Have you ever found yourself watching one of those cheesy holiday movies and wishing you lived in the little town featured in the film? I think most people would enthusiastically raise their hand! Little did I know, those little towns actually still exist. We found our little slice of small town cinema in Camas, WA!
Camas became a city in 1906. It is nestled between Washougal and Vancouver WA. 20 minutes across the river from Portland, OR. It is also considered part of the greater Portland Metropolitan Area. The big draw to the area, in the early days, was the large paper mill that is still operational today. Although the mill isn’t the sole source of the economy nowadays, it is still a central piece to this thriving small-town. So much so, the Camas High School team name is the Papermakers.
Walking the tree-lined streets of downtown Camas is like being transported back in time. Quaint shops, eateries, a cozy supremely-kept hotel, a beautiful library, an old-timey hardware store and even an immaculately restored movie theater line the streets. My brokerage, Windermere Crest Realty Co., is also located in this idealistic downtown. This makes going to the office an even more pleasant experience. Every time I’m in downtown my mood is instantly lifted. I know this sounds corny but you can’t help to feel uplifted with gorgeous surroundings, and some of the most friendly people on the planet around you.
Downtown Camas is host to MANY fun activities throughout the year. Most are absolutely free to the public and are very well attended. Some activities include a weekly farmers market in the summer months, a large car show, family-fun activities every first Friday of the month, safe Halloween trick-or-treating, a beautiful Christmas tree lighting ceremony, Camas Days, children’s arts and crafts, and many more!
Camas real estate is a mix of old and new. Our town has everything from small bungalows to masterful mansions. Cozy neighborhoods to sprawling farmland. The landscape backdrop to Camas is as beautiful as they come. Many properties possess mature pine trees (famous in this area), views of the Columbia River Gorge and even Mt. Hood. Whatever type of home you are looking for, Camas most likely has it.
Camas also has many city maintained parks and lakes for locals and visitors to enjoy year round. Families flock to Lacamas Lake, Round Lake and Fallen Leaf Lake for all types of outdoor activities including kayaking, swimming, picnicking, boating, jet skiing and paddle boarding. Lacamas Park is the city’s central park. It boasts six and a half miles of maintained wooded trails to walk, hike or bike in. The settings of these lakes and parks are truly some of the most breathtaking beauty I have ever seen.
Oh and did I mention Camas also has award winning schools too! Just to place the cherry on top!
Camas is everything that my family has ever wanted in a community and we feel so blessed to be here. The best part of moving here has been how welcoming this community has been to our new faces. If you are contemplating a move to Camas or surrounding areas, please feel free to contact me for more information. Together we can make you and your family part of this special little community too.
