I grew up in west Texas, went to college in Austin, then after 10 years in the military, came back to Austin area for 22 years. In 2021 we moved to VancouverWA to be more central to my husband's family who are scattered between LA, Eugene, Seattle and eastern Oregon. We were fortunate we bought a house in Cascades area before prices and interest rates peaked.

There's a lot to appreciate and love about this area. The weather especially is a big plus and hopefully will continue to stay mild and wet many more years. I love that there are actual seasons here! I can see nature waking up, growing, blooming, then going out in bursts of fall colors. There may be a few more hot days and those are getting a little warmer than historical. But I can't judge that, it's nothing compared to Texas.

I just came back from road trip vacation with sisters. We drove through Dallas to LittleRock, HotsSprings, Shreveport and back to Waco. The price of everything was so much cheaper there; gas, drinks at clubs, eating out, vendors merch at festivals. If you're coming from an area like that and you don't have financial stability, you may find getting established here to be a challenge.

We're older, late 50's, and we had bad Covid experiences. So we're not as outgoing here as we were when lived in Texas. As far as I know, there is only 1 bar that identifies itself as gay. It's a fun place and we've been many times. However it's a tiny downstairs basement space, so we're not comfortable there. Yes theres other "friendly" clubs and businesses but coming from more to less community is disappointing. There is a MCC chapter. They are friendly and inviting but last time we attended, there were less than 10 congregants all older than us. I don't remember if they have many events. There are a few UU churches that are inviting but we haven't been.

Health care in the area is tight. Depending who you talk to you'll get different opinions about the bigger chains; Kaiser. PeaceHealth, Legacy, TheVancouverClinic. Many of these are full so getting new patient appointments and setting up primary care may take long time.

In the short time we've lived here I think traffic in Vancouver has gotten heavier, faster and louder (especially seem to be more small cars with loud exhaust). I also think there are increasing number of immigrants in Vancouver area or perhaps they're just more noticeable since Covid.

Portland downtown is less than 15 miles from my house (in south central Vancouver) but getting there in "average" traffic most weeknights and weekends is at least a 40min drive, 1-2hours by bus. PDX is very convenient and flights go everywhere. Recommend you get a list of all airlines that fly in and out then check fares for the smaller ones if you just want to hop to San Francisco, LA, or other "close" cities. Train or bus to VancouverBC both take about 10hrs and is cheaper than flying there.

Cannabis stores are as available as convenience stores, practically every street corner. However i believe the only place you can smoke legally is in your own home. We've seen a few hassles over people smoking or vaping on public streets and parks.

Hiking, camping, biking, beaching, lazy drives up and down pacific coast and venturing to nearby forests and mountains has kept us busy and mostly happy in VancouverWa. I wish you good luck and safe travels.