Why Live in Porter
Porter, a rural neighborhood in Elma, Grays Harbor County, offers a tranquil lifestyle surrounded by nature. With a population of fewer than 200 people, residents enjoy spacious living next to the Capitol State Forest, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who appreciate hiking, camping, and scenic vistas. The small community relies on nearby Elma, located 5 miles north, for schools, grocery shopping, and community events. Elma features attractions such as Vance Creek County Park, which has walking paths, swimming ponds, and a dog park. Dining options in Elma include the Rusty Tractor Restaurant, known for its chicken fried steak, and Joey’s Crepes & More, a family-owned brunch spot.
Porter’s homes range from ranch-style and manufactured homes to bungalows and farmhouses, with properties often featuring pastures and dense evergreen forests. The area offers undeveloped acreage for those looking to build custom homes. While retail options are limited, residents can find essentials at Red's Hop N' Market in nearby Malone. For larger shopping needs, East County Thriftway in Elma is the go-to grocery store.
Porter is centrally located between Olympia, 30 miles to the east, and Aberdeen, 25 miles to the west. The community is car-dependent with no public transit options, and the nearest hospital is 30 miles away in Aberdeen. The Elma School District serves the area. Despite its rural setting, Porter provides a peaceful retreat with convenient access to outdoor activities and essential services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Porter a good place to live?
Porter is a good place to live. Porter is considered very car-dependent and somewhat bikeable. It has a median age of 46. The average household income is $97,475 which is above the national average. College graduates make up 14% of residents. A majority of residents in Porter are home owners, with 19% of residents renting and 81% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Porter can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Porter neighborhood guide.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Porter?
The median home price in Porter is $517,500. If you put a 20% down payment of $103,500 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.26%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $2,550 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $109K a year to afford the median home price in Porter. The average household income in Porter is $97K.
What are the best public schools in Porter?
The best public schools that serve Porter are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Porter, Elma, WA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Porter, Elma, WA?
Are home prices dropping in Porter?
Yes, home prices in Porter are down 17% in the last 12 months.
Home Trends in Porter, WA
On average, homes in Porter, Elma sell after 69 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Porter, Elma over the last 12 months is $496,400, down 17% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$496,400
Median Single Family Sale Price
$496,400
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$338
Number of Homes for Sale
0
Last 12 months Home Sales
2
Median List Price
$517,500
Median Change From 1st List Price
5%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-17%
