Are you thinking about relocating to Southwest Washington? If so, welcome to The Couve! The Couve consists of Vancouver, Camas, and Washougal cities. I’ve relocated from California (Los Angeles area) and the Seattle area. I’ll share insights from what I’ve experienced relocating to The Couve.
Cost of Living Relocating to The Couve
One of the attractive points of relocating to The Couve area is the lower cost of living compared to California or King County. Coming from Los Angeles and growing up in the Bay Area (Eastbay near Berkeley), the cost of living in Southwest Washington can be 11% cheaper. Also, sales tax can be up to 3% lower (the amount will depend on the area). This is also true when relocating from Redmond, Washington (aka Microsoft City). Another perk of relocating to The Couve is convenient shopping by crossing the bridge to Portland where there is no sales tax (you are responsible for paying WA use tax). The cost of living is also 10% cheaper than being in Oregon.
Other factors I noticed with the cost of living in The Couve, gas tends to be cheaper, utilities are slightly cheaper (however, there are now increases – more so in Portland than SW WA) and food can be mixed. I have found that some produce, dairy and meats can be more expensive. As far as property taxes, in general WA is higher than CA; however, The Couve is lower than King County.
Housing Pricing
Whether from the Bay Area, Southern California, or the King County area in Washington, relocating to The Couve, you’ll get more house and square footage for the price. Each Couve city will have ranges starting from $450,000 for 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1200+ square footage in the Vancouver area and $600,000 in Camas and Washougal. You’ll find that new construction can start around $800,000 and have HOAs.
Relocating to The Couve City Feel
In general, Vancouver, Camas, and Washougal are considered suburbs of Portland. Vancouver has a mixture of urban, suburban, rural, waterfront, and luxury areas. Camas has more suburban and some rural and waterfront areas. Washougal has a more small-town feel with parts of unincorporated areas with more acreage. Downtown is also getting a renovation and upcoming waterfront properties.
Lifestyle Pace
Compared to the busy city life of Seattle, Los Angeles, or San Francisco, The Couve cities tend to have a more relaxed and slower pace. There’s some nightlife in Vancouver and Camas downtown; however, going to Portland you will have more of the nightlife.
You’ll find that some of the small businesses are closed on Mondays or Tuesdays, so it’s always best to check if open.
Employment
The Couve cities have key industries in healthcare and social assistance, retail trade, manufacturing, technical and professional services, and education. Camas does have some technology companies, although small compared to Silicon Valley or Tech Hub in the Seattle area. With COVID now over, there are still plenty of employees that continue to work remotely. This opportunity allows others relocating from the Bay area and Seattle area to enjoy a more balanced work life.
Relocating to The Couve Weather and Seasons
Average temperatures for The Couve cities are around the high 50s and 60s. In general, Vancouver, Camas, and Washougal can see low 30s to high 80s with occasional heat waves that can see temperatures over 100. For the most part, you can expect rain for 10 days or more in 7 of the months. However, you may find that there are more cloudy days than rain.
Compared to Southern California and similar to the Pacific Northwest, The Couve cities will have all seasons. Fall is great to see the colorful leaves on the trees with cooler weather. Winter months will be cloudy, cold, and rainy with possible snow. Spring brings colorful and mild temperatures. Summer will have days filled with sun and warm temperatures.
Traffic
Regardless of whether in California or Washington, expect delays on I-5 and I-405 throughout the day. Expect that Highway 99 and I-205 will have traffic, during the commute hours. Otherwise, highways 14, 500, and 503 will have normal amounts of traffic. In general, 30 minutes can get you from Vancouver to Washougal or from any of The Couve cities into Portland during non-commute hours. Depending on who you ask, going into Portland during commute hours can be at least 30 minutes and a standstill on the bridges.
Relocating to The Couve Shopping
The main grocery stores around The Couve are Safeway, WinCo, Costco, Fred Meyers, Grocery Outlets, and Trader Joe’s. Most of the stores are in central areas of Vancouver and Camas. Since Washougal is a smaller town, you’ll find the main grocery store to be Safeway. If you are looking for Whole Foods, you’ll have to head into Portland otherwise go to Natural Grocers or New Seasons.
Schools
With many choices for schooling, these are the school districts for Vancouver, Camas, and Washougal. Some neighborhood schools are close by where either the elementary and middle schools are next or behind each other or all three schools are on the same street. While public school is the norm, I have found that more people are choosing homeschooling as another option or even doing schooling online.
What’s Great About The Couve
There’s natural beauty all around Southwest Washington that makes relocating and living in The Couve cities a great choice! Enjoy the breathtaking and wonderful views of the cities, waters, nature, and mountains. With so much greenery and water, it’s a great way to relax and replenish your mental health. Take advantage of being outdoors with these activities such as going to the Washougal Motocross Park, visiting the swimming holes, fishing, kayaking, hiking, and checking out different farms. If you like the arts, Visit the different museums and arts, including the different downtown arts including the walking tours with art pieces.
Want to Know More?
Reach out for my personal relocation experience and the home buying process in The Couve or download The Couve Guide!
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