Housing is in a seller's market in Battle Ground, Washington, a suburb of Vancouver that has grown in popularity lately.

"Battle Ground offers a mix of city and country offering homes on acreage as well as neighborhoods," says Realtor Jeff Baker. "Once a small town with timber and farming as the economic strengths, Battle Ground has grown with diversity."

Says Realtor Janine Hook, "This small older town has boomed in recent years with new subdivisions. It's about 15 - 20 minutes to either bridge to Portland. Many acreage properties are in the area, also. Prices have really gone up fast the last couple of years. A house that sold for $120,000 two years ago is now selling at $170-175,000. Acreage properties have gone up at a much slower pace. Stick-built homes on any size of land are hard to find under $250,000. Manufactured homes on land are priced between $150,000 and $250,000, but are very difficult to finance unless they are newer double or triple-wides on approved foundations."

"Much like it's neighbor Vancouver, to the south," says Realtor Stan Callan. "Battle Ground (est.pop. 14,500) is experiencing phenomenal growth. New businesses and new homes are springing up everywhere. The local residents enjoy easy access to nearby forests, lakes, streams and other recreational areas while being only minutes from urban centers and interstate freeways. The range of community events illustrates the town's "family-oriented" atmosphere...festivals, parades, restoration projects, golf tournaments and much more. The Current median price of homes sold in the Battle Ground area is $216,000 as of November 1, 2004."

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Published: November 22, 2004

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