Living in Longview Washington - EVERYTHING You Need to Know
What is Living in Longview Washington Like?
Located in the state's southwestern corner, Longview, Washington, has a population of approximately 37,000 residents. The city sits at the junction of the Cowlitz and Columbia Rivers, making it a prime location for water-based recreation and industry. Longview is about 50 miles north of Portland, Oregon, along the I-5 corridor. The city is known for its timber industry and is home to several major employers, including Weyerhaeuser, KapStone Paper and Packaging Corporation, and the Cowlitz County Public Works Department.
One of the top attractions in Longview is the Lake Sacajawea Park. It is a beautiful park that surrounds a 3-mile lake with a walking and biking trail, playgrounds, picnic areas, and a Japanese garden. Another popular destination is the Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts, a historic venue recently renovated to host a variety of concerts, plays, and shows.
The cost of living in Longview, Washington, is lower than the national and state averages, making it one of the more affordable places to live in the region. Housing costs are exceptionally reasonable, with some of the lowest median housing prices in the area.
If you want to live in a peaceful, laid-back town with plenty of outdoor recreation, easy access to a big city, and a lower cost of living, then living in Longview, Washington, could be right for you! Read on to learn more about living in Longview, including info on Longview neighborhoods, schools, cost of living in Longview, and pros and cons of living in Longview, to see if moving to and living in Longview, Washington, is the right decision for you!
Skip Ahead to:
1. The Moving to Longview Washington Team
2. What is the Cost of Living in Longview Washington?
3. Living in Longview Washington Tips/Info/Blog Posts
4. Best Neighborhoods in Longview Washington
5. Public Schools in Longview Washington
6. Top Destinations & Attractions in Longview Washington
The Moving to Longview Washington Team
Let our team of trusted professionals help you buy or/and sell a home in Longview, Washington. To connect with a local expert/real estate professional in Longview, 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 Longview Washington?
If you're exploring a move to Longview, Washington, or any place, the cost of living would be a significant factor in your decision-making. I calculated the REAL cost of living in Longview, Washington, by factoring in today's costs for housing (rent and own), utilities, food, transportation, healthcare, and other necessities to live. To live in Longview, Washington, and rent, you would need to make $45,000 a year. To live in Longview, Washington, and buy a home, you would need to make $60,000 a year. Rental amount is based on current low end cost of studio or one bedroom, purchase is based on recent low end sales of a three bedroom and monthly payment with 20% down.
Living in Longview Washington Tips/Info/Blog Posts
23 FAQs A REALTOR GETS ASKED > CLICK HERE
18 MORTGAGE FAQs > CLICK HERE
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WANT TO KNOW WHEN A HOME MATCHING YOUR CRITERIA GETS LISTED? SIGN UP FOR LISTING ALERT > CLICK HERE
MORTGAGE INFO > CLICK HERE
FREE HOME OWNERSHIP GUIDE > CLICK HERE
Top Neighborhoods in Longview Washington
If you're considering moving to Longview, Washington, picking the right neighborhood should be at the top of your list for things to do. Below are just a handful of the Longview, Washington, neighborhoods you'll get to choose from:
Columbia Heights
Columbia Heights is a neighborhood located in the northwest part of Longview. Homes in this neighborhood range from mid-century modern to newer construction, with a mix of single-family homes and townhouses. The neighborhood is known for its beautiful views of the Columbia River and has several parks, including Columbia Heights Park and Tam O'Shanter Park. Kids in Columbia Heights attend Columbia Heights Elementary, Cascade Middle School, and Mark Morris High School. If living in Longview, Washington, check with the Longview School District to verify which schools your kids will attend.
Old West Side
The Old West Side is a historic neighborhood in Longview that has homes built in the early 1900s. The neighborhood is near Lake Sacajawea Park, which has walking paths, a playground, and a Japanese garden. The neighborhood is also close to downtown Longview, which has restaurants, shops, and businesses. Kids in this neighborhood attend Kessler Elementary School, Monticello Middle School, and R. A. Long High School. If living in Longview, Washington, check with the Longview School District to verify which schools your kids will attend.
Beacon Hill
Beacon Hill is a neighborhood located in the eastern part of Longview, with homes primarily consisting of single-family homes and some apartments. The neighborhood is home to Tam O'Shanter Park, which offers a playground, basketball court, and picnic areas. Nearby businesses include Beacon Hill Grocery and the Longview Country Club. Students in this neighborhood attend Robert Gray Elementary, Mt. Solo Middle School, and Mark Morris High School. If living in Longview, Washington, check with the Longview School District to verify which schools your kids will attend.
St. Helens
St. Helens is a residential neighborhood located in the northern part of Longview, with homes consisting primarily of single-family homes and some townhouses. The neighborhood is home to Lake Sacajawea, a popular park in Longview with a lakefront trail, playgrounds, and picnic areas. Nearby businesses include the Triangle Shopping Center and the St. Helens Shopping Center. Students in this neighborhood attend St. Helens Elementary, Monticello Middle School, and R. A. Long High School. If living in Longview, Washington, check with the Longview School District to verify which schools your kids will attend.
Highlands
The Highlands is a neighborhood in Longview comprised of single-family homes built in the 70s and 80s. The neighborhood is near Mint Valley Park, which features picnic areas, walking trails, baseball fields, soccer fields, a playground, a horseshoe pit, and an 18-hole disc golf course. Mint Valley Golf Course and the Three Rivers Mall are in the area for your golfing, shopping, and dining needs. Kids in this neighborhood attend Mint Valley Elementary School, Monticello Middle School, and R. A. Long High School. If living in Longview, Washington, check with the Longview School District to verify which schools your kids will attend.
If moving to Longview, Washington, and you'd like to buy a home in one of these fabulous neighborhoods, 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 Longview, Washington.
Public Schools in Longview Washington
If you live in Lonview, Washington, your kids will attend public school in the Longview School District. The district consists of eight elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools. The district prides itself on providing high-quality education to its students, focusing on academic excellence, community involvement, and student success.
According to Niche.com, Longview Public Schools ranks as the 77th-best school district in Washington, with an overall grade of C+. Longview Public Schools has an enrollment of around 6,800 students and a graduation rate of 81%.
If living in Longview, Washington, you'll find the school districts to be pretty average. There are better and worse school districts your kids could attend public school in Washington.
Top Destinations, Attractions, & Events in Longview Washington
If you're moving to Longview, Washington, and wondering what there is to do, here are just some of the more popular destinations, attractions, and events you'll want to put on the to-do list if:
Lake Sacajawea Park: This park is located in the heart of Longview and is a popular spot for outdoor recreation. The park has walking trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, and a large lake where visitors can fish, boat, and swim.
Columbia Theatre: This historic theatre hosts a variety of live performances, including concerts, plays, and dance performances.
Cowlitz County Historical Museum: This museum tells the story of Cowlitz County's history, including the Native American tribes who lived in the area, the pioneers who settled here, and the industries that shaped the region.
Go Ape Treetop Adventure Course: This outdoor adventure park is located near Kelso, Washington, and features zip lines, rope bridges, and other aerial obstacles.
Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens: This historic garden in nearby Woodland, Washington, is home to more than 100 varieties of Lilacs and is a popular destination during the annual Lilac Days festival.
Three Rivers Mall: This indoor shopping mall features a variety of stores and restaurants, as well as a movie theater.
Lake Sacajawea Amphitheatre: This outdoor amphitheater is located in Lake Sacajawea Park and hosts a variety of live performances during the summer months.
Fibre Federal Credit Union Community Center: This community center offers a variety of recreational activities, including basketball, volleyball, and pickleball.
Monticello Park: This park features a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking trails, a disc golf course, and a playground.
Lewis and Clark Bridge: The bridge spans the Columbia River and connects Longview to Rainier, Oregon. The bridge offers stunning views of the river and surrounding landscape.
Pros and Cons of Living in Longview Washington
Living in Longview Washington Pros
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Affordability: Longview is an affordable place to live compared to many other cities in Washington State. Housing costs are lower than in Seattle or Portland, and Washington has no state income tax.
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Outdoor Recreation: Longview is near the Columbia River and has several parks and recreational opportunities. Lake Sacajawea Park is a popular spot for walking, biking, and boating, and the city also has several hiking trails and fishing spots.
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Small-Town Feel: Longview has a population of around 37,000 people, which gives it a small-town feel. Residents often know their neighbors and feel a sense of community.
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Culture and Arts: Longview has a vibrant arts scene, with several galleries and art studios. The city also hosts several annual events, including the Cowlitz County Fair and the Go Fourth Festival.
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Access to Larger Cities: Longview is about 45 minutes from Portland, Oregon, and about two hours from Seattle, providing residents with access to the amenities and attractions of larger cities while still enjoying the benefits of a smaller town.
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Unique Shops and Boutiques: Longview has many unique shops and boutiques offering unique items. Whether looking for antiques, handmade crafts, or specialty foods, you will find something special in Longview.
Living in Longview Washington Cons
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High Property Crime Rates: Longview has higher property crime rate than the national average. The chances of becoming a victim of property crime living in Longview, Washington, is 1 in 31.
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Limited Job Opportunities: Longview's economy primarily centers around the lumber and manufacturing industries. While these industries provide many jobs, there may be limited opportunities for those seeking work in other fields. Many residents may need to commute to nearby cities like Portland or Vancouver for work.
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Rainy Weather: Longview can be rainy and cloudy for much of the year, like much of the Pacific Northwest. So, beware if you plan to move to Longview from a sunnier climate.
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Limited Nightlife: While some restaurants and bars exist in Longview, the nightlife scene is less vibrant than in larger cities.
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Limited Shopping Options: While there are some retail stores and shopping centers in Longview, those seeking a wider variety of options may need to travel to nearby cities.
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Limited healthcare options: Longview has a few hospitals and medical centers, but those seeking specialized medical care may need to travel to larger cities.
FAQs About Living in Longview Washington
What is Longview known for?
Longview, Washington, is known for its strong ties to the lumber industry. The city was founded in 1923 by industrialist Robert A. Long, who founded the Long-Bell Lumber Company. The town was built to serve the company's timber operations in the area, and its economy has long been tied to the lumber industry. Longview is home to several sawmills, wood product manufacturers, and a large paper mill operated by KapStone Paper and Packaging Corporation.
What cities are nearby Longview Washington?
There are a number of great cities close to Longview, Washington: Kelso, WA, Castle Rock, WA, Kalama, WA, Woodland, Ridgefield, Camas, WA, Vancouver, WA, and Portland, OR.
What is the weather like in Longview?
Living in Longview, Washington, you can expect mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. The city experiences four distinct seasons, with temperatures and precipitation varying throughout the year. During the winter months, the average high temperatures range from 43°F to 50°F, and the average low temperatures range from 32°F to 36°F. Summers are warm and dry, with average temperatures ranging from 72°F to 78°F and occasional heat waves where temperatures can reach the 90s. The city occasionally experiences snowfall in the winter, but it is relatively rare and typically does not accumulate heavily. Living in Longview, Washington, you can expect to get around 56 inches of rain annually.
Does Longview Washington have good public schools?
Living in Longview, Washington, you'll find average public schools. The Longview School District has a rating of C+ on Niche.com for school year 2022-23. During the most recent school year completed, the district had a graduation rate of 81%.
Who are some large employers in Longview Washington?
If living in Longview, Washington, the top employers are: PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center, with over 1,100 employees, Longview Public Schools, with over 1,000 employees, Weyerhaeuser, with over 850 employees, Columbia Wellness, with over 500 employees, and Cowlitz County, with over 400 employees.
Is Longview Washington safe?
Longview, Washington has a moderate crime rate. According to NeighborhoodScout.com, the city's crime rate is higher than 52% of cities in the United States, with a crime rate of approximately 37 crimes per 1,000 residents. Property crimes, such as theft and burglary, are more common than violent crimes in Longview.
I want to relocate to Longview. How do I make it happen?
You've come to the right spot if you're looking to move to Longview, 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 Longview 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 Longview, Washington, is like as well as help with your mortgage if you decide to purchase a home.