Relocating to Portland, OR / Camas or Vancouver, WA (Battle Ground, Hockinson: rentals, condo)

[civanc]

I live in Vancouver, and if you're coming from MSP I think you will find the area a nice cultural fit. My wife and I will be retiring elsewhere, though, mainly because she has grown wary of the elongated dreary, overcast fall and winter months. But the two or three months of summer here are spectacular. Having moved here from Houston, TX several years ago, I find it much more tolerable, and there is always somthing going on every weekend in the Portland area - festivals, concerts and other various activities. And ya can't beat the microbrews or hiking trails in the area either.

Camas has a charming little main street. A couple of years ago there were several vacant store fronts, but a recent visit there a couple of months ago showed more activity. I like the fact, too, that Portland's vibrant downtown is only 20 or 30 minutes away.

I have no children so I can't speak of the educational aspects, but you may want to research the rate of property taxes. We live in the same county, own a house valued approximately 200K and pay about $2,300 a year on property taxes.

I hope this helps, and best of luck.

[silibran]

Well, you would be able to walk to the Vancouver Farmers' Market every Saturday. I am not impressed with downtown Vancouver, speaking as an outsider just relocated here. You would be close to Portland though.

[jawshewa]

We are looking at relocating to Vancouver/Surrounding area this spring. I have been reading a lot on this thread, is there anything new that can be added to this conversation?

We have 2 kids currently 5th and 3rd grades.
Want a larger house to rent, 2 cars.
We road trip a lot, all of our family is in PNW, Seattle and north and Central WA and Spokane. So we are familiar with the area. Both of us were born in Seattle.

Since being married we have followed my husband's job across the country; Montana, Maryland, Wisconsin. Now because of a merger he is out and Vancouver is in our sights.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

[StealthRabbit]

come early, find a job, enjoy the journey (U seem to have 'been around', as have we...) Moved 5 x in 4 yrs (w/kids) and 3 were international moves.

Let us know your activities and DH work expertise and we will direct u and say U some time.

There are still some screaming bargains on homes. But also bidding wars in lower price ranges.

[hml1976]

You sound like our family too. I think I've already given my plug for Camas enough times on this board but come join us there are lots of multiple transplant families here with kids

[bigolwoody]

Vantucky is a great place to raise a family and grow moss on everything

[silibran]

I believe Heritage Green, which has since changed its name to Slate Ridge, had major quality probs, and now is in process or being rehabbed. I see it going on every time I drive on 164th. We steered clear of Heritage Green when we moved here last July.

I recommended IDM properties, and got slammed before. We were very happy staying in Cascade View. IDM in Vancouver manages several local properties, and I'd talk to them. However, I don't think their properties are in Camas. (Nor is Heritage Green.)

I know very little about local schools, but I do know that Portland Public has several foreign language elementary schools around town. My grand goes to a Japanese language school. Entrance is by lottery. However, Portland Public does not have a great reputation.

It is too bad you can't visit the area before deciding on the job.

[kiwidev]

I linked to this thread from a Google search concerning general information for Camas. I just want to thank the folks that posted their information which is rapidly increasing my knowledge of the area in general to make a more educated decision as to whether or not I should consider relocating there.

[Lauraebrandt]

We are contemplating a move from the DC suburbs to Vancouver/camas or ridgefield. I have a job offer in vancouver. And we have 3,4 &6 year old children. I am very curious how things have gone for you and your family from Minneapolis? It is so hard researching good neighborhoods and family life out there. It has been a hard decision because we actually like much about life here but we would be moving there for my kids to be closer to their grandparents and for a more family oriented area with less hustle and bustle. I can see fishers landing is a great school but seems most houses near it are older. Camas seems newer. Seems houses on the lake in camas are not prune hill elementary which gets best ratings. Any input by now on the schools in camas ridgefield or vancouver? Any replies appreciated as we need to make a decision in the next five weeks! Also is the paper mill smell really a problem in camas? Thank you for any information!!!

[hml1976]

Prune Hill elementary isn't any better or worse than any of the other elementary schools in Camas. The test scores fluctuate all the time between schools and everyone was redistricted this year anyway so they'll be all new next year. The only schools that I am unfamiliar with are Lacamas and the new one, Woodburn. Grass Valley, Fox, Baller, Prune Hill, are all excellent schools.

The paper mill smell is not bad, I haven't smelled it in months and I'm downtown all the time. There are multiple posts on this topic you can look up.

My husband and I have lived all over the country (including Virginia) and I grew up overseas. Camas is absolutely my favorite place, especially with children.

I hope that helps.