On the north financial institution of the mighty Columbia River in southwest Washington lies Vancouver, the small city wherein I’ve retired.
Sure, there may be nonetheless a Vancouver in North America! Many solely know the Canadian metropolis of Vancouver. In truth, Vancouver, Washington is the unique Vancouver, with a historical past that goes again a whole lot of years.
Vancouver, WA combines the benefits of dwelling in a small city with the comfort of an enormous metropolis.
Listed below are 14 causes I selected to retire to Vancouver. Maybe additionally, you will be amazed by a few of these conveniences.
1. No state revenue tax
Washington State is one in every of 9 US states with no state revenue tax and doesn’t tax retirement revenue. Sure, there may be gross sales tax, however I choose it to state revenue tax.
2. Housing prices / property tax
I’m drawn to Washington State for cheaper housing prices and decrease property taxes in comparison with Portland.
EchoVisuals / Shutterstock.com
3. Proximity to Portland Worldwide Airport
As a journey fanatic, this is a crucial concern for me. I might be at Portland Worldwide Airport in 10 minutes. When company come to go to, I invite them to textual content me after touchdown, choose up their baggage and once I arrive on the airport they’re going to be ready for me.
Portland Airport has usually been known as top-of-the-line airports within the nation. It is a enjoyable place to depart or to reach.
Glenn L. Jackson Memorial Bridge or I-205 Bridge. (Picture credit score: Bob Pool / Shutterstock.com)
4. Site visitors is wholesome
Each time I drive in a much bigger metropolis I’m reminded of why I selected Vancouver, Washington as my retirement. As my brother used to say when he was visiting from Lengthy Seashore, California, “It is sensible right here!”
5. I like medical care in a smaller metropolis
I really feel like medical care is extra private in a smaller city. My chosen medical heart is lower than 3 miles from residence.
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6. I really like the 4 totally different seasons
Vancouver stays fairly inexperienced all yr spherical. Sure, there’s a motive! Extra on that later! Total, the temperatures stay fairly gentle. We will get a couple of days of snow yearly. The summers are comparatively gentle.
Spring brings blooming bushes, tulips, daffodils, and gardening. In my backyard there are additionally raspberries, blueberries, strawberries and an apple tree.
Summer time has heat temperatures; nonetheless, temperatures normally settle down at night time.
Jo-Anne Bowen
Autumn brings the gorgeous change of leaves and my backyard harvest. Autumn additionally brings the harvest of state grapes and hops, which brings numerous enjoyable experiences!
Winter has its personal charms: on the one hand, the commentary of winter storms and, then again, the migration of grey whales. Winter additionally brings the scrumptious Dungeness crab. The crab season normally begins simply earlier than Christmas and ends in late spring. Lots of my perennials seem shortly after the New 12 months.
Sure, winter additionally brings rain. I say to myself, “a minimum of I haven’t got to shovel it” like I needed to shovel numerous snow in Alberta, Canada! On a go to from Alberta, my mom stated, “It is so inexperienced right here!” I might reply, “Sure, Mother, there’s a motive for that.”
I’ll endure the rain over the snow day by day! I can all the time escape when the rain will get too heavy.
Roxana Gonzalez / Shutterstock.com
7. Proximity to sea seashores
Two of my fortunate locations are the ocean seashores alongside the southern Washington coast and the Oregon coast. In lower than 2 hours, I might be strolling or sitting on the seaside and having fun with the sights and sounds of the ocean. My favourite spots on the Washington coast are Ilwaco and Lengthy Seashore; My two favourite locations on the Oregon coast are Newport and Depoe Bay.
8. Proximity to mountains
Snow lovers shall be delighted to study that there are two ski areas on Mt. Hood, Oregon, lower than an hour’s drive from Vancouver: Timberline and Mt. Hood Ski Bowl. Timberline is the one year-round ski resort in North America. Along with snowboarding and snowboarding, there are snow groomer rides and snowshoe hikes. Take a day journey or keep on the historic Timberline Lodge. Mt. Hood Ski Bowl is the biggest night time ski space within the nation and has an unbelievable snow tubing park.
9. Proximity to Columbia River Gorge Nationwide Scenic Space
Inside 20 minutes of my residence in Vancouver, I can benefit from the Columbia River Gorge Nationwide Scenic Space. The 80 mile lengthy canyon follows the Columbia River and varieties the border between Washington and Oregon. The geological formations are distinctive – sheer cliffs fall into the dashing waters of the river and greater than 50 waterfalls will seize your consideration. Essentially the most well-known waterfall is the Multnomah Falls, one in every of Oregon’s most well-known landmarks. Head to Vista Home Crown Level Scenic Viewpoint for breathtaking views of the canyon.
The realm is a leisure playground. You possibly can hike, camp, kite surf, windsurf, observe wildlife or take your time to marvel on the unbelievable magnificence.
Danita Delimont / Shutterstock.com
10. Proximity to award profitable wineries / craft breweries in Washington and Oregon
I can go to award-winning wineries in jap Washington and central Oregon inside a 1 to three hour drive. In Washington, the Yakima Valley has over 120 wineries and is the biggest hop-growing area within the nation. Close by are Walla Walla’s 150 wineries generally known as “The Wine Vacation spot In The State”. Tualatin Valley, a part of Oregon’s Willamette Valley, is called one of many premier Pinot Noir rising areas on this planet!
Jo-Anne Bowen
11. The great thing about the Vancouver Waterfront and Columbia River Renaissance Path
Not too long ago named “One of many Greatest Pedestrian Points of interest” within the nation by Fobes, Vancouver’s Waterfront options two miles of paved walkways alongside the mighty Columbia River. With six wineries, seven eating places, historic websites like Kaiser Werften, and breathtaking views of Mount Hood, there’s one thing for everybody. The boardwalk continues on to the Columbia River Renaissance Path, a collection of paved trails via Vancouver’s Nationwide Historic Reserve, Officer’s Row, and downtown Vancouver. Individuals prefer to stroll, hike, cycle and jog alongside the paths.
12. Proximity to a wildlife sanctuary and an outside training heart
The Ridgefield Nationwide Wildlife Refuge is simply 21 miles north of Vancouver and includes 5,300 acres of wetlands, riparian forests, and marshland that’s residence to a wide range of vegetation, birds, animals, and fish. There’s each a automotive tour route and a community of mountaineering trails which can be appropriate for wheelchair customers and hikers. In the course of the mating and breeding season, sure elements of the refuge are inaccessible to guests. Examine the web site for updates.
The senior citizen move is legitimate right here in addition to different passports. In any other case there’s a small price per automotive cost / group of 4 hikers. There are additionally plenty of volunteer actions.
Columbia Springs is a 100 acre out of doors training heart right here in Vancouver. With greater than 2 miles of mountaineering trails and boardwalks, folks of all ages benefit from the alternative to attach with nature and study extra in regards to the setting. The hatchery dates again to 1938 and raises a whole lot of hundreds of steelheads, rainbow trout and salmon. The realm is an exquisite setting for picnics, walks, hikes and bike rides. There are various instructional programs going down. My favorites are the chicken watching and aviary constructing lessons.
Many senior residents volunteer on the heart.
13. Month-to-month group newspaper for seniors
The Senior Messenger is a superb software to assist seniors keep linked and energetic. Discover leisure actions, 50+ journey applications, and well being and wellness data. The 50+ Journey Program presents reasonably priced day journeys to the Pacific Northwest.
Jo-Anne Bowen
14. Vancouver’s wealthy historical past
Historical past buffs will discover quite a bit to find right here in Vancouver.
The Fort Vancouver Nationwide Historic Website consists of Fort Vancouver, Officer’s Row, Vancouver Barracks, and the Pearson Air Museum. You possibly can study in regards to the historical past of the fur commerce within the Pacific Northwest between 1825 and 1860. The 200 acre web site was the hub of the Hudson’s Bay Firm right here in Vancouver. Officer’s Row is a collection of 21 Victorian homes constructed between 1849 and 1906 to accommodate US Military officers.
The Decrease Vancouver Nationwide Historic Reserve contains Waterfront Park and the Kaiser Shipyards Overlook, which commemorates the ships, tankers, and escort vessels that had been constructed right here for the conflict effort. Additionally, you will discover plaques commemorating the Lewis & Clark Expedition 1804-1806. A land bridge connects the 2 areas.
Vancouver additionally options the state’s oldest city sq., Esther Quick Park, which is anchored by the historic Slocum Home from 1867. The 2 story Victorian house is listed on the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations.
For extra data on lots of my favourite websites talked about right here, try my articles on TravelAwaits.
For extra data on retirement choices, see these articles:
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