Living near the Columbia River means you get to make a choice most homebuyers never face: which state do you want to call home? Vancouver and Portland are just a bridge apart, but living on one side or the other can feel surprisingly different. Here's what's worth thinking about. 🏡
Taxes work differently
Washington has no state income tax, but it does have sales tax. Oregon is the opposite: there's a state income tax, but no sales tax. Where you work, shop and earn your income can make one side a better fit for your budget. (A tax professional can help you run your own numbers.)
Think about your daily commute
Crossing the I-5 or I-205 bridge at rush hour is a real part of life for many commuters here. If you work on one side of the river, living on the same side can give you back a lot of time each week.
Every community has its own personality
From Camas, Ridgefield and Battle Ground in Washington to SW Portland and Lake Oswego in Oregon, each area has its own feel, home styles and price points. The best way to find your fit is to spend time in each: grab a coffee, walk the streets and picture your everyday routine there.
Buying and selling rules differ, too
Each state has its own contracts, disclosures and closing steps. It helps to work with someone who knows both.
One agent, both sides of the river
I'm licensed in both Washington and Oregon, so I can help you compare neighborhoods, homes and costs on either side, and guide you through the process wherever you land.
Thinking about a move in Washington or Oregon? Let's talk about what matters most to you and find the side of the river that feels like home. 💙
Brenda Wilson | eXp Realty | 360-909-4663
Photo: "Interstate Bridge from northeast side" by SounderBruce, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped.