Why are Water Views So Coveted?

1 bed 1 bath houseboat $85k RMLS photo

Psychologically water makes us happy. That in a nutshell is the answer to the title query. People will pay a massive premium for a property with a good view of a lake, river, ocean, etc. Psychologists have written volumes about the calming effects of water, the soothing sound of the ocean, the tranquility offered by waterfront property or those high above with such views is so powerful to the human condition that people on average will pay more than 100% more money for a property with a waterfront location versus the same property without. This according to widely published real estate data.

Columbia River waterfront estate, $4.2 million RMLS photo

Right here in Clark County we can see the difference in price between homes and condos "on the water" and those a few blocks away. Even a 'peek-a-boo' view of the river or a lake can add substantial value to a property. We have a great many waterfront locations in Clark County. The Lewis River, East Fork of the Lewis River, Columbia River, Lake River, Washougal River, Little Washougal River, Vancouver Lake, Lacamas Lake, Salmon Creek, Burnt Bridge Creek, etc.

The Columbia River and Vancouver Lake are both large enough to have a big impact on the view from a nearby home. The Columbia River is more than mile wide in several locations around Vancouver and Vancouver Lake is more than two miles wide.

If all the PhDs are right, then we have a great many ways to be happy. From inexpensive house boats to crazy money on the Columbia waterfront along with everything in between. What ever you do, be sure to enjoy the view!

Hip or Serenity? Pick a View

What's your favorite view? A hip view downtown, looking at the skyline or maybe an urban park, waterfront, etc.? Or perhaps something more serene, a quiet lakefront, forested mountains with snow-capped peaks in the distance. The best part is that we have all of that and most of the stuff in between right here in Clark County, Washington.

From Downtown Vancouver which has an increasingly urban vibe and lots of new high rise developments for the city dwelling dreamers right out to places like Yacolt and Amboy with serene forests and spectacular mountains. You can have the city buzz with the metropolitan clatter and clank of the busy bees downtown or you can hear nothing but the breeze through trees and the summer crickets singing at night.

The best part is that it is only about half an hour drive between to two extremes! That is more amazing than the sum of all the views. City to Country and back on your lunch hour.

I had an open house last weekend in a high rise condo downtown. The Farmer's Market was happening, the sun was out and the crowds were buzzing around the park soaking up the vitamin D after a chilly and snowy second half of winter. There is a serious cool factor being in the thick of the city with everything a short walk away, yet high above it all.

Clark County views are a diverse mix of city, suburban, and rural and they are all fabulous. What ever you do, be sure to enjoy the view.