Living in Camas, Washington

Thinking about moving to the Pacific Northwest? Camas, WA may just be the ideal place for your next chapter. Located just 20 miles northeast of Portland, Oregon, this charming, family-friendly city delivers small-town warmth with modern amenities. Start with our Top 3 Reasons to Move to Camas, WA video below:

Below, explore why Camas is becoming one of the most desirable relocation destinations in Washington—fully backed by search trends, data, and local insights.

Table of Contents

1. Highly Rated Schools & Family-Centered Community

2. Abundant Outdoor Recreation & Scenic Beauty

3. Safe, Connected, and Community-Focused

4. Housing, Cost of Living & Real Estate Insights

5. Climate, Safety & Community Ratings

6. Local Culture, Dining & Hidden Gems

7. Moving to Camas: FAQs

8. Want to Explore Homes in Camas?

1. Excellent Schools & Family-Centric Culture

Top-Ranked Schools

• The Camas School District consistently earns an “A” rating from Niche, ranking among the best in Clark County and the Portland metro area Niche.

• Strong public and private options (e.g., Dorothy Fox Elementary, Camas High, Camas Christian Academy) make Camas a top choice for families Home & MoneyPDX Movers.

A Community for All Ages

• With a winner for "Best Suburb to Raise a Family" in Clark County and high overall rankings across Washington, Camas is ideal for families seeking a supportive, community-driven environment Niche.

• Redditors highlight: “Great schools, safe neighborhoods, and—bonus—it’s in Washington with no income tax” Reddit.

2. Nature, Parks & Outdoor Living

Outdoor Playground

• Enjoy nearby parks like Heritage Park, Lacamas Lake, Fallen Leaf Lake, and trails including the Heritage Trail and Round Lake Loop WikipediaLivability.comPortland Real Estate.

• Water recreation, cycling, skiing, and hiking are all within reach—making Camas perfect for active lifestyles WikipediaPortland Real Estate.

Scenic Charm

• Sitting along the Columbia River, with tree-lined streets and access to nature, Camas blends scenic beauty (e.g., Prune Hill views) with suburban comfort (pop. ~27,000) Wikipedia.

3. Safe, Walkable & Well-Connected

Low Crime & High Safety

• Camas boasts lower crime rates than both Washington and U.S. averages, with high scores for safety and community quality Niche.

Walkable Downtown & Community Spirit

• Downtown Camas charms with boutique shops, local events like the “First Fridays,” and historical character Home & MoneyPortland Real Estate.

• Community vibe: “Good families are everywhere... traffic is low, and you're not that far from Portland” Reddit+1.

4. Housing Market, Cost of Living & Real Estate Overview

Home Prices & Market Snapshot

• Median home values range from $640K to $850K, reflecting the area's desirability Portland Real EstateLivability.comHome & Money.

Cost of Living Insights

• Cost of living is approximately 136% above the national average, with housing and rent notably higher—but offset by excellent quality of life and no state income tax Home & MoneyReddit.

Community Affluence

• Medians: Household income ~$137K, rent ~$1,620/month, low poverty rate (~3.7%) Livability.comPDX Movers.

5. Demographics, Employers, and Livability Rankings

Demographic Snapshot

• Population: ~26K–28K. Median age: ~39. Family households dominate, with a suburban mix of young families and professionals WikipediaPDX MoversNiche.

Employers & Economy

• Major employers include Fisher Investments, Camas School District, TSMC (WaferTech), and Analog Devices Wikipedia.

• While unemployment has seen increases, the area's diverse industry base (tech, education, public services) provides stability Real BrokerPDX Movers.

Livability Rankings

• Camas places top in Clark County among suburbs to raise a family, and ranks well in public schools, outdoor activities, and overall quality of life Niche.

6. Culture, Dining, & Hidden Local Favorites

Dining & Local Flavor

• Local favorites include Top Burger Drive-In and Nuestra Mesa for meals. Don’t miss the Camas Farmers Market and monthly downtown events like “First Fridays” Home & Money.

Culture & Historic Charm

• Explore the hidden bronze bird tour, mural walks, and historic downtown galleries. Enjoy live performances at the Liberty Theatre Portland Real EstateWikipediaHome & Money.

7. Camas Weather Overview

• Camas experiences all four seasons: warm summers (upper 70s to mid-80s °F), mild winters (30s–40s °F), with ~46” of rain and minimal snowfall Livability.com.

• Residents note: “Rainy winters, but still feels affordable compared to the Bay Area… beautiful, peaceful, and welcoming” Reddit.

8. Moving to Camas: Common Questions

Summary: Why Camas Keeps Rising in Popularity

• Education excellence and family-focused amenities.

• Abundant outdoor recreation and regional access.

• Safety, community, and ideal location near Portland.

• Stable economy with strong schools and charming downtown.

• Search trends continue emphasizing “Moving to Camas WA,” “Living in Camas WA,” and related terms.

Want Help Relocating to Camas?

Ready to explore homes or ask questions about neighborhoods like Lacamas Shores, Belz Place, or Prune Hill? I’d love to help you find the right fit—reach out anytime, and let's make your move to Camas smooth and exciting.