Affectionately and appropriately nicknamed "Hub City," Centralia is at the heart of it all. According to city manager Mike Thomas, the nickname stems from its central location about 80 miles from Seattle, Portland, the coast and the Cascades. "We’re the biggest city in Lewis County and while we have our issues and challenges, we have a lot going for us," he says. With nearly 19,000 residents, this number is projected to rise by 31% in the next 20 years.
With this expected growth, the city plans to strengthen Centralia’s safety, identity and sense of community. “Centralia wants to welcome new businesses, improve our trails and bring in middle class jobs and opportunities," Thomas says. Most of all, Centralia prides itself on an open and caring nature. “We welcome newcomers, and we’re very much connected with one another. Like when we experienced a devastating flood in 2009 and then a lesser one in 2022. More than anything else, it shows how strong we are as a community," Thomas says.
Centralia City is named "Hub City" for being centrally located between Portland and Seattle.
Fort Borst Park has several historical landmarks including an over 100 year old schoolhouse.
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Exploring historic downtown and Centralia Factory Outlets
The Historic Downtown Centralia District dates all the way back to 1885 and is included in the National Register of Historic Places. With many clustered along S Tower Avenue, the city’s vibrant shops, restaurants and galleries add local flavor. “We have a lot of small local businesses in the area, and a downtown association that works to keep our historic district vibrant,” Thomas says. There is also the Centralia Farmers Market, which runs from May to September, and the Centralia Factory Outlets for name brand items.
The Downtown Centralia District is featured in the National Register of Historic Places.
The Rectangle Gallery in Centralia features artwork from many local artists in the city.
Locals can shop at many discounted prices at the Centralia Factory Outlets.
Centralia ocals can learn how to make their own sourdough at the Grist Urban Stone Mill.
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Centralia's festivals, events and performances to attend
Throughout the year, Centralia always has an exciting event to attend. In July, racers in the Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic stop at Centralia College, the event's official mid-point. Every August brings the Antique Fest and the Hub City Car Show to town. Halloween is celebrated with a Ghost Tour and Dark Market, while December brings a Lighted Tractor Parade and a Tree Lighting Ceremony with a visit with Santa Claus.
The Evergreen Playhouse and the Fox Theatre are both entertainment institutions, each with their own long and storied histories with the city. Centralia College’s theater also hosts lots of performances, including an annual production of “The Nutcracker.”
The historic Fox Theatre in downtown Centralia has been open for over 150 years.
Locals can watch a live show at the Evergreen Playhouse in Centralia.
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Recreation and programs at local Centralia parks
Fort Borst Park is popular with groups for its athletic fields and the historic Borst home and one-room schoolhouse. There is also a lake where the Lions Fishing Derby is held in April. The visually stunning Seminary Hill Natural Area includes walking trails lined with Douglas firs and red cedars. The Friends of Seminary Hill also organizes several events here during the summer. Plus, there’s a rollerdrome, and plenty of water activities on the Chehalis River and various ponds throughout the city.
The Chehalis River runs throughout the city of Centralia, WA.
People from all over flock to Fort Borst Park for baseball games.
Seminary Hill Natural Area in Centralia can be a great place for a scenic hike.
Forst Borst Park in Centralia, WA features many amenities including many playfields.
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Modest homes that range all over
Ranch-styles, Craftsmans and duplexes are popular designs for single-family homes in Centralia. Properties range from turn-of-the-century buildings to contemporary constructions. The median price for a single-family home is $390,0000 and it takes about 54 days for a home to sell, slightly longer than the national average of 44 days.
Craftsman homes are among the variety of home styles found in Centralia, WA.
Duplexes are commonly found near the more dense areas of Centralia.
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Public and higher education in Centralia
The Centralia School District receives a C-grade from Niche and serves over 3,400 students. Centralia College is a public community college that includes 57 different areas of study and is the oldest one in the state of Washington.
Centralia College is a public community college offering over 57 different areas of study.
Centralia High School is in the Centralia School District and earns a C- grade from Niche.
Centralia Middle School is a part of the Centralia School District.
The Centralia School District has several schools, including Edison Elementary.
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Interstate highways, air travel and the nearest hospital
The city has access to several significant highways, such as I-5 which extends all the way to the Canadian border. State Route 6 Twin Transit provides public bus services to Centralia residents. Centralia is also 54 miles from Tacoma, while Seattle and Portland are both about 80 miles in either direction. The Chehalis Airport provides local flights and Providence Centralia Hospital is right in town.
Centralia's crime and climate trends
According to data from the FBI reported by the Centralia Police Department in 2023, the city experienced a 33% decrease in violent crime and a 27% increase in property crime. Data from First Street suggests that Centralia has a moderate risk for floods, wildfires and intense heat, as well as a major air quality risk.
Written By
Julia Concepcion
Photography Contributed By
Carter Rogers
Video By
Jahlil Harris
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Centralia, WA sell after 111 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Centralia, WA over the last 12 months is $495,000, up 11% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Charming country rambler on nearly 7 acres! This 3-bed, 2-bath home offers both comfort and versatility with an open living room, spacious family room, and a converted garage turned rec room. Stay comfortable year-round with a heat pump and fireplace perfect for cozy evenings. Outside, enjoy a massive 36x48 shop, 5-stall machine shed currently used as batting cages, 2 carports and an abundance of
This beautifully updated 3-bedroom home, built in 1905, sits on a spacious fenced lot and offers a perfect blend of historic charm and modern updates. Fresh interior paint and new flooring throughout give the home a bright, refreshed feel. The fully remodeled kitchen features contemporary finishes. All new matching slate-colored appliances. This property is ideal for everyday living and
Charming Centralia Home with Shop & Fenced Yard! This inviting 2-bed, 1-bath home is full of character and ready to welcome new owners. Step onto the welcoming front porch before entering a cozy living space complete with a fireplace for relaxing evenings. The property features a fenced backyard with fruit trees, perfect for gardening or outdoor gatherings, plus a back deck ideal for summer BBQs.
Cleared and level 0.62-acre lot in M1 (Light Industrial) zoning located right next to Dollar General. Multiple permitted uses in this zoning. All utilities are available. Lot next door can also be purchased if needed, BLA would be required. Survey available as well as architectural drawings for storage units.
Adorable Park Model! Brand New Never been lived in! Enjoy this beautiful modern park model located in Village Park a 55+ Community. 1 Bedroom Full bath 540 Sq ft. Cozy and comfortable. Hook ups for stackable washer and dryer. For an added bonus, buyer will receive 2 months free rental incentive with full price offer! For Piece of mind this Home comes with a factory warranty. Conveniently located
This charming home, offers solid bones and endless potential to make it your own. The spacious floor plan includes a large unfinished basement—ideal for adding living space, storage, or a custom renovation. A massive covered carport provides excellent parking and utility, while the generous corner lot creates a peaceful setting with room to grow. With so much potential, this property is the
Fully renovated in 2025, The Varsity North is located in Centralia WA, near Centralia Outlets and within a 5-minute drive of Centralia College and NW Sports Hub. Make yourself at home in one of these beautiful studio apartments today!
NEWLY RENOVATED - STUDIO HOMES IN CENTRALIA, WA. Discover a place to call home at Valley View Homes. Our efficient studio homes provide an ideal retreat from your busy schedule in Centralia, Washington. The community offers newly updated pet-friendly spaces with a utility and technology package to match your modern, on-the-go schedule. When you open your new front door, public transit is a few
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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
