South Washington is a beautiful corner of the Pacific Northwest, boasting countless opportunities for scenic adventures out in nature as well as life in the charming cities of Vancouver, Ridgefield, and more.

Adventures and more in South Washington

Vancouver is home to gourmet restaurants, shopping, concerts, and festivals. South Washington follows along the Columbia River, shadowed by Mt. Hood, Mt. St. Helens, and the rest of the Cascade Range. Hike, fish, swim, bike, or even surf or ski in countless spots, all within close proximity to Vancouver.  Sunny summers and mild winters keep the fun rolling all year round.

The South Washington area is home to several state parks, including Paradise Point State Park in Ridgefield and Battle Ground Lake State Park in Battle Ground, which offers camping and hiking.

Entertainment abounds in Vancouver, with frequent concerts at the Clark County Fairgrounds and ilani Resort and Casino in Ridgefield. ilani also offers frequent special culinary events. Vancouver hosts festivals throughout the year, including The Craft Beer & Wine Fest, Birdfest & Bluegrass, and the Clark County Fair. Cheer on the Ridgefield Raptors at a baseball game, or attend the Vancouver Waterfront concerts every Thursday in the summer.

Downtown Vancouver hosts an art walk on the first Friday of each month in the Arts District and is home to the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. There is also plenty of shopping to be found at local businesses or at the Vancouver Mall.  

Vancouver is rapidly becoming a culinary paradise, with upscale dining at the gorgeous waterfront. A new addition to the waterfront is a Vancouver location of Seattle’s famed 13 Coins restaurant. There’s also every kind of cuisine you could crave, from Middle Eastern to Korean to desserts, like delicious Bleu Door bakery and local favorite Salt and Straw. Several legendary Washington wineries have tasting rooms in Vancouver, and verdant Ridgefield is home to some wineries of its own.

The weather of South Washington

Vancouver has a gorgeous temperate climate, allowing for greenery all year round. Light rain is expected but not disruptive, so locals often tease umbrella users. A rain jacket is a wardrobe staple in this area. The summers are stunning and usually last through September, and this region’s residents know how to take advantage of the sunny, warm weather and long days. There may be one or two snow days yearly, but they will often melt overnight.

Cost of Living and Economic Opportunity in South Washington

Many residents move to Vancouver, Washington, to benefit from the many work opportunities in neighboring Portland, Oregon, while enjoying a slightly lower cost of living. Washington has no state income tax, and Oregon has no sales tax, so Washingtonians can enjoy the best of both worlds with some planning. D.R. Horton offers many new-build homes all over the South Washington area that offer an unmatched value at any price range.

South Washington’s strong economic landscape provides ample job opportunities and a robust business environment. Several major companies, including Nautilus and Banfield Pet Hospital, are headquartered here, contributing to the city's economic vitality. Other leading companies include PeaceHealth, Vancouver and Evergreen Public Schools, Battle Ground Public Schools, SEH America, and Vancouver Clinic.