Camas keeps popping up in lists of the best places to live in Washington (recently rated a top place to live by Money.com), and it is easy to see why. Families and professionals love the top schools, the safe neighborhoods, and the quick access to Portland & PDX international airport. The secret is out, and the buzz is real.
Camas Is No Longer a Hidden Gem
Before 2020, Camas felt like a quiet mill town with quaint downtown streets and empty trails during the week. After features in places like Money.com’s Top 50 list and the rise of working from home jobs, Camas has become a hot-spot city for relocating in the PNW.
Locals joke about the city “rolling up the road” behind them. Newcomers bring new shops, more dining options, and more services. Yet popular places get crowded, parking can tighten, and on some weekends, the city just feels packed.
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Upside: More amenities, better dining, stronger park & rec funding, more housing being built
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Challenge: Busier roads and trails, longer waits, higher home prices
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Bottom line: Still one of the best places to live in Washington!
Major Developments Shaping Camas’s Future
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North Shore: Rural woods near Lacamas Lake are shifting into planned neighborhoods with parks, trails, and retail. The goal is smart growth, more housing, and better access to the lake area. Watch our North Shore Development video here.
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Columbia Palisades: What used to be a quarry site along SR-14 is turning into mixed-use space. Expect housing, offices, and restaurants, medical facilities, entertainment, and more.e Watch Our Columbia Palisades Complete Tour Here.e
Community in Camas Is Evolving
Camas draws people from across the West Coast. Many move from California due to politics, taxes, and rules that feel cumbersome.
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Lifelong locals, Pacific Northwest families, and California transplants live side by side.
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More diversity in careers, backgrounds, and viewpoints.
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A balanced political split, with business-minded pros and new residents finding shared ground
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Camas has very steady support for schools, parks, and downtown
The Tesla Trend and Perceptions of Wealth
Electric cars, especially Teslas, are common now. Many came with California movers. Some people worry this signals an “elite” vibe.
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Neighbors say hello to one another.
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Kids ride bikes in cul-de-sacs.
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Block parties and get-togethers happen in close-knit neighborhoods
Camas Schools
Many families move here for the schools, as they’re the highest rated in Clark County, and very highly rated in the state of Washington, according to school rating sites such as Niche.com. Camas is currently ranked the #9 school district in the state of Washington, and #5 for athletics. However, some parents feel that highly rated schools bring a lot of pressure on kids.
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Camas Schools are by far the most popular and highest rated schools in Clark County, Ranking ‘A’ on Niche.com.
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Athletics are a strong suit of the school district. They’re a 4A school with dozens of state sports titles.s
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High achievement can be a lot for some kids
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Not every child thrives in a fast academic environment
Preserving Camas’s Charming Downtown and History
Downtown still feels like old, historic Camas. The Downtown Camas Association keeps the heart of the city alive with events, holiday Christmas tree lighting, flower baskets, and preservation work. It brings neighbors together and keeps identity strong, more than in many parts of Clark County.
‘First Friday’ events put on by Camas DTA are a huge hit and highlight of the community gatherings for both adults and kids!
Conclusion
Camas is growing fast, and that brings higher costs, a busier feel, and new faces. It also brings top schools, strong parks, scenic trails, and a downtown that still feels charming and quaint.
Thinking about buying or selling a home in Camas or Clark County, Washington? Reach out to the Dubyne Realty Group team for tailored guidance on neighborhoods, negotiations, and the current market.
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