Community-oriented living in Venersborg
Rural living is alive and well in Venersborg, with farms and woodlands bordering winding residential lanes. Just east of Battle Ground, the community’s name translates to “a haven for friends,” and has had a close-knit atmosphere since it was settled by Swedish immigrants in the early 1900s. “When people come to Venersborg, they tend to stay for the long haul,” says Kathy Holtby, a local resident and Treasurer for the Venersborg Historic Preservation Society. “There are a lot of families who have been here since the early days of the Venersborg. One thing people love about living here is the area’s community-oriented nature. Whether you know your neighbor or not, people help one another in times of need. A few years back, a neighbor I had never met before spent hours helping me fix my fence, and that’s the kind of story you hear over and over again in this community.”
Rural streets and spacious lots
Most of the area’s homes were built in the mid-to-late 20th century, with some newer builds throughout. Spacious, private properties are a popular draw to Venersborg, with the majority of houses sitting on an acre or more. Common architectural styles include modern craftsmans, ranch-style homes, rustic cabins and Colonial Revivals. “Houses sit on quiet streets,” Holtby says. “The only people that are really driving through Venersborg live here and are on their way to Battle Ground or back home.” Quaint cottages and single-story homes range from $540,000 to $730,000 while larger, multi-story builds and houses on expansive lots, can go from $750,000 to $1.3 million dollars.
Career and technical education at Battle Ground High
Local families are served by Tukes Valley Primary School, which earns a B-minus overall grade from Niche. Next door, the B-rated Tukes Valley Middle School offers a multilingual education program. Battle Ground High School receives a B-minus and has a variety of unique elective courses, from greenhouse management and screenwriting and filmmaking to food science and social media marketing. Students can earn dual credit through programs like College in the High School and CTE Dual Credit, which partner with nearby institutions like Clark College, Lower Columbia College and Central Washington University.
Battle Ground Community Library hosts various community programs and events like craft workshops, book clubs and clothing swaps.
Events at the old schoolhouse and nearby Battle Ground businesses
Northeast 209th Street is home to the community’s historic commercial center, including the old schoolhouse, the Venersborg Church and the old corner store. The Venersborg Schoolhouse is a site for community events throughout the year, from a spring potluck to neighborhood sales and a summer barbecue.
While Venersborg is largely residential and agricultural, residents are close to amenities and businesses in Battle Ground, including a Walmart, a Safeway and a Fred Meyer. George’s Molon Lave serves authentic Greek fare from lamb gyros to spanakopita. Everybody’s Brewing is a local favorite, with over 20 craft beers on tap, pub fare and regular live music. The Margarita Factory is a popular spot serving Mexican cuisine and specialty margaritas.
Outdoor recreation and annual festivities at Alderbrook Park
The 280-acre Battle Ground Lake State Park sits just northwest of Venersborg and has miles of wooded trails, campsites, a boat launch and a fishing pier. The park has around 10 miles of trails ideal for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Nearby, the Salmon-Morgan Creeks Natural Area has over a mile of trails that wind through mature forests and open meadows.
While Alderbrook Park is a private park that can be reserved for personal events and parties, it also serves as the hub for many of the area’s public festivals and events. From May to September, it hosts a Friday Night Cruise In event, with dozens of antique cars and motorcycles. Eventgoers can peruse the vintage vehicles, use the park’s disc golf course or go for a paddle on the pond.
Alderbrook is also the site for the annual Oktoberfest, complete with live music, games, beer gardens and food and craft vendors.
Proximity to Vancouver and Portland
Drivers can take 219th Street and Interstate 5 around 20 miles to downtown Vancouver or 30 miles to downtown Portland. The Portland International Airport is about 20 miles south.
Written By
Jillian Pillow
