Columbia Shores: Views on a Budget

Vancouver's Columbia Shores neighborhood offers affordable condos and some offer decent river views. Many of you may already be familiar with this compact neighborhood. Two popular riverfront restaurants are nearby, Beaches and McMenamins on the Columbia. Even if you can't swing the extra coin for a view unit, the fabulous Vancouver Waterfront Renaissance Trail runs through the area and offers a great view walk along one of America's mightiest rivers.


This is a small and compact area with mostly condos. But prices on decent sized units around 1000-1200 SF are less than $300k. You'll have to pony up some extra cash to get one of the units facing the trail and the river but even some of the back units on upper floor offer views of the river and the city lights. Some may feel that $300,000 for a 1000 sf condo are pricey, but just up the river a little ways one can find the Tidewater Cove condo development and you'll be hard pressed to find any unit in there under $750k. Value is a highly relative term.

Columbia Shores is a great spot for a riverfront condo and the prices are within reach of regular Americans. This neighborhood not only offers the views and connection to the Columbia River, but also is conveniently located. Nestled along the River just south of SR14 and access to that highway is quick. Just one exit west is the I5 interchange, the Interstate Bridge, Downtown Vancouver and the Fort Vancouver National Park Site.

The plan as of now is to extend the Waterfront Renaissance Trail into the new Downtown Waterfront project now under construction. With Vancouver USA trending towards a more urban lifestyle from Columbia Shores all the way into the new waterfront, these units are likely a strong investment opportunity as well as a great spot to relax and look at the pretty scenery.

Across the main channel of the mighty Columbia River on Hayden Island, Portland is also building more condos and apartments that take in sweeping views. Waterfront real estate very limited and that ultimately will spell inflated prices in the future.

Columbia Shores represents one of Vancouver USA's best waterfront values. These will likely see a robust spike in demand as the new waterfront project becomes a centerpiece attraction for new residents and jobs in the 'Original' Vancouver.

As always, please Enjoy the View.