Vancouver, WA
Hough
Historic close-in blocks of pre-war homes just northwest of downtown.
On the map
Boundary is approximate — refined per neighborhood over time.
Pacific Relocation's take
Our favorite close-in pick for character homes you can actually walk from.
Hough is where we send clients who want a genuinely historic, tree-lined neighborhood of pre-war bungalows and four-squares but still want to walk to coffee, the park and Uptown Village. It is one of Vancouver's most walkable areas, and its proximity to downtown means you get character housing without giving up errands on foot. It suits remote workers, young families and design-minded renters who value 1900–1945 charm over new finishes — most of the stock is older single-family and duplexes, so expect aging systems and the occasional fixer. Inventory is thin because owners hold these houses, and the best yard-and-fence rentals lease fast in late spring before the summer move season. Schools are middle-of-the-pack at the elementary level and weaker at the high-school level, so we talk families with teens through their options early. For the price, the location and walkability are hard to beat anywhere in the city.
Lifestyle figures
Best of Hough for you
Walkable / key streets
- Uptown Village (Main Street)0.5 km
The walkable stretch of Main north of downtown, lined with cafes, antique shops and restaurants on the edge of Hough.
- John Ball Park0.4 km
A mid-size neighborhood park at W 23rd and Kauffman with playground and open lawn, a short walk from most of Hough.
Cultural / arts
- Hough Neighborhood Historic District0.2 km
Vancouver's largest collection of pre-WWII housing, listed on the Washington Heritage Register, between Kauffman and Broadway.
- Kiggins Theatre0.7 km
The restored 1936 Art Deco cinema on Main Street, a short walk south for indie films and events.
Directions ↗Pinned on map
Cafés
- Compass Coffee Roasting0.6 km
The Vancouver-based roaster and coffee bar just south of Hough, a regular morning stop for the neighborhood.
- Relevant Coffee1.0 km
Light-filled minimalist cafe and roaster at Main & 17th that locals call the heartbeat of the Hough/Arnada area.
To buy (USD)
| Type | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 BR | 290,000 | 355,000 | 455,000 |
| 2 BR | 365,000 | 445,000 | 570,000 |
| 3 BR | 490,000 | 595,000 | 760,000 |
Estimated from local rents — placeholder, pending verified sale data.
Rent ranges (USD)
| Type | Low | Median | High | Δ 12mo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 BR | 1,350 | 1,550 | 1,850 | ↑ 2.9% |
| 2 BR | 1,700 | 1,950 | 2,350 | ↑ 3.2% |
| 3 BR | 2,200 | 2,600 | 3,100 | ↑ 2.6% |
Source: Rentals.ca + Zumper Q1 2026, refreshed weekly via our rent worker.
Our advice
Before you sign a lease
- Pre-1945 houses here often have older wiring, single-pane windows and high winter heating bills — ask for recent utility statements before signing
- Some rentals predate modern permits for basement or attic conversions; confirm the bedroom count is legal and the unit is properly metered
- Historic-district guidelines can limit exterior changes and parking pads — clarify in writing what the landlord allows for parking and yard use
Pacific Relocation
Want our help finding a place here?
Book a free 30-min Discovery Call with Pacific Relocation.
Last reviewed 2026-06-09.