Exploring Cities on Washington’s Border with Oregon: Best Places to Live

The state of Washington shares its southern border with Oregon, home to several cities that offer a unique blend of urban amenities and rural charm. Among these, Vancouver, Washington, distinguishes itself as a top choice for quality of life and accessibility to larger cities. Let's dive into the options and explore what makes each of these border cities special.

Cities on the Border: A Brief Overview

Several cities in Washington border Oregon. These include:

Vancouver, Washington

Located directly across the Columbia River from Portland, Oregon A robust city with amenities, a strong community, and access to nature Population approximately 125,000 Key features: Proximity to Portland, diverse amenities, strong community, and educational opportunities

Longview, Washington

Situated near the Columbia River southeast of Vancouver Population approximately 44,000 Key features: Close to Vancouver and major amenities, excellent for commuting to Portland

Kalama, Washington

A smaller city along the Columbia River north of Longview Population approximately 8,500 Key features: Access to the Columbia River and smaller-town feel

Washougal, Washington

Located across the Columbia River from Camas, near Portland Population approximately 7,500 Key features: Nearby access to Portland and outdoor activities

While these cities offer different advantages, Vancouver is often considered the best choice for quality of life.

The Best City to Live In: Vancouver, Washington

Vancouver stands out as the most appealing option for several reasons:

Proximity to Portland

The city’s location directly across the Columbia River from Portland makes it incredibly convenient. Commuters can travel to Portland easily, taking advantage of the larger city's cultural and economic offerings without the high cost of living.

Amenities

Vancouver boasts a wide range of amenities such as parks, shopping, restaurants, and recreational activities. The waterfront area has been developed with walking and biking paths, enhancing the city's quality of life.

Community

The city has a strong sense of community, evident from the numerous events and festivals throughout the year. This fosters a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere.

Education

Vancouver is part of the well-regarded Evergreen School District, which ensures children have access to quality education.

Nature

The city offers easy access to nature with parks and the Columbia River Gorge for hiking, biking, and other outdoor pursuits.

Additional Options: Tri-Cities, Goldendale, and Others

While Vancouver is highly rated, other cities in the area also offer unique advantages. Here is a brief overview of some notable cities:

Goldendale, Washington

Fairly small town with an approximate population of 6,500 Sits at the foothills of the Horse Heaven Hills and just below Satus Pass Key features: Rural charm, access to the Columbia River, and proximity to other towns like Toppenish and The Dalles, Oregon

Tri-Cities, Washington (Kennewick, Pasco, Richland)

Large metro area in the Columbia Basin Population around 200,000 combined Key features: Rapid growth, economically vibrant, affordable living costs, and no state income tax

Walla Walla, Washington

Rural agricultural city with a population around 35,000 Located on the southwest end of the Palouse region Key features: Small-town charm, agricultural heritage, and proximity to the Blue Mountains

Each of these cities offers its own unique advantages, making them suitable for different preferences and lifestyles.

Conclusion

The best city to live in on the Washington-Oregon border largely depends on an individual's preferences. Vancouver, with its proximity to Portland, diverse amenities, strong community, education, and nature, is often considered the top choice. However, other cities in the area offer unique opportunities, making them worthwhile to explore based on your personal needs and desires.