If you're contemplating a move away from Seattle's sky-high costs, or relocating from out of state and searching for a Pacific Northwest community that offers the best of all worlds, Camas, Washington deserves your full attention.

Tucked along the Washington side of the Columbia River, approximately 20 miles northeast of Portland, Oregon, Camas is one of the region's most sought-after communities. It's small enough to feel like a neighborhood, large enough to offer real amenities, and strategically positioned to give residents access to two major metro areas. Here's everything you need to know.

A Snapshot of Camas

Camas is a city of roughly 27,000 residents in Clark County, Washington…and it's growing fast. Since 2000, the population has grown by over 110%, making it one of the fastest-growing cities of its size in the entire state. Yet despite that growth, Camas has managed to preserve the charming, tree-lined character and community identity that make it so appealing to families.

The median age sits at about 40 years old, and nearly 46% of households have children under 18 at home — a strong signal that this is a community built around families. The city is highly educated, with about 55% of adult residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to roughly 40% statewide.

The Financial Case for Camas

Let's start with money (because the financial picture for Camas residents is genuinely compelling).

No State Income Tax. Washington is one of just a handful of states with no individual state income tax. If you're relocating from California, Oregon, or another high-income-tax state, the impact on your take-home pay can be significant. For a household earning $150,000 a year, this can mean thousands of dollars more in your pocket annually - dollars that can go toward your mortgage, your kids' activities, or your retirement savings.

Lower Cost Than Seattle. While Camas isn't inexpensive — median home values hover around $700,000–$800,000 — the cost-benefit comparison with Seattle is striking. Seattle renters pay an average of $2,300/month; in Camas (and neighboring Vancouver), average rents run closer to $1,700. And you're trading a dense urban environment for a community with parks, lakes, top-tier schools, and clean air.

Oregon Shopping Access. Here's a unique perk: residents who live near the Washington-Oregon border can cross into Oregon for major purchases and take advantage of Oregon's 0% sales tax on retail goods. It's a little-known but well-loved financial bonus for Clark County residents.

The Schools: A Major Draw for Families

For families with children, Camas School District is a major reason to move here.

The Camas School District serves over 7,200 students across 16 schools (PreK through 12th grade). It is consistently ranked among the top school districts in Washington State. SchoolDigger currently ranks it 10th out of 247 Washington districts.

The district's high schools are exceptional. Camas High School ranks 14th among 438 high schools in Washington, and Discovery High School ranks 13th. At Camas High, an impressive 90% of students are proficient or better in English Language Arts — compared to 65% statewide. In math, 66% of students are proficient versus 34% statewide.

For college-bound students, Camas High's AP participation rate is 53%, and the school is ranked 26th in Washington by U.S. News & World Report's Best High Schools. The district also offers gifted programs and multiple alternative learning pathways, including Camas Connect Academy for students who thrive in non-traditional settings.

For families relocating from high-performing school districts in Seattle's Eastside (Bellevue, Issaquah, Mercer Island), Camas offers a comparable or better academic environment at a fraction of the cost.

Parks, Nature & Outdoor Recreation

If you love the outdoors, Camas will feel like paradise. The city sits at the intersection of the Columbia River with multiple lakes and hiking trails giving residents an embarrassment of natural riches right in their backyard.

Lacamas Lake & Lacamas Park are the crown jewels of the Camas outdoor experience. The park encompasses Round Lake and Lacamas Lake, offering year-round trails, barbecue areas, playgrounds, access to the famous Camas Potholes, and the iconic camas lily fields. The 1.2-mile loop around Round Lake is a local favorite, and in summer, the lake buzzes with kayakers, paddleboarders, and swimmers.

Heritage Park sits on the southwest shore of Lacamas Lake and is a favorite for families. The 5.5-acre park features picnic tables, playgrounds, open grass fields, a two-lane boat launch, a dock, and walking/running/biking trails. Paddle boarding, swimming, fishing, and boating are all popular here - and boat launch is free.

For hiking enthusiasts, AllTrails lists over 33 trails in the Camas area, ranging from easy family-friendly loops to more challenging routes through old-growth forest. Highlights include the Lake to Lake Trail, the scenic Lacamas Creek Trail, and trails leading to beautiful hidden waterfalls. Mountain biking is also popular, with 15 trails in the area.

Beyond Camas itself, residents are just a short drive from the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area - one of the most spectacular natural landscapes in the country - with world-class windsurfing, hiking, waterfalls, and scenic byways.

Community Life & Family Activities

Camas punches well above its weight when it comes to community culture. Downtown Camas is a genuinely charming, walkable district with locally owned shops, farm-to-table restaurants, wine bars, and galleries. The community maintains a distinctive, small-town warmth that residents consistently cite as one of the top reasons they love living here.

Annual Events & Festivals:

Camas Days – The city's signature summer festival, drawing visitors from across the region
First Fridays – Monthly downtown events featuring themed activities, local art, dining, and shopping from 5–8pm
Camas Farmers Market – A beloved Wednesday market running June through September, featuring local vendors, chef demos, kids' activities, and live music
Boo Bash – A family-friendly downtown trick-or-treating event every October
Hometown Holidays – A free December event with Santa photos, holiday crafts, caroling, and snow

The city also hosts a SpringFest, Camas Wine Walk, and a growing arts scene with events like the Camas Plein Air art festival and Little Art Camas community exhibition.

The Camas Public Library is an active community hub, and the city's Parks & Recreation Department runs year-round programs for kids, adults, and seniors.

Location & Commute

Camas is part of the greater Portland-Vancouver metro area, which gives residents access to the restaurants, night life and vibes of Portland within a fairly short commute.

Portland, OR: Approximately 25–30 minutes (depending on traffic and your destination)
Vancouver, WA: Camas borders Vancouver to the west, making the commute to Vancouver jobs essentially negligible
Seattle, WA: Approximately 3 hours by car, or accessible via Amtrak from Vancouver
Portland International Airport (PDX): About 25 minutes away
Thinking about making Camas your next home? Contact us! We'd love to help you find the perfect property in this exceptional community.

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