Not to be confused with Vancouver, Canada, the area where you’ll find Stephen’s Place is Vancouver in Washington State. Located across the Columbia River from Portland, Oregon, Vancouver, WA, is one of the most welcoming and beautiful towns in the entire Pacific Northwest.

There are so many reasons to fall in love with Vancouver, WA, including everything from fresh-air activities to creative events for everyone to enjoy. There is also a huge retirement community in Vancouver because so many people enjoy being here. Read on to find our top 5 reasons to retire to Vancouver, Washington.

Hiking

The Pacific Northwest is known for its hiking opportunities, and Vancouver is a hotspot. With several easy and moderate-level trails within the city limits and numerous day-trip opportunities in the surrounding area, there are plenty of ways to get out and enjoy the scenery. In Vancouver, you’ll find many trails along the Columbia River, including historical journeys like the Discovery Loop, as well as easy-going trails along Vancouver Lake. For more options, head north to Whipple Creek Park in Ridgefield for its picturesque forests, or head further into the Columbia River Gorge, for incredible scenery and trails for all levels.  

Nature

Besides hiking, Vancouver is home to some unparalleled natural wonders. The town is dotted with public parks perfect for picnics and outdoor activities. Plus, the aforementioned Columbia River Gorge is only a stone’s throw away. Vancouver is also home to Columbia Springs, a nature center famous for the Vancouver Trout Hatchery. They also offer educational programs built around their various ponds, streams and nature trails. The nearby Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge also gives visitors an opportunity to see the local flora and fauna.

Nearby Excursions

Another plus-side of our beloved Vancouver, WA, is its proximity to so many other great places. First off, Portland, OR, is just across the river, providing even more opportunities to experience the local culture. There’s everything from the Portland Zoo and Arboretum to museums on art, science or even hats. Further afield, national parks like Olympic or Mt. Rainier are less than 3 hours away. You can also visit the Mount St. Helens National Monument, or have a classic beach getaway in Seaside, Oregon, and visit its aquarium and a retro arcade.

Beaches

You don’t have to go very far to get some Vitamin D in Vancouver. There are actually several beaches within the city. Wintler Community Park offers a beautiful beach right on the Columbia River. Also right in Vancouver, are Surprise Beach, a tiny riverside patch of sand, and Frenchman’s Bar Regional Park, popular for picnics and summer fun in the sun. Vancouver’s beaches are excellent for relaxing and watching the ships float along the Columbia. There are also beaches on Vancouver Lake and further along the river.

Art & History

Vancouver is also a great place to experience art and history. Fort Vancouver is a historic military site with beautiful views of the river, and many educational opportunities, like costumed “living history” shows. You can also learn about the town’s aviation history at the Pearson Air Museum, or see how life used to be at Cedar Creek Grist Mill just north in Woodland. The town of Vancouver is also a strong supporter of the arts, and the Clark County Mural Society commissions many urban murals. It’s great to take an afternoon and wander among these works of art. 

About Stephen’s Place

Stephen’s Place is an independent apartment community for adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities, located in Vancouver, WA (7 minutes from Portland, OR).

If you have a loved one with developmental or intellectual disabilities, who is looking for a community to live in, please contact us for more information. 

Stephen’s Place is a private-pay apartment community due to our state-of-the-art amenities and programs. We are a nonprofit and do not profit from our community. We are private pay because we spend more than some housing communities to ensure that our residents are comfortable and can safely live their lives with independence and dignity.