Vancouver, WA is pretty nice, much cheaper than Seattle but it's a solid city. $400k is cutting it close but you can definitely get a good 3 bedroom house with that budget. It's a super central location. Lots of good hikes within an hour drive, even 30 mins if you're not picky. It's right across from Portland if being a foodie is important to you. It's 2 hours to the coast, Bend, Hood River, Mt. Hood. If you're buying a house I'm not aware of any HOA that has a breed restriction. Some apartments do restrict but there's plenty that will allow german shepherds. I've got a few neighborhood guides on my website if you want to know more about it or feel free to message me.