Living in Camas Washington - EVERYTHING You Need to Know
What is Living in Camas Washington Like?
Camas, Washington, is a small city in Clark County, about 20 miles east of Vancouver. With a population of around 28,000, it is a quiet and peaceful place to live, with a strong sense of community and a focus on outdoor recreation. The city is in a beautiful natural setting, with the Columbia River Gorge and the Cascade Mountains just a short drive away. There are plenty of opportunities for hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities, and residents can enjoy the stunning scenery year-round. In addition, Camas has many parks and green spaces within the city limits, including Lacamas Lake Regional Park, a popular spot for picnicking and wildlife watching.
Camas has a small-town feel, with a vibrant downtown area that includes a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural events. Several annual festivals and community events include the Camas Days celebration in July and the summer farmer's market. The city also has a strong arts community, with galleries and performance spaces showcasing local artists and musicians.
The cost of living in Camas is generally higher than the national average, with housing costs being a significant factor. The city boasts an array of housing options to suit a variety of budgets of those living in Camas, including single-family homes, townhouses, condos, and apartments.
While living in Camas would be an excellent choice for those who enjoy outdoor recreation, a close-knit community, and a high quality of life, we’ll give you plenty of things to consider today so that you can decide if Camas is an ideal fit for you. To discover more about living in Camas, Washington, read on to learn about its neighborhoods, schools, cost of living, and more. Let’s dive in!
Skip Ahead to:
1. The Moving to Camas Washington Team
2. What is the Cost of Living in Camas Washington?
3. Living in Camas Washington Tips/Info/Blog Posts
4. Best Neighborhoods in Camas Washington
5. Public Schools in Camas Washington
6. Top Destinations & Attractions in Camas Washington
The Moving to Camas Washington Team
Let our team of trusted professionals help you buy or/and sell a home in Camas, Washington. To connect with a local expert/real estate professional in Camas, Washington, CLICK HERE. To start receiving emails with homes that match your criteria anywhere in Washington, CLICK HERE and sign up for Listing Alert. With a little info on what, where, and how much, you'll get newly listed homes matching your criteria sent to your inbox as they hit the market. This can give you a big leg up in your home search.
The first step in the home-buying process is getting pre-approved for a mortgage. Todd Davidson is an experienced mortgage broker and can help you get the best financing option for your home purchase. Not quite ready yet? Todd can help you put together a plan to get you there. Whether you're thinking a few months or a year or more if you want to buy a home, reach out to Todd and he can help. CLICK HERE to email Todd and set up a call to get the process started or just call him at 971-275-2465.
Todd Davidson
Mortgage Broker
What is the Cost of Living in Camas Washington?
While living expenses differ for every situation, it’s important to factor in today's costs for housing (rent and own), utilities, food, transportation, healthcare, and other necessities to live before purchasing a home.
When we consider what it might cost to live in Camas, Washington and rent, you would need to make an average of $52,000 a year. To live in Camas, Washington and buy a home, you would need to make roughly $74,000 a year, if you have a 20% down payment.
If looking to move to Camas, Washington, and buy a home, reach out to Todd Davidson to get pre-approved for a mortgage and discuss your options. With as little as a 3-5% down payment you could be in your own home.
Living in Camas Washington Tips/Info/Blog Posts
23 FAQs A REALTOR GETS ASKED > CLICK HERE
18 MORTGAGE FAQs > CLICK HERE
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MORTGAGE INFO > CLICK HERE
FREE HOME OWNERSHIP GUIDE > CLICK HERE
Top Neighborhoods in Camas Washington
Home to some incredible communities filled with top-rated schools, gorgeous green spaces, and plenty to see and do, what neighborhoods in Camas, Washington suit your lifestyle and needs best? Below are just a handful of the great Camas neighborhoods you'll get to choose from.
Prune Hill
Prune Hill is a neighborhood in the eastern part of Camas. With views of the Columbia River and Mount Hood, it is known for its large, upscale homes and quiet, tree-lined streets. With abundant recreation and proximity to convenient commuting highways, it's a popular choice for families, especially households hoping for easy access to the nearby Portland Metro area.
Westridge
Featuring a mix of older, primarily ranch-style or split-level homes with a good amount of new construction, Westridge is close to downtown Camas. Besides its proximity to shopping and historical destinations, one of the bigger draws of the Westridge neighborhood is Lacamas Lake, a popular spot for fishing, swimming, and hiking. The Camas Meadows Golf Course is also located nearby, offering even more amenities to this special neighborhood.
Crown Park
Named after Crown Park, a large green space in the heart of the neighborhood, this Camas neighborhood is highly desirable for its walkability, tree-lined streets, and charming homes. Homes in Crown Park range in style and size, from classic Craftsman-style bungalows to newer, more modern homes. Crown Park is known for its convenient location, with easy access to shops, restaurants, and other amenities in downtown Camas.
Grass Valley
The homes in Camas’s northerly Grass Valley neighborhood are primarily single-family homes with spacious yards alongside townhouses and apartments. A pleasant mix of people live here, from retirees to young professionals to families of all ages. It’s located near several parks, including Lacamas Lake Park and Heritage Park, as well as within walking distance of several shopping centers and restaurants.
Lake Pointe
Lake Pointe is a relatively new development that began in the mid-2000s and is still growing today. It’s known for its beautiful homes, stunning views of the surrounding mountains and Lacamas Lake, and access to outdoor recreation. The Lake Pointe neighborhood is also located near several shopping centers and restaurants, making it a convenient, ideal place to live.
Interested in learning more about some of the fabulous neighborhoods in Camas? CLICK HERE to sign up for LISTING ALERT to be the first to know when a home matching your criteria gets listed for sale in this Washington city!
Public Schools in Camas Washington
Camas, Washington is served by the highly-rated Camas School District, which includes six elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school. This district strongly emphasizes technology and innovation, with a 1:1 student-to-device ratio and a focus on integrating technology into the classroom.
Named a "District of Distinction" by District Administration Magazine, the Camas School District is certainly worth considering if you plan on moving to Camas with children or need reliable public school options in the future. Niche.com also gives the Camas School District an A ranking, with almost all criteria getting an A or A-. For the most recent school year, 92% of seniors graduated on time, exceeding the state average.
Top Destinations & Attractions in Camas Washington
Are you moving to Camas, Washington and curious about what the city has in store for you? You have a lot to look forward to! Take a look at some of the best destinations, attractions, and events to add to your must-visit list in Camas, Washington:
Lacamas Lake Regional Park: This beautiful park offers hiking trails, fishing, boating, and picnic areas, as well as stunning views of Lacamas Lake.
Liberty Theater: This historic theater is popular for live performances, concerts, and movies.
Camas Farmer's Market: Held every Wednesday from May through September, this farmer's market offers fresh produce, local crafts, and live music.
Camas Days: This annual festival is held in July and features a parade, live music, food vendors, and a street fair.
Lacamas Heritage Trail: This scenic trail runs along the shore of Lacamas Lake and offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
Downtown Camas: This charming downtown area is home to various shops, restaurants, and cafes, as well as a weekly outdoor movie series in the summer.
Camas Meadows Golf Club: This 18-hole golf course is known for its challenging layout and scenic views.
Fallen Leaf Lake: This small lake is a hidden gem in Camas, with opportunities for fishing, hiking, and enjoying the scenery.
Pothole Falls: Potholes Falls is a popular destination for hiking and nature enthusiasts as well as for photography and picnics. Located along the Lacamas River, the falls and wildflowers are especially beautiful in the spring and summer.
Pros and Cons of Living in Camas Washington
Every location has its perks and drawbacks. What are some of the pros and cons of moving to and living in Camas, Washington? Let’s find out!
Living in Camas Washington Pros
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High Quality of Life: Camas, Washington, consistently ranks as one of the best places to live in Washington State, thanks to its low crime rate, excellent schools, and strong community spirit.
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Scenic Beauty: Living in Camas, Washington, you'll find it has a beautiful natural setting, surrounded by forests, lakes, and rivers. The city offers easy access to hiking trails, waterfalls, and other outdoor recreation opportunities.
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Strong Job Market: Camas, Washington, is home to several major employers, including Hewlett-Packard, WaferTech, and Fisher Investments, which offer a range of job opportunities in fields such as technology, finance, and manufacturing.
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Small-Town Charm: Despite its proximity to Portland, Camas has managed to maintain its small-town charm, with a vibrant downtown area, local festivals, and a strong sense of community.
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Family-Friendly Environment: Living in Camas, you'll find it's a great place to raise a family, with excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and a wide range of family-friendly activities and events.
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Access to Portland: While Camas offers a small-town feel, it is just a short drive from the vibrant city of Portland, which offers world-class dining, shopping, and cultural attractions.
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Outdoor Recreation: Living in Camas, Washington, you're surrounded by beautiful natural areas, including Lacamas Lake and the Columbia River Gorge, offering endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, such as hiking, fishing, boating, and more.
Living in Camas Washington Cons
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Cost of Living: The cost of living in Camas, Washington, is relatively high compared to other cities in the region due partly to its desirable location, strong schools, and high-quality housing.
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Traffic: The city's proximity to Portland can result in heavy traffic during peak commute times, especially on Highway 14 and I-205.
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Limited Diversity: Living in Camas you'll find a relatively homogenous population with limited diversity in terms of ethnicity, culture, and socioeconomic status.
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Limited Nightlife: While Camas has a charming downtown area with great restaurants and cafes, the nightlife scene is relatively limited compared to larger cities.
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Limited Public Transportation: Camas is a car-centric city with limited public transportation options. While some bus routes connect to Portland, they may only be convenient for some residents.
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Weather: While the Pacific Northwest is known for its natural beauty, it is also known for its rainy and overcast weather. Camas is no exception, with relatively high rainfall throughout the year.
FAQs About Living in Camas Washington
Still curious about Camas? Here are some questions and answers worth perusing before you reach out to Todd Davidson and local Camas real estate agents about your housing goals.
What is Camas known for?
Camas, Washington is known for its historic paper mill, once the largest in the world and operated for more than 100 years. The mill was originally built in the 1880s to process the camas root, a staple food of local Native American tribes, and later transitioned to producing paper products. While the mill is no longer in operation, its legacy is still visible in the city, with its smokestacks serving as a prominent landmark and the Camas Heritage Corridor offering a glimpse into the city's industrial past.
What cities are nearby Camas, Washington?
A number of great cities surround Camas, Washington. The closes are Washougal, WA (3 miles), Vancouver, WA (10 miles), Gresham, OR (12 miles), Portland, OR (15 miles), Battle Ground, WA (19 miles), Troutdale, OR (19 miles), Ridgefield, WA (25 miles), Beaverton, OR (28 miles), and Seattle WA (202 miles).
What is the weather like in Camas?
Living in Camas, Washington, you'll get mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. The average high temperatures in winter (December-February) range from the mid to upper 40s°F, while summer (June-August) temperatures average in the mid to upper 70s°F. Camas is relatively dry during the summer months, with only about 1-2 inches of precipitation on average. The winter months fare better, with an average of 5-6 inches per month. Fall and spring months have moderate temperatures with an average of 3-6 inches of rain to go along with reasonable highs and lows.
Does Camas Washington have good public schools?
For the 2022-23 school year, Niche.com ranks the Camas School District #10 out of the 252 school districts in Washington, giving it an overall A rating. The district is committed to providing a well-rounded education, including arts and athletics, and offers a variety of programs for students with different interests and needs. The district also has a diverse student body and strong partnerships with local organizations and businesses.
Who are the large employers in Camas Washington?
If living in Camas, Washington, some of the top employers include the Camas School District, which employs over 800 people, the Georgia-Pacific paper mill, which employs over 600 workers, and Fisher Investments, which employs over 500 people. Other notable employers in Camas include WaferTech and Holland Residential. With a diverse range of employers, residents of Camas can find opportunities in education, manufacturing, finance, and more.
How is the healthcare in Camas Washington?
Living in Camas, Washington, puts you near the PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center, which is a level II trauma center and has 450 beds. If you’re looking for a specialist and can't find them in the Camas area, you're 20 minutes from Portland and OHSU, the largest hospital in the area.
Is Camas Washington safe?
Yes! Camas is a safe community with a relatively low crime rate. According to NeighborhoodScout.com, Camas has a crime rate that is lower than 70% of all communities in the US.
Is Camas Washington a good place to live?
Camas, Washington is a great place to live because of its stunning natural beauty, with picturesque views of the Columbia River Gorge and nearby Mount Hood. Additionally, the city offers a strong sense of community, excellent schools, and a variety of outdoor recreational activities, making it an ideal place for families and nature enthusiasts – all found within a brief drive to Portland, OR!
I want to relocate to Camas. How do I make it happen?
You've come to the right spot if you're looking to move to Camas, Washington. There’s a lot of information on this website to help including some helpful links below. If you want to ask questions, try our Facebook Group > Moving to Washington where we have broad group of locals to answer any question you might have. If you’re looking to buy a home in the Camas area, getting pre-approved for a mortgage should be your first step. For Mortgage Info, reach out to me. I would love to tell you more about what living in Camas, Washington, is like as well as help with your mortgage if you decide to purchase a home.