Wondering which state is best for you to live in?
Oregon?   Washington?

In the Portland Oregon - Vancouver Washington Metropolitan Area, you have a choice!

The Portland Oregon - Vancouver Washington Metro Area is one of America's most preferred areas to live in.  These two major cities are separated only by the Columbia River, with the downtown centers only seven miles apart.  While the larger, more cosmopolitan city center of Portland is on the Oregon side of the Columbia, many are opting to enjoy the more affordable and easier-going lifestyle found in adjacent Vancouver Wasington and other parts of Clark County.   In fact, Clark County Washington has in recent years been one of the fastest growing counties in the nation.  Why?   Because there are some significant advantages to living in Vancouver and its surrounding area and to being only minutes from Portland and all it has to offer!   Below are just some of these extra benefits of living in Southwest Washington:

MORE AFFORDABLE HOMES!*
           When you invest in Clark County Washington real estate, you'll get more house 
         and/or land for your money in every property and price category!  Month after
              month and year after year, the local MLS statistical reports for sold homes in
           Vancouver, Portland, and other adjacent communities show proof of the
                  consistent savings possible when you buy in Clark County Washington! 
                  
BETTER-FUNDED QUALITY SCHOOLS!**
          While Oregon schools have been severly hindered by a funding crisis, school
                bond after school bond has passed in Clark County Washington!  Vancouver   
            schools and other Clark County schools have been repeatedly recognized for
          achievement excellence.  And Washington's method for funding schools provides
            a more stable foundation than does Oregon's approach to school-funding!

LOWER OVERALL COST OF LIVING!
          Compared to Portland, the overall cost of living is ranked as 94.4 for 
                 Vancouver, while it is 116.5 for Portland.  Compare Vancouver to some
            other cities:  Seattle, 123.3, Bellingham, 112.4, Tacoma, 107.6, San Jose, 158.5, 
               Orange County, 145.5, San Francisco, 164.9, New York (Manhattan), 217.2. 
                    (National Avg = 100.  Source:  ACCRA Cost of Living Index, 3rd Qtr 2009.) 

LOWER PROPERTY TAXES*** 
          When you compare the millage rate for property taxes in Vancouver 
        Washington and the rest of Clark County's cities and towns with the rates in 
              Portland and its immediate suburbs, you'll often see savings!  Nearby 
           Cowlitz County Washington property taxes are even lower!   And Vancouver
           Washington offers special property tax programs to assist seniors, too!

NO STATE INCOME TAX!***
          There is no -- zero! -- state income tax in Washington!   And because the 
              Oregon state income taxes are quite high for many people, this difference
            from state to state can mean HUGE annual savings!  Further, while Oregon
         taxes retirement income from any source, Washington state does not!

BUT WHAT ABOUT THE SALES TAXES?
          Yes, there is a sales tax in Vancouver Washington, and no sales tax in Oregon, 
             but that sales tax is currently tax deductible on federal tax returns!
                Also, as Oregonians try to find ways to solve their funding problems, 
            a possible sales tax has been suggested, so who knows about the future?
               And, of course, Clark County Washington residents are keenly aware that 
            they are just a few minutes drive from Portland's great tax-free shopping! 

No wonder Clark County Washington is attracting so
      many new residents to the area every day!          
CLICK HERE  *To learn more about home price comparisons  
CLICK HERE  To learn more about local schools  
CLICK HERE  ***To learn more about local tax comparisons  
CLICK HERE  **To read an article comparing Portland and Vancouver schools  
CLICK HERE  To read an article about Clark County's appeal to newcomers  
CLICK HERE  ***To read an article about Clark County's tax advantages  
 
If you have questions about living in Vancouver or elsewhre in Clark County Washington, in Portland Oregon, or other parts of the Portland Oregon - Vancouver Washington Metro Area, I would be happy to answer them orto direct you to resources which can help.  I can also send you a Relocation Packet of information by postal mail.  And I can also provide you full services 
as a specially trained Buyer's Agent to help you successfully search for homes for sale in Vancouver Washington or elsehwere in the surrounding region.  Feel free to contact me at any time by phone or email and tell me how I may best be of help.   
CLICK HERE

Carol Sundstrom, M.A., ABR, e-Pro and Your Guide to Good Living in Clark County WA!
COLDWELL BANKER BARBARA SUE SEAL PROPERTIES
Vancouver Square at The Mall
(360) 513-5067
carolsundstrom@cbseal.com
  © Carol Sundstrom, 2005