Bargain Views are a Available in the 'Couv'

Is there even such a thing? Yes, my friends, there is indeed. Right here in the beautiful 'Couv' there are a few select neighborhoods that have modestly priced homes perched atop a bluff with spectacular views. "Really," You ask? Yes, really.

In particular the Heights area of Vancouver, which includes a variety of neighborhoods, ranging in price from the millions of dollars to very modest accommodations in the mid 200s. South of Mill Plain the prices rapidly rise until reaching the southern bluff where majestic homes are perched on the cliff with breathtaking views of the Columbia River, Mount Hood, and the City of Portland. This is one of Vancouver's original modern affluent neighborhoods dating back to the 1950s. Don't expect any "bargains" in South Cliff or Dubois Park.

This is a crappy cell phone pic, but you get the idea!

Interestingly enough, the same area north of Mill Plain has much more pedestrian homes. There is a whole bunch of 1950s and 60s ranch homes with the classic 3/2 or 3/1 layout on large lots often in the 10,000 square foot range. As it is with the southern bluff so it is with the northern bluff, except that the northern bluff has many small and relatively simple homes perched on the cliff. Harney Heights and Northcrest both offer some great view opportunities with pricing that is within reach of the middle class. The Majestic Cascades are brilliantly displayed with Mount Saint Helens the prominent feature. The homes along the north bluff are about 150 feet above Fourth Plain Village down to the Andresen Corridor. This is high enough to see over the tall trees below. There is even a condo/townhouse complex with some units featuring nice views in the 200k range. The photo above was taken while I was showing one of the units there a few years ago.

If you get far enough west, some homes may offer a view of the mighty Mount Rainier, the lower 48s second highest mountain and the jewel of the Cascade range. Some homes in this area offer views of Mount Adams, Washington's second highest mountain. If you are really lucky you might find a home with views of both of them. They do exist, I have seen them! Since this bluff faces North you will not find views of Oregon's Mount Hood nor any Columbia River views, but that may be precisely why there are relative bargains here. The Columbia River and Mount Hood are the areas most coveted views. A grand panorama taking in those vistas could set you back seven figures. If you aren't mingling with the 1% crowd, they are likely out of reach. But these north facing properties provide great views on a modest budget. Don't expect to find modern homes with the latest layouts, these are older properties. Some are dated and others are remodeled, but they are for the most art older. This may be Vancouver's best kept secret, at least regarding view property.

I am always on the hunt for views, even the peek-a-boo variety and I will tell you about them here. So please Enjoy the View.