Vancouver WA Moving Companies

Vancouver, Washington

You’re moving to Vancouver, Washington! Before you start researching Vancouver moving companies, take a moment to know more about this laid-back but modern port city. Vancouver is located on the north bank of the Columbia River, opposite Portland, Oregon. Like other harbor cities in Washington, Vancouver combines the vitality of a major metropolis with small-town ambience and abundant opportunities for recreation. Retirees are moving to Vancouver because of it proximity to Portland and the absence of a state income tax in Washington.

Economy:
Vancouver’s public port is central to the local and regional economy. Maritime and industrial activities at Vancouver’s port account for 15,500 jobs in Vancouver and Clark County. Currently undergoing expansion, the port hopes to add approximately 4,000 more jobs over the next 15-20 years as it develops additional maritime and industrial land. The city has embarked on the rail project that is expected to generate more than 19,000 construction jobs and over $71 million in personal income. Independently owned small businesses remain a priority as Vancouver seeks to promote entrepreneurship and diversify the city’s economic base.

History:
The Chinook and Klickitat tribes were the original inhabitants of the Vancouver, Washington area, where they built permanent settlements of timber loghouses. By the time the first Europeans explored the area in 1775, half of the indigenous population had been wiped out by a smallpox epidemic. In 1824, Fort Vancouver was established as a fur trading post of the Hudson’s Bay Company and became the center for fur trading in the Pacific Northwest. Before 1845, Henry Williamson registered a claim for the area west of the Hudson’s Bay Company. The City of Vancouver was incorporated on January 23, 1857. Vancouver steadily grew throughout the rest of the 19th century. Rail service arrived in the area in 1908, while the Interstate Bridge was completed in 1917. Vancouver ‘s three shipyards repaired and manufactured ships used by the U.S. Navy for the two World Wars. In 1997, the city embarked on downtown revitalization program that includes condominiums, a Hilton hotel, and a new shopping complex.

Tourism:
Whether exploring the historic wooden hangar at Pearson Air Museum or sightseeing in the Columbia River Gorge, Vancouver provides plenty of options for recreation and entertainment. The Pearson Air Museum features exhibition areas where you can view a stunning collection of vintage airplanes, try your hand at flying a plane at the flight simulator room, or view priceless Russian Transpolar Flight memorabilia. Go on a sightseeing and meal cruise aboard on the Columbia and Willamette rivers aboard vessels belonging to the Portland Spirit fleet. Shop for local produce, arts and crafts at the Vancouver Farmers Market while live music plays in the background.

Colleges/Universities:

• Clark College
• Everest College at Vancouver
• University of Phoenix – Vancouver Learning Center
• University of Washington Tacoma

Interesting Facts:

• In Vancouver, motor vehicles are required to carry anchors as an emergency brake.
• Both Vancouver, Washington and Vancouver, British Columbia were named after British captain and explorer George Vancouver.
• Vancouver is the oldest continuous settlement in the Pacific Northwest.