Living in Washougal Washington - EVERYTHING You Need to Know
What is Living in Washougal Washington Like?
Washougal, Washington, located in Clark County, is home to approximately 17,000 people. The city offers its residents a mix of urban and rural living, making it an attractive location for those who enjoy the outdoors and small-town charm. Located east of Vancouver, Washougal offers good access to outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping. The city is near State Route 14, which runs along the Columbia River, providing easy access to other towns and attractions. Washougal embodies the Pacific Northwest lifestyle with its lush greenery, mountain views, and proximity to the Columbia River Gorge. Washougal residents and visitors enjoy recreational activities such as kayaking, hiking, and exploring the nearby Washougal MX Park. The Best of Washougal includes a historic downtown, abundant outdoor recreation, and residential neighborhoods with stunning views of the Cascade Mountains.
A popular attraction in the area is the Washougal River Park. The park features a serene river flowing through it, providing visitors with swimming, fishing, and kayaking opportunities. Another popular attraction is Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge, which offers hiking trails, wildlife viewing opportunities, and a visitor center that provides education and information about the native plants and animals in the area. Washougal has several other parks, including Reflection Plaza and Hathaway Park. These parks offer amenities such as playgrounds, sports fields, picnic areas, and walking paths, providing plenty of opportunities for residents to enjoy the outdoors.
There are several large employers in and around Washougal, Washington, including the Washougal School District, which employs many teachers and staff members, and the Washougal MX Park, which attracts visitors from all over the region.
The cost of living in Washougal, Washington, is slightly higher than the national average but still relatively affordable compared to other cities in the region. Housing costs are the main factor contributing to this higher cost of living, as the demand for housing in the area has increased in recent years due to its proximity to Portland and the natural beauty of the area. The average home value in Washougal is around $550,000. There are a variety of housing options available, including single-family homes, apartments, and townhouses.
If you're searching for a small town that offers easy access to larger cities, a delightful downtown area, top-notch schools, and a ton of outdoor activities, Washougal, Washington, would be a great place for you! Continue reading to discover more about what living in Washougal is like, including information about its neighborhoods, schools, cost of living, and some pros and cons of living in this amazing city. Hopefully, the info in this blog will assist you in determining whether Washougal, Washington, is a good fit for you and your family!
The Moving to Washougal Washington Team
Let our team of trusted professionals help you buy or/and sell a home in Washougal, Washington. To connect with a local expert/real estate professional in Washougal, 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 Washougal Washington?
If you're exploring a move to Washougal 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 Washougal, Washington, by factoring in today's costs for housing (rent and own), utilities, food, transportation, healthcare, and other necessities to live. To live in Washougal, Washington, and rent, you would need to make $52,000 a year. To live in Washougal, Washington, and buy a home, you would need to make $70,000 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 Washougal Washington Tips/Info/Blog Posts
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Top Neighborhoods in Washougal Washington
These neighborhoods in Washougal, Washington, provide a range of housing options, access to natural attractions, and a serene living environment, making them appealing choices for residents seeking a balance of suburban and outdoor lifestyles.
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Downtown Washougal: Downtown Washougal is the city's central hub and offers a mix of commercial and residential spaces. The neighborhood features historic buildings, local shops, and restaurants. Residents and visitors can explore Pendleton Woolen Mills, a historic textile mill turned retail store. Housing options in Downtown Washougal include a mix of single-family homes, apartments, and townhouses.
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Columbia Riverfront: The Columbia Riverfront neighborhood is located along the Columbia River, offering beautiful waterfront views. Residents can enjoy direct access to the river and take advantage of activities like boating, fishing, and kayaking. The area features waterfront parks, picnic areas, and walking trails. Housing in the Columbia Riverfront neighborhood includes a mix of single-family homes and townhouses.
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River View: River View is a neighborhood along the Washougal River. It offers a tranquil setting with wooded areas and natural beauty. The neighborhood provides opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and wildlife viewing. Housing options in River View include single-family homes, many of which are surrounded by lush greenery and offer river views.
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Granite Highlands: Granite Highlands is a newer neighborhood in Washougal known for its upscale homes and panoramic views of the surrounding area. The neighborhood offers a mix of spacious single-family homes on larger lots. It provides a peaceful and suburban atmosphere for residents. Nearby, the Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge includes nature trails and bird-watching opportunities.
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Canyon Creek: Canyon Creek is a picturesque neighborhood surrounded by forested hills and the scenic Washougal River Canyon. It offers many housing options, including single-family homes and some larger estates. Residents of Canyon Creek can enjoy proximity to outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding on the nearby trails of the Columbia River Gorge.
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Green Mountain: Green Mountain is a rural neighborhood located southeast of Washougal, offering a more secluded and peaceful living environment. The area is surrounded by natural beauty and offers opportunities for hiking, wildlife observation, and enjoying the outdoors. The neighborhood features a mix of homes on larger lots, providing residents with privacy and tranquility.
If moving to Washougal, 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 Washougal, Washington.
20 Pros and Cons of Living in Washougal Washington
Living in Washougal Washington Pros
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Natural Beauty: Washougal is surrounded by breathtaking natural landscapes, including the Columbia River Gorge, Mount Hood National Forest, and nearby waterfalls, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities and scenic beauty.
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Small-Town Charm: Washougal has a close-knit community with a small-town atmosphere, fostering a sense of belonging and community involvement.
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Outdoor Recreation: The area offers a wide range of outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, fishing, boating, and camping, thanks to its proximity to rivers, forests, and trails.
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Scenic Views: Washougal provides stunning views of the Columbia River, Mount Hood, and picturesque landscapes, offering a visually appealing environment.
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Affordable Housing: Compared to nearby metropolitan areas, Washougal often offers more affordable housing options, making it an attractive choice for homebuyers or renters.
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Quality Schools: Washougal is served by the Washougal School District, which provides quality education for students.
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Family-Friendly Community: The city has a family-friendly atmosphere, with parks, recreational facilities, and community events catering to residents of all ages.
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Proximity to Portland: Located just across the river from Portland, Oregon, Washougal offers easy access to the amenities, employment opportunities, and cultural events of a larger city.
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Growing Arts Scene: Washougal is witnessing a growing arts and culture scene, with art galleries, local theater productions, music events, and community festivals.
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Low Crime Rate: Washougal generally has a lower crime rate compared to larger urban areas, contributing to a sense of safety and security.
Living in Washougal Washington Cons
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Commute to Employment Centers: Washougal is located east of Vancouver and Portland, which may result in longer commute times for those working in those areas.
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Limited Employment Opportunities: Washougal itself has limited job prospects, and residents may need to commute to nearby cities for employment options.
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Limited Shopping and Dining Options: Washougal has a smaller retail and dining scene than larger cities, which may require residents to travel to nearby areas for more variety.
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Limited Cultural and Entertainment Options: The city has fewer cultural and entertainment venues than larger urban areas, which may impact those seeking vibrant nightlife or diverse cultural experiences.
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Limited Public Transportation: Public transportation options in Washougal are limited, which can be challenging for those without a private vehicle or who prefer alternative modes of transportation.
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Extreme Weather: Washougal, like much of the Pacific Northwest, experiences a significant amount of rainfall and cloudy weather throughout the year.
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Lack of Diversity: Washougal may have a less diverse population compared to more metropolitan areas, which can impact cultural experiences and opportunities for exposure to different perspectives.
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Potential Traffic Congestion: The proximity to larger cities and the limited number of major roadways may result in traffic congestion during peak commuting hours or high-traffic events.
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Limited Public Services and Infrastructure: Washougal's smaller size may mean fewer public services and infrastructure developments compared to larger cities.
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Seasonal Tourism Impact: Washougal's natural beauty and recreational opportunities attract seasonal tourists, which can impact traffic and the availability of certain amenities during peak times.
FAQs About Living in Washougal Washington
What is Washougal known for?
Washougal, Washington, is most known for its annual Washougal MX National, which takes place every July and celebrates the world-class motocross racing in the Pacific Northwest. The event attracts visitors from all over the country and features various races and activities such as amateur races, vendor booths, and live music. The challenging and scenic track is a sight to behold and has become an iconic symbol of Washougal and the surrounding region.
What cities are nearby Washougal?
Washougal, Washington, is located in Clark County, part of the southwestern region in the state. The city is approximately 20 miles east of Vancouver and 25 miles northeast of Portland, Oregon. Washougal is close to several other cities in the area, including Camas, about 5 miles to the west, and Gresham, about 15 miles to the south. The city is also within easy driving distance of other popular destinations in the region, such as the Columbia River Gorge, Mount Hood National Forest, and the Oregon Coast. Washougal's central location in Clark County makes it an excellent starting point for exploring the surrounding natural beauty and nearby cities.
What is the weather like in Washougal?
Living in Washougal, Washington, you can expect mild weather throughout the year. In the winter months, the average high temperatures range from 45°F to 50°F, and the average low temperatures range from 32°F to 35°F. The city occasionally experiences light snowfall during the winter, with an average of 7 inches of snowfall annually. Summers in Washougal are mild, with average high temperatures ranging from 70°F to 75°F and occasional hot spells in the 80s and 90s. The city receives around 33 inches of rain yearly, with most precipitation occurring in the fall and winter months.
Does Washougal Washington have good public schools?
Students in Washougal, Washington, attend public school in the Washougal School District, which serves the city of Washougal and some surrounding areas. For school year 2022-23 Niche.com ranked the Washougal School District #158 out of the 252 school districts in Washington it ranked, giving the district an overall C+ grade. 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 has a diverse student body and strong partnerships with local organizations and businesses. Families living in Washougal, Washington, can feel confident that their children will have access to a quality education attending school in Washougal, Washington.
Is Washougal Washington safe?
Living in Washougal, Washington, you'll find it a pretty safe place. Property crime rates in Washougal are lower than the national average, and violent crime rates are significantly lower than the national average. NeighborhoodScout.com states Washougal has a crime rate lower than 68% of all US cities. Washougal, Washington, residents should quite safe.
What is there to do living in Washougal, Washington?
Living in Washougal, Washington, you will always have things to do. The city is surrounded by natural beauty, including the Columbia River Gorge and the Cascade Mountains, offering ample opportunities for hiking, biking, and fishing. Washougal boasts several parks, including Steamboat Landing Park and Sandy Swimming Hole Park, which feature playgrounds, picnic areas, and scenic walking trails. The city hosts several annual events, including the Washougal Art Festival, which attracts visitors from around the region, and the Washougal MX National, offering thrilling motocross races. If you're looking for a day trip, Washougal is located near attractions like Beacon Rock State Park and the Multnomah Falls. Whether you enjoy outdoor activities or cultural experiences, there is always something to do in Washougal, Washington.
Who are large employers in Washougal Washington?
If living in Washougal, Washington, some of the top employers include the Washougal School District, which employs over 200 workers, JH Kelly, a construction company that employs over 150 people, and Pendleton Woolen Mills, which employs over 100 people. Other notable employers in Washougal include the City of Washougal, WaferTech, and various small businesses. With a diverse range of employers, residents of Washougal can find opportunities in education, construction, manufacturing, and more.
I want to relocate to Washougal. How do I make it happen?
You've come to the right spot if you're looking to move to Washougal, 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 Washougal 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 Washougal, Washington, is like as well as help with your mortgage if you decide to purchase a home.