Central Park is a rural community convenient to Aberdeen
Central Park of Washington state doesn’t look anything like the famous park in NYC, but it too provides a natural oasis. Surrounded by pine tree landscapes and scenic parks, it may pique the interest of outdoorsy folks. “My mom and dad lived there for years. They loved it there because it’s a little bit rural feeling, not in town yet so close to Aberdeen, Montesano and Olympia. It was very convenient for them,” says broker Joy Beard, who works with Windermere Real Estate and has over two decades of experience in the area. This community in Grays Harbor County remains calm and quiet, except for the sound of retirees mowing their lawns and children playing in spacious backyards. Located between the more built-up areas of Montesano and Aberdeen, Central Park residents can drive about 5 miles to either town for grocery shopping or to go out to eat.
Ranch-style and newer houses on spacious yards
Central Park’s roads feel rural and peaceful, with rolling hills of pine trees in the distance. Many lots are half an acre, with room for animals but not full-scale farms. “You can have goats and horses and different things in Central Park easier, get a bigger piece of land and build a shop out there,” Beard says. Most homes have midcentury architecture, including ranch-style houses and split-levels. Many of the houses have attached garages and RV parking for frequent campers. On Fairway Drive, buyers can find some larger, contemporary homes built in the 2000s. Ranch-style homes and split-levels range from $350,000 to $450,000, while the newer homes range from $500,000 to $650,000. The housing is fairly desirable: “Everything in the market right now is starting up a bit. They seem to go pretty fast because they have a lot of one-story and more newer construction than in Aberdeen,” Beard says.
Friends Landing and more recreation spots
Friends Landing is a local park and camp site on the Chehalis River. It features a paved trail just over 1.5 miles around Lake Quigg, where locals can bird watch as they stroll past peaceful water scenery. The park has boat launches on the lake and river as well as fishing docks in both areas. It's also a popular spot for its playground and rentable picnic shelters ideal for barbeques. At Grays Harbor Country Club, golfers can play on a nine-hole course surrounded by trees or go swimming in the pool during the summertime. Lake Sylvia State Park, once a logging site, now provides visitors with kayaking in the lake or beach swimming in roped off deep and shallow sections. Anglers delight in the stocked waters full of trout, bass and perch, while hikers explore the scenic pine forest trails. With the Olympic National Forest to the north and Capitol State Forest to the south, outdoorsy Central Park residents can take their pick of camping and hiking deep in the wilderness of Washington state.
Local dining and shopping in Montesano
Residents can drive into Montesano to for a walkable shopping area set along a handful of blocks on Main Street. At Lemon Hill Cafe & Bookstore, patrons can look through shelves of classics and new releases, then order French press coffee. They can even sit down for full meals, ordering from a seasonal menu prepared by a chef classically trained in France. Gene's Stop and Go is a walk-up window eatery — no dine-in seating — where locals can eat burgers and milkshakes at picnic tables. For groceries, people can stop by the local store Pick Rite Thriftway. Next door is Valu Drugs Inc, a pharmacy and gift shop.
Aberdeen public schools serving Central Park
The community is served by the Aberdeen School District, which earns a C-plus grade according to Niche. Central Park Elementary School also has a C-plus rating, while Miller Junior High School is given a C grade. J.M. Weatherwax High School has a C-plus rating and extracurriculars like the chess and photography clubs.
Community events in Montesano
If Central Park residents want to go to local events, they can head into Montesano for the Festival of Lights. This three-day holiday celebration includes activities like a gingerbread house contest, a Christmas music concert and a parade. The Historic Montesano Car Show kicks off every summer with a pancake breakfast and a contest for vintage rides.
Commutes to Olympia or Aberdeen
Central Park is a car-dependent community, so most residents drive to work. It's located 43 miles from Olympia via State Route 8. About 5 miles from Aberdeen, residents can easily get to the town center via U.S. Highway 12. Those who prefer public transit can catch a Grays Harbor Transit bus. For a nearby hospital, Harbor Regional Health Emergency Department is 10 miles away in Aberdeen. The Seattle–Tacoma International Airport is about 90 miles away.
