The Vancouver, Washington real estate market is heating up! With a current median home value of $299,000 in Vancouver, Washington, compared to an average home value of $413,300 in it’s more metropolitan neighbor, Portland, Vancouver is currently a very viable option for potential home buyers due to affordability, current and future growth potential, and a host of other positives.
Other notable figures: according to Zillow, the current average home listing price in Vancouver is $319,000 with the median sale price is a bit lower at $303,800; compared to Portland where homes are currently listed at an average price of $450,000 with homes selling at an average of $413,200.
That said, Vancouver home prices are by no means stagnant. With numerous high-end developments and upcoming projects in this part of Washington, including a luxury condominium development on the Vancouver waterfront, there is a ton of buzz right now and, relatively, increasing growth leading to more competition for properties.
Hasson Company realtor, Amelie Marian works with clients on both sides of the river and understands the Vancouver, Washington real estate market well. When I asked her which Vancouver-area neighborhoods buyers are most drawn to and why she offered the following insight:
The secret is out on these charming and walkable Vancouver, Washington and nearby neighborhoods! Multiple offers on properties in these areas are becoming very common. Make sure you have a winning strategy before jumping into this hot real estate market!
Hot Vancouver, Washington Neighborhoods
Downtown Vancouver, Washington
Amelie points to Downtown Vancouver initially as the areas hottest neighborhood, explaining: “Everything is going on in Downtown Vancouver these days! There are so many new restaurants, coffee shops, bars, and shops. The Farmer’s Market at Esther Short Park is one of the best in the entire Metro area. Right now, all the buzz is around the new waterfront project of 40 luxury condos. This development is well underway and coming soon. Pricing for the project was just released and units are starting at just under $1 million each!”
Camas, Washington
Amelie finds Camas, just outside Vancouver, to be another hot spot for home buyers: “Many buyers move to Camas for the top-rated schools, but with a median sale price of $460,000 it is also at the top of the charts for the area. Along with great schools, buyers can also get expansive views and have a variety of new construction options to choose from.
Belz Place, Deerhaven, & Downtown Camas
Amelie mentioned a few neighborhoods within the Camas area as particularly hot right now, pointing out one new neighborhood in particular called Belz Place that she sees as having great amenities including a local pool and walkability to the elementary school. She also notes that Deerhaven at Lacamas Lake as being perfect for those looking for an ultra-modern aesthetic.
While there’s nothing ‘new’ about Downtown Camas, it’s populated with old buildings full of charm and history amidst an eclectic mix of restaurants, coffee shops, bars, boutiques, and more. Buyers considering Camas should be sure to spend an afternoon exploring Downtown Camas.
Fisher’s Landing
Finally, Amelie explains that “Fisher’s Landing offers great accessibility to freeways and all the amenities on 164th and 192nd. With very few active listings and a median sale price of $358,000, buyers would be wise to be pre-approved and ready to make solid offers if shopping here. Houses in Fisher’s Landing tend to sell in a matter of days! Fisher’s Landing is also home to one of the area’s very few 55-and-over communities, Fairway Village. Centered by a gorgeous public golf course and known for being a very close-knit community, this is an especially popular option for seniors from throughout the Pacific Northwest.”
More Hot Vancouver, Washington Neighborhoods
Travis Newton, an agent with Newton Group Real Estate and a real estate investor, knows Vancouver, Washington real estate because he grew up in the area in a real estate family of three generations. Travis shared his thoughts on which Vancouver neighborhoods are hot areas for home buyers to focus on in the rest of 2018. Travis shared his list of the hottest Vancouver neighborhoods and I filled in the details. Travis seconded Amelie’s vote for Downtown Vancouver and added the following neighborhoods to the list:
Arnada
Arnada is one of Vancouver’s oldest neighborhoods and as a result boasts plenty of old-growth trees and a well-established neighborhood park. Arnada residents also enjoy a vibrant shopping district: Main Street’s Uptown Village which is populated with shops, markets, restaurants, and local doctors’ and dentists’ offices. According to a local news article, Arnada neighbors say it best, describing this charming area as “a small, self-sufficient town inside a city.”
The Parklands at Camas Meadows
By Cascade West Development, The Parklands is a luxury gated community bordering the Camas Meadows Golf Club. Home prices here start in the $900,000s. Bordering Vancouver, the population of Camas currently lands at around 21k. With numerous community amenities including lush parks with over 60 miles of nature trails, a vibrant downtown area and economy, and highly-rated local schools The Parklands is marketed as an oasis of high-end homes within a uniquely special city.
Royal Terrace
Located in Ridgefield, Washington, Royal Terrace is a brand new gated development by Evergreen Homes NW that offers larger lots backing to a lush greenbelt. With a small-town feel, an exceptional downtown area, and excellent local schools this is a neighborhood for families to consider. From the developer website: “Excellent schools support desirable neighborhoods, and Royal Terrace is lucky to have Ridgefield High School just around the corner, the new Sunset Intermediate School a 1/2 mile down the road, and the highly regarded Union Ridge Elementary School minutes away.”
Ready to Buy a House in Vancouver, Washington?
If you’re ready to buy a house in one of these hot Vancouver, Washington neighborhoods, or if you’re interested in another Vancouver-area neighborhood I’d love to help you. As a licensed mortgage broker in Oregon and Washington, I can help you navigate the home-buying process and determine exactly how much house you can afford. Please get in touch with me to get started!