camas-Washougal.
Minnehaha | Low-Rent Vancouver Suburb Best for Young Professionals & Best Public Transportation
- Population: 11,871
- Median household income: $88,696
- Homes for sale in Minnehaha, WA
- Median home price: $530,000
- Average rent: $1,532
- Crime rate: B safety score on Crimegrade
- Distance to Vancouver: 3.8 miles
If you’re on the lookout for the most affordable rent near Vancouver, the CDP of Minnehaha is the place to be! The average apartment rent in Minnehaha is $1,532– that’s $178 below the Vancouver average. As one of the closest suburbs to Vancouver, Minnehaha is only a 10-minute drive from the big city center and is close to a series of delicious restaurants, convenient shopping centers, and businesses.
While living in Minnehaha, you can check out the parks like Bosco Farm Neighborhood Park and Tower Crest Neighborhood Park. You’ll also have close access to numerous bus stops operated by the Spokane Transit Authority. From the convenient public transportation to the close proximity to downtown Vancouver business, Minnehaha is one of the best suburbs in Vancouver for young professionals. The community is home to the Harry S Truman Elementary School as part of the Vancouver Public Schools.
Felida | Upscale & Kid-Friendly Vancouver Suburb with Extensive Playground
- Population: 9,526
- Median household income: $135,426
- Homes for sale in Felida, WA
- Median home price: $668,550
- Average rent: $1,571
- Crime rate: 31% lower than the US average
- Distance to Vancouver: 7 miles
Located in the northwest corner of Vancouver, the welcoming CDP of Felida is one the most kid-friendly suburbs of Vancouver, thanks to its low crime rate and ample parks and playgrounds scattered throughout the community. There are many new restaurants and shops within walking and biking distance. Within this CDP is the Felida Community Park featuring an extensive playground for the kids, and the Vancouver Lake Regional Park sits just to the south. Considering this, families living in Felida can enjoy kayaking, windsurfing, rowing, and canoeing along the western shore of Vancouver Lake.
As one of the best suburbs of Vancouver, the community further provides several beautiful trails, including the Cougar Creek Trail and the Salmon Creek Trail. Felida is home to several walkable schools that are a part of the Portland School District. This largely residential and tight-knit community is rather affluent, with the median home price at $668,550. Nonetheless, the renting options here are very affordable.
Ridgefield | Peaceful Suburb of Vancouver with a Quaint Downtown Area & Close Access to Wineries
- Population: 10,319
- Median household income: $107,861
- Homes for sale in Ridgefield, WA
- Median home price: $576,050
- Average rent: $1,867
- Crime rate: 2,023 crimes per 100k population, 13.8% lower than the US average
- Distance to Vancouver: 14.1 miles
Nestled east along the Columbia River, the city of Ridgefield is separated from the rest of the suburbs by several miles of picturesque farmland. Many people consider moving to Ridgefield due to its peaceful location away from all the big-city hustle and bustle. Residents here can take advantage of the city’s quaint downtown area with charming buildings, local restaurants, and alehouses. Ridgefield’s vicinity further houses breweries, taprooms, and wineries, including Windy Hills Winery.
This laid-back Vancouver suburb sits just across the river from the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge and is further home to the Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex, beautiful parks like Abrama Park, the RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater, and the ilani Casino Resort. Ridgefield boasts a robust selection of single-family homes and attached townhome-style twin homes and estates with views of the region’s rolling hills and forests. Your children can attend Union Ridge Elementary School, View Ridge Middle School, and Ridgefield High School, which are a part of the Ridgefield School District– serving 3,846 students with a student-teacher ratio of 21 to 1.
Salmon Creek | Family-Friendly Vancouver Suburbs With Great Parks & Outdoor Amenities
- Population: 21,193
- Median household income: $86,110
- Homes for sale in Salmon Creek, WA
- Median home price: $534,450
- Average rent: $1,635
- Crime rate: A+ safety score on Crimegrade
- Distance to Vancouver: 6.7 miles
If you’re fond of getting outside and exploring the outdoors, then living in Salmon Creek is a great option. This is one of the most family-friendly suburbs in Vancouver, as it is home to the Salmon Creek Regional Park– one of the best parks in the region. This regional park features an eagle’s nest, a playground, an extensive 3-mile trail, a splash pad, and a lovely pond with a beach for fishing and swimming.
As one of the best suburbs in Vancouver, residents living in Salmon Creek can further enjoy the CDP’s golf range, sports fields, the Salmon Creek Greenway Trail, and a children’s amusement center, which happens to be the largest indoor playspace in the Pacific Northwest. Salmon Creek provides quiet, friendly neighborhoods consisting of mostly quaint single-family homes.
Vancouver Suburbs Map
Once you’ve chosen one of the best places to live near Vancouver, contact our professional Vancouver moving company at 503-746-8795 for an accurate moving estimate. We’ll ensure you have a smooth and easy transfer so you can start enjoying life in your new community!
