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7 Best Neighborhoods in Vancouver, Washington, 2022

May 9, 2022

With gorgeous architecture, plenty of parks, a rich history, and much more, Vancouver, Washington, has a lot to offer on its own. Plus, the city boasts close proximity to Portland, Oregon, so residents can easily enjoy the best features of both cities.

If you’ve decided to become the city’s newest Vancouverite, you’ll have to scour through the city’s many distinct neighborhoods to figure out which one offers the best fit. Fortunately, we’re here to help.

Here’s our breakdown of the best neighborhoods in Vancouver, Washington, what to look for, and how to get your search started.

Let’s dive in!

Vancouver, WA - May 27th, 2019 Residents of Vancouver Washington enjoying the new waterfront on Memorial Day

What to Look for in a Vancouver Neighborhood?

While renters’ needs vary greatly, there are a few overlapping characteristics that all new residents should consider before choosing a Vancouver neighborhood.

When moving to Vancouver, you’ll need to consider your commute first and foremost! As the city is close to Portland, Oregon, it’s common to see residents from both cities crossing state lines daily.

Take time to play around with Google Maps (or similar software) to get a good idea of your commute from the neighborhoods you’re interested in. Be sure to toggle the time to the hours you’ll be traveling to get the most accurate estimation.

Otherwise, if you plan to live in Vancouver, it’s good to map out local grocery stores, parks, and other amenities that you’ll be using regularly. You might find that one neighborhood has a better collection of amenities than others, making it easier for you to choose one that best suits your needs.

Finally, all new residents should strongly consider neighborhood safety ratings. If you choose to move to a neighborhood with a less than stellar crime rate, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the techniques to avoid becoming a victim of common crimes. For example, if break-ins are common, investing in an alarm system and cameras would be a great move.

Riverfront real estate in Vancouver Washington.

Best Neighborhoods in Vancouver, WA

We know how hard it can be to choose the best neighborhood for you. So to help, we’ve put together this list of the best neighborhoods in Vancouver to give you a solid start.

Here are our top picks for the best neighborhoods in Vancouver.

1. Cascade Highlands

Population: 6,308
Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,927
Median Household Income: $79,198
Walk Score: 42
Transit Score: 32
Bike Score: 58

Cascade Highlands is in the greater Cascade Park neighborhood in the northern section of Vancouver. Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Hood dominate the neighborhood's lovely views.

If you're looking to rent in the area, don't expect a lot of variety. The Cascade Highlands neighborhood mainly consists of single-family homes and apartment communities.

It's a genuinely suburban neighborhood with most residences being owner-occupied, which is partially due to the Cascade Highlands' significant population of young families.

New residents are attracted to the neighborhood's high safety rating and solid school district.

Moreover, Cascade Highlands' location is a huge bonus.

Although the neighborhood is mainly residential, Cascade Highlands does boast a collection of shops and restaurants within its borders. In addition, the nearest Costco is just under 15 minutes away.

For those that prefer a little more variety or expect to commute into the city for work, the heart of Vancouver is just a short 20-minute drive away.

If you prefer to keep your fun had within the neighborhood's limits, Cascade Highlands can deliver.

The 6.2-acre Homestead Park is very popular, with residents taking advantage of the neighborhood's playgrounds, walking trails, greenery, and picnic areas.

2. Lake Shore

Population: 7,599
Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,691
Median Household Income: $88,279
Walk Score: 20
Transit Score: —
Bike Score: 49

Lake Shore is north of Vancouver, situated along the eastern edge of Vancouver Lake.

Rentals in the area include single-family homes and units within apartment communities.

However, there aren't many rental units available within Lake Shore, as the neighborhood is so small. At just 1.6 square miles, Lake Shore is tiny but mighty.

If you want to have a more extensive selection to choose from, you'll need to schedule your apartment hunt during the warmer months.

While the area is notable for its affluence, Lake Shore is lacking in the diversity category. So, if your goal is to experience the mix of cultures found in larger cities, you'll need to choose a different Vancouver neighborhood.

However, as a small suburban neighborhood, Lake Shore certainly has its perks.

Lake Shore's proximity to Lake Vancouver provides residents with easy access to the amenity. In addition, water sports, such as kayaking and swimming, are prevalent in the area.

Moreover, the man-made beach surrounding the lake sees quite a bit of traffic. Nearby Shillapoo South Wildlife Area and Salmon Park also provide plenty of outdoor recreation options.

Otherwise, amenities such as breweries, shops, bars, and restaurants will keep you busy.

3. Arnada

Population: 1,367
Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,595
Median Household Income: $47,392
Walk Score: 80
Transit Score: 55
Bike Score: 83

Renting in Arnada won't net you a ton of options, but there are duplex units and those within apartment complexes available.

Expanding your search radius by just one mile will exponentially increase your options to include many of the luxury apartments in Vancouver.

Arnada lies near the Downtown center of Vancouver. It's an excellent location for those renters that want to be right in the middle of the action.

Arnanda may also be a good neighborhood for renters who want to ditch their car to rely solely on public transportation, as the area is well-served by C-Tran, the metro area's public transportation provider.

Moreover, the area is popular for its bike routes that make for easy commuting within and out of the neighborhood.

Despite being near Downtown Vancouver, Arnada is one of Vancouver's older neighborhoods. The houses lining this neighborhood's streets boast gorgeous historic architecture.

Fortunately for outdoor enthusiasts, Arnada Park's picnic area, playground, and sports courts ensure ample green space and outdoor recreation options in the bustling neighborhood.

Other entertainment and recreation options include plenty of shops, restaurants, bars, and nightlife spots within walking distance.

4. Esther Short

Population: 6,135
Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $2,360.
Median Household Income: $40,022
Walk Score: 72
Transit Score: 55
Bike Score: 87

Esther Short is one of the most popular rental spots in Vancouver.

Named for one of the city's founders, Esther Short has a rich (and fascinating!) history that can still be seen and felt throughout the neighborhood today.

For example, Esther Short Park serves as the oldest town square in Washington and sits on land Esther Short herself initially owned.

Esther Short Park also hosts a playground, fountains, a rose garden, a bell tower, and much more. In addition, you can head to a charming farmer’s market housed within the park in the summer months.

Other public recreation amenities within the neighborhood include Discovery Historic Loop Trail and the Columbia River Renaissance Trail.

If you plan on renting within Esther Short, you'll be in the majority. Most of the available rental units within this neighborhood include luxury units within apartment buildings, studios, and some traditional units within apartment communities.

Increased development in the neighborhood is expected in the next decade, so there will likely be new apartment buildings to choose from.

You might also find some office and commercial spaces cropping up alongside the new apartments, as Esther Short is a mixed-use neighborhood.

Of course, living in Esther Short provides plenty of amenities as is. There are many stores and eateries located within the neighborhood.

The riverfront section of Esther Short also adds to its appeal.

5. Shumway

Population: 2,068
Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $982
Median Household Income: $63,669
Walk Score: 73
Transit Score: 42
Bike Score: 76

Situated north of Downtown Vancouver, Shumway is a solid combination of urban and suburban living.

The neighborhood boasts plenty of older-style architecture.

Units available to rent within this neighborhood generally include duplex units and single-family houses.

Shumway's location is a boon for commuters who prefer to cycle, walk, or use public transportation to get to where they need to be.

Getting Downtown or closer to the Uptown area is a breeze in a car. Interstate 5 and other major thoroughfares are easily accessible from this neighborhood.

The neighborhood is packed with small shops, medical facilities, schools, and more. It's an excellent option for renters who want most amenities to be within walking distance.

One of the downsides to living in Shumway is the lack of public parks. While Shumway Park lies within the neighborhood, it's sitting on just a half-acre of land.

The park's main amenity is a playground, so it's not a good match for residents looking for large public green spaces.

6. Felida

Population: 8,959
Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,941
Median Household Income: $128,833
Walk Score: 53
Transit Score: 19
Bike Score: —

Felida is a neighborhood located north of Vancouver. Decidedly suburban, Felida attracts plenty of families.

Felida's excellent safety rating and close-knit community feel can provide a respite for those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city — without straying too far from it.

Most Felida residents take advantage of the neighborhood's location. Close proximity to Vancouver Lake means that you can find many Felida and Lake Shore residents enjoying paddling, kayaking, or picnicking on the lake's beach.

Another perk of choosing to live in a suburban neighborhood, Felida residents have direct access to some of the area's most well-loved local spots.

Small business owners can count on strong community support in this neighborhood. So, if you plan to run your business and live in Felida, you'll be in good hands.

Otherwise, you'll never have to hunt for things to do. Felida Community Park, Foley Neighborhood Park, Salmon Creek, and Cougar Canyon are all within a short drive.

If you've decided Felida is the right choice for you, be prepared to choose from duplex units and single-family homes, as those options make up the bulk of Felida's available rentals.

7. Fisher's Creek

Population: 5,589
Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,894
Median Household Income: $108,507
Walk Score: 42
Transit Score: 33
Bike Score: 41

Fisher's Creek is situated along SE 34th St and is directly east of Downtown Vancouver.

It's a solid destination for commuters, as Fisher's Creek's location provides easy access to the city's center via the Lewis and Clark Hwy.

Rentals in the neighborhood include apartments within apartment communities and lofts. In addition, you'll find a denser collection of more modern apartments just outside the neighborhood's borders, with a few luxury units sprinkled in.

Despite its proximity to Downtown, Fisher's Creek is a suburb first and foremost. As a result, most residents in the area are homeowners, and renters are definitely in the minority.

That said, in this close-knit community, even renters are treated as one of the family.

You'll experience residents going out of the way to say hello to you as you enjoy walks on the Heritage Trail or Round Lake Loop.

While there may not be much to do within the neighborhood's boundaries, entertainment and recreation options are a short drive away.

Overall, Fisher's Creek is a good option for renters looking for a slower-paced life and who want to be a part of a community. As such, Fisher’s Creek may be a good destination for remote workers.