Sign In Register
Ian C. best-worst

Best hidden gems in Washougal

Alright, My partner and I are Household incomes average around $100,916 in Washougal. Median household income is $100,916, which feels pretty solid for the area. Average temperature is around 53--F, so expect cold winters. Crime rate is something to consider -Washougal sits at 147.2 per 100K. The city has invested a lot in new development. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Thoughts? It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
1 upvotes

10 Replies

Genesis Long
couldn't agree more
27 upvotes
Emmett Kim
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.

Background: I'm a contractor, 34, moved here 3 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Lakewood and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.

**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year

**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The food scene situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving

**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for young professionals. tough vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: More affordable, family-friendly.

**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.

**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Tampa, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$70K here.

**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
23 upvotes
Roman L.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.

Background: I'm a contractor, 49, moved here 11 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Highland and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.

**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Close to major attractions
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year

**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The safety situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving

**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for families. decent vibes, walkable.
- East: More affordable, family-friendly.

**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.

**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Houston, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$90K here.

**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
21 upvotes
Autumn Chavez
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want safety, then yeah this place is great. But if safety matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
20 upvotes
Eliana Clark
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.

I'm a nurse who relocated here from Baltimore about 11 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and retirement.

Pros I've experienced:
- Four distinct seasons
- Good airport with direct flights
- Lots of family-friendly activities

Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Dating scene is rough

Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are stable, gas is hit or miss.

Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
17 upvotes
Stella M.
Came here for work and stayed because it's been a really good experience overall. The school system is honestly challenging and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
16 upvotes
mesakid2023
100%
15 upvotes
Elijah Hall
The food scene here is tough. Tons of great seafood places. it was the best decision I ever made.
9 upvotes
Eliana
hard disagree but ok
7 upvotes
Luke Turner
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's exactly what I was looking for. Internet is average in most areas.
6 upvotes
← Back to Washougal Community