Rather than Vancouver I'd suggest OP take a look at Longview/Kelso because housing is going to be much less expensive, a better selection and better quality and they will probably find more of a community there than Portland's bedroom, Vancouver. More about Vancouver's housing: the supply of new homes is very low and quite frankly what is primarily being built are let's say, "units" trying to maximize density without providing walking spaces or parks and even these are being sold at Portland prices. It's probably been a long time since Vancouver would win a beauty contest but what's happening right now is really tragic.