M.S.
If you chose the Vancouver area, I highly recommend East Vancouver/Fisher's Landing area. The lots are small, some smaller than others as they have larger homes, but it has been a wonderful neighborhood. I live in Summer's Walk and my home is within 1 1/2 miles of, ah let's count... 8 parks? My children are 4,5 and 6 and we have spent countless hours at each of these different parks. We used to walk/stroller/backpack carrier/baby bjorn. Now, we all ride bikes. We are also within 2 miles of a Fred Meyer, Target, soon to be JCPenney, Michaels, Best Buy, soon to be Olive Garden, Spaghetti Factory, Red Robin, huge movie theater, Walmart, 4 Starbucks, and the list goes on! I love my culdesac and the numberous young children that play here and around here every day. Especially, now with summer finally here. Just beware of home owner's association dues and rules. There are some around here with higher ($50-90/month), ours is just $18. Our kids played soccer this spring, and practice was one mile away, as were the weekly games. Very convenient. The main cross streets are 164th and 192nd avenues, both with exits off of highway 14, approx 2-5 miles east of I-205. Ten minutes from terminal at the airport, Ikea, 15 minutes to Costco, 25 to downtown Portland... OK, I think I made my point? I love it here! Oh, and the schools, very good schools in the Evergreen district. My son/s go to Illahee Elementary (2 miles) with Shahala Middle school 1 mile and Union(the brand new school as of Sept 07) 2 1/2 miles. There are a ton of SAHM around here and ALOT of parental involvement in the schools.