Fisherman's Paradise

The Pacific Northwest has a wonderful bounty in natural resources. Our fishing is world class. here on the west side of the Cascades there seems to be a river, stream or lake withing walking distance of any random point on a map.

This is a report on spring Chinook in the Columbia from the State of Washington.

Plenty of good reasons to renewfishing and hunting licenses soonSpring chinook salmon are moving into the lower Columbia River, several eastside lakes open for trout fishing March 1, and razor-clam digs are scheduled this month - including the first dig of the season on morning tides.These fisheries are just the first of many set to open in the weeks ahead, and the year’s first hunting seasons aren’t far behind. A spring wild turkey season for hunters under age 16 is scheduled April 5-6 prior to the start of the general spring turkey hunt April 15.With a new season of outdoor adventures about to begin, Washingtonians might want to consider purchasing 2014-15 fishing and hunting licenses before current licenses expire at midnight March 31.“We encourage people to renew their fishing and hunting licenses early, so they can take advantage of all the great recreational opportunities available throughout the year,” said Bill Joplin, licensing manager for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). “There’s no advantage in waiting and letting those opportunities slip by.”The cost of fishing and hunting licenses remains the same as last year. All fees included, a resident adult freshwater fishing license is $29.50; saltwater is $30.05; shellfish/seaweed is $16.30; and a combination license is $54.25. Resident hunting licenses vary with package options, ranging from a small-game license at $40.50 to a deer/elk/cougar/bear combination license for $95.50.Most annual licenses include a WDFW vehicle-access pass, which gives the bearer access to more than 700 WDFW water access sites throughout the state. Or, for $35, individuals can purchase an annual Discover Pass, which also provides vehicle access to state parks and other state lands.Fishing licenses, hunting licenses and the Discover Pass are all available online (https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov/), by phone (1-866-246-9453) and from license dealers around the state.

This is just another great reason to call Washington State your home to retire.

Golfing in Southwest Washinton

Here in the Portland Metro Area we have a variety of golfing opportunities. From a casual 9 hole experience right up to a professional 18 holes; you will not have to drive far to enjoy a sporting favorite among the retired crowd.

There are roughly 75 public golf courses within 30 miles of Vancouver, WA. Seventy Five! 30 miles too far to drive? Yeah,me too; narrow the reach to just 10 miles and you still have an astounding 17 choices. With this kind of selection any player at any level can find multiple places to play.

Personally I am a pretty weak player. I have played at King City as well as Glendoveer and Heron Lakes in Portland; Camas Meadows and Green Mountain in Camas; Fairway Village, Green Meadows, Lake View, Pine Crest, and Hartwood in Vancouver; Tri Mountain in Ridgefield, Lewis River in Woodland and The Cedars in Battle Ground.

These courses are a real mixed bag from easy and kid friendly to links that are challenging enough for Tiger Woods. I have not even begun to tickle the surface of great golf opportunities in Southwest Washington and our nearby neighbor Portland, OR.

Check out more information on local golf on my golf page here.

When choosing to retire in Washington State you can keep more of your income with our highly rated, retiree friendly tax system. Then you can spend extra cash on the latest high tech golf gear and the finest links. It is 'tee' time in Washington State, come enjoy the Evergreen state and keep more of your pension in your pocket!

Fairway Village is a Fair Place to Retire

Some retirees want to stay in close to town. Services such as shopping and medical offices are nice and close making for easy access with less time and hassle. That frees up more time for the fun part of retirement living.

Fairway Village is a community built around a beautiful 9-hole par 34 golf course, in the Cascade Park area of Vancouver, Washington. The community is restricted for persons 55 years and older. There are a variety of homes in the community ranging from condominiums to large single family homes. Many wonderful single level, 2 and 3 bedroom homes are right on the golf course. The 'village' has a nice clubhouse with an in-ground pool and year round activities.

Visit the Fairway Village HOA site for more info about the community.

As a Realtor®, I always enjoy showing and listing homes in Fairway Village. It is just such a great location for retirees. Almost everything you need on a regular basis is inside a one mile radius. Quite a bit of services are well within comfortable walking distance. If you do have to drive it will be a short drive

Cascade Park was developed in the 1970s before the Glen Jackson Bridge was even built. It nearly was incorporated into its own city. As time progressed Cascade Park built eastward until it met up with 164th Avenue or Fisher's Road for the Clark County old timers. As you move east the development becomes newer topping out with homes built in the mid 90s. Fairway Village is on the far east end of Cascade Park.

What makes this location so enticing is a combination of location and neighborhood quality. Fairway Village maintained solid footing even as the real estate market struggled in 2009-2011. It is just that desirable.

164th and Mill Plain Blvd. is the hub of the East Side. Fairway Village is conveniently located at that hub. Here are some distances (linear miles) to nearby services, from the Fairway Village clubhouse.

• 0.40 miles to IHOP Restaurant and nearby professional center
• 0.61 miles to Village Public Storage
• 0.62 miles to Fred Meyer (Grocery/Department store) 
• 0.62 miles to East Vancouver Public Transit Hub
• 0.67 miles to Cascade Health Club
• 0.76 miles to Canepa Dental or Oasis Dental
• 0.79 miles to Regal Cinema Cascade 16 movie theatre
• 0.80 miles to Hwy 14 on ramp at 164th Avenue 
• 1.03 miles to 164th and Mill Plain (a virtual cornucopia of shopping and services including, Red Robin, Target, Old Spaghetti Factory, Ross, Kohl's, Olive Garden and quite literally hundreds more)
• 1.50 miles to Vancouver Clinic (popular local medical office)
• 1.80 miles to Kaiser Permanente Cascade Park
• 2.07 miles to 192nd and Mill Plain (Walmart, Home Depot, Lowes, JC Penny, 5 guys and much more)
• 3.46 miles to Camas Meadows Golf Course
• 3.64 miles to Peach Health Southwest Washington Medical Center (Major Hospital)
• 3.87 miles to Portland International Airport
• 4.15 miles to Green Mountain Golf Course
• 4.92 miles to Lacamas Lake and Lacamas Park
• 5.25 miles to Westfield Vancouver Mall
• 8.16 miles to Downtown Vancouver
• 9.91 miles to Downtown Portland

I took the liberty of pulling some current listings in the Fairway Village community.

$295,000

The home sits on the golf course with easy access and a great view from the backyard. This home features a spacious floor plan all on one level totaling 1685 square feet. There are two bedrooms and two bathrooms


$350,000


This fabulous home sits right on the golf course with a great view from the backyard. This is a very spacious one level home with a whooping 1872 square feet of living space. it is also a 2 bedroom 2 bath offering.

Fairway Village is really, a Fair Way place to Retire. Contact me for additional information about opportunities to own property in this wonderful retirement community.