Small-town living with big-city perks is what Camas, Washington is all about. Tucked in Clark County, just minutes from Vancouver, WA, and Portland, OR, this town mixes quiet streets with quick access to jobs, shopping, and travel. People are moving for the lifestyle, not just the location.

Camas has grown to around 27,000 residents as of 2025. Even with that growth, it keeps a friendly, hometown feel. Trails wrap around Lacamas Lake, neighbors chat downtown, and kids bike to parks. The schools are among the best in the state, and the weather is mild enough to be outside most of the year. That combination is rare—and it’s why people keep moving in.

If you want the outdoors, a strong community, and easy travel, living in Camas, WA checks the boxes. This guide shares The Top 10 reasons to move to Camas, Washington, built on real experiences and local insights.

10 Reasons People are Moving to Camas, WA

1. Friendly and Welcoming Community

People in Camas smile, hold doors, and say hello. Downtown shop owners remember names, and newcomers from larger cities often say it feels different—in the best way.

• Community events and volunteer opportunities make it easy to plug in.

• ‘First Friday’ downtown celebrations put on by Camas Downtown Association are a huge hit

• Families build social circles fast, and singles find their spot, too

• People are just nice in Camas – they say hi on the trails and in the coffee shop

2. Moderate, Four-Season Weather

People think it only rains in the PNW, but that’s not the case. Camas sees 150+ sunny or partly sunny days a year, with comfortable temperatures throughout the year.

• Summers: 70s to low 80s — ideal for spending time outdoors

• Winters: 40s to 50s — mild, with rare snow and short cold snaps, maybe 1-3 times per year

• Spring: Is beautiful and blooming, with flowers and fresh air

• Fall: The leaves turn colors and the air is crispy, making for a picture perfect autumn
  If you want year-round outdoor time without harsh extremes, Camas is perfect.

3. Endless Hiking and Outdoor Adventures

Camas is a popular spot for nature enthusiasts. Everyone loves Lacamas Lake, Round Lake, and Lacamas Park, which together offer over 300 acres of outdoor space.

• Trails, waterfalls, and mountain bike paths for all ages and abilities.

• Over 100 miles of trails across Clark County.

• Other nearby destinations include Green Mountain, Cape Horn, and the Columbia River Gorge.

4. Charming Historic Downtown Area

Downtown Camas is more than a century old and remains the heart of the city.

• Boutique shopping, local cafes, and the classic Liberty Theatre anchor the area.

• Annual events like Camas Days, Halloween Boo Bash, and the Christmas Tree Lighting bring the community together.

• Historic walking tours highlight the Camas paper mill roots and timeless charm.
  It feels lively yet personal—a perfect blend of old and new.

5. Vibrant Coffee Culture

Coffee is a Camas (and PNW) essential.

• Top spots: Data Coffee, Presso Coffee Co., Hidden River Roasters, Piccolo Café, and Daily Grind.

• Many roasters source responsibly and support regional growers

• Remote workers, parents, and friends all gather over a latte or mocha

• It’s not just caffeine—it’s community

6. Convenient Access to Shopping and Stores

Camas keeps its small-town calm while offering easy access to big-city conveniences.

• You’ll be just 7-15 minutes from Costco, Home Depot, QFC, and countless restaurants along 192nd and 164th Ave, the heart of shopping in East Vancouver

• Quick errands mean more free time and less traffic stress – which, by the way, traffic in Camas is nearly non-existent!

• The city layout balances peaceful neighborhoods with modern amenities

7. Quick and Easy Airport Proximity to PDX

Travelers appreciate how effortless it is to reach Portland International Airport (PDX).

• Only about 15 minutes away in light traffic

• Ongoing 2025 airport remodels at PDX promise even smoother travel.

• Direct flights connect to major U.S. hubs.

8. Balanced and Inclusive Political Climate

Camas maintains a moderate, close to 50/50 balanced political mix that encourages cooperation and civility.

• Neighbors focus on parks, schools, and safety instead of partisanship.

• Conversations remain respectful and community-focused.

• Families from more polarized areas find this tone refreshing.

9. Dog Friendly

In Camas, pets are part of the family and the culture.

• Water bowls outside shops, dog-friendly trails, and walkable downtown blocks.

• Multiple off-leash areas and scenic on-leash paths at Lacamas Lake.

• Pet services like vets, groomers, and trainers are easy to find.
  Many newcomers say the pet-friendly vibe helped seal their decision to move.

10. Reasonable Property Taxes

Camas homeowners enjoy solid value thanks to reasonable property taxes and strong schools.

• Property taxes average 0.8%–1% of assessed value—about $8,000–$9,000 annually on a $1M home.

• Taxes fund top-performing schools in the Camas School District, rated one of the best districts in Washington State by sites like Niche.com

• Compared with high-tax states, the value here stands out. You get quality education, great parks, and strong community services—a strong return for homeowners.

Is Camas Calling Your Name?

Camas blends small-town charm, top schools, outdoor access, and easy travel. The community is friendly, the weather is mild, and the trails are close. Downtown feels alive without the rush. The coffee is great, shopping is convenient, and you can actually see your property taxes at work. For many, this is the best of the Pacific Northwest.

Ready to explore living in Cama, WA? Visit for a weekend and see it firsthand. For buying or selling help, reach out to Dubyne Realty Group at [email protected] or 360.347.2551. Sign up for the Weekend Happenings With Hannah newsletter, and download the Visiting Clark County Guide to help plan your trip.