Vancouver, Washington’s motto is “A colorful past, a bright future.” It’s been dubbed “The Couve” or “Vantucky.” One of the many advantages of living here is that there’s no state income tax. The city has a population of 162,400 and borders Portland, Oregon at the Columbia River. Crystal clear streams, lofty and beautiful trees, the amazing Mt. Hood in the distance and set on the banks of the Columbia River all make Vancouver a scenic and beautiful municipality.

The weather aint bad here, neither. Daytime temperatures range from an average of 45° in January to an average of 79° in July, and everything in between during the remaining months. Rainfall occurs fairly steady October through May, but June through September is relatively dry.

You won’t guess the famous people who came from Vancouver. Talk radio show host Lars Larson, C. S. (AKA Charlie) Lee from the Showtime series Dexter, the driver of car #16 for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Gregory Jack Biffle, former NFL placekicker for the Dallas Cowboys Kerry Brady, U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team member Tina Ellertson and best-selling American inspirational author Karen Kingsbury all lived here.

More famous people who called Vancouver home are NBA player for the Houston Rockets Maarty Leunen and NFL placekicker Rian Lindell who plays for the Buffalo Bills, but originally signed on with the Dallas Cowboys. Anna Esther Svidersky lived her until her murder in 2006. Her infamous death at the hands of a twice-convicted schizophrenic sex-offender achieved international notoriety. Britain’s newspaper, The Guardian, compared the publicity to what occurred after Princess Diana’s death.

Business in this city is primarily based in the service industry and high-tech jobs. Many Vancouver-ites commute the short distance to Portland for work..

The education is just as impressive as the scenery. A number of the city’s schools rate a 10 out of 10 for exceptional education based on national test results.

Of course, hunting and trout fishing are some of the area’s favorite pastimes; although, there is so much other outdoor recreation available like hiking, water sports and summer concerts. Biking is a big deal in Vancouver, too, with serious bike trails, maps and a “Bicycle Resource Card” that provides cyclists with contact numbers to resolve different issues.

The real estate takes on a personality of its own in Vancouver. Downtown, you’ll find craftsmen bungalows and Victorian homes in the Hough neighborhood. In mid-town the prevailing styles are ranch homes and the small tract home, a throwback from wartime. In the outer limits of the city, subdivisions with mini-mansions and more rural style homes with acreage abound.

Northcrest offers homes that border the bluff and provide a spectacular view of the creek and fields below. Bagley Downs is comprised of mostly multi-family homes. Here, you can count on a comfy condo at around $117,500. Find a fancy 4-bed, 3-bath home in Felida for only $925,000. Mobile homes aren’t considered mobile homes here. No, instead, they are as valuable as actual houses and can be bought in the ballpark of $149,900.

Become a Vancouver-ite. Come to live, raise some kids or even to retire. If you live in Vancouver, you don’t have to go on vacation. Vancouver IS a vacation!

To find that Vancouver dream home on the Roost site, click Vancouver, WA Homes For Sale and MLS Listings.