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.
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Centralia, WA sell after 52 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Centralia, WA over the last 12 months is $395,000, up 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Don’t miss this stunning 3,024 sq ft home in Terrace Heights on an expansive lot. The main floor greets you with a private courtyard, a light-filled living room with vaulted ceilings and a gas fireplace, a spacious eat-in kitchen with updated countertops, a walk-in pantry, and a formal dining room. The primary suite includes a cozy sitting area, walk-in closet, and a 3/4 continental bath.
Charming 1907 home on 3 city lots—approx. 0.40 acres! This spacious 4BR + office/den, and 2BA main floor blends vintage character w/ modern updates. New roof (Apr 2025), gas line & stove (May 2025), jacuzzi walk-in shower (2024), and greenhouse (2025). Spacious living room w/ fireplace, formal dining, and built-in storage with unique cabinets and drawers throughout. Gardeners will love the fenced
In the desired Edison District there is no compromising on this home where comfort meets style. Step up to a spacious covered patio that welcomes you into a sophisticated living space. Open flow living & dining leads to the eat-in kitchen with room to spare for your breakfast nook. Beside the kitchen, a rec room offers private retreat or flex space for everyone to enjoy. Down the hallway find the
Discover the potential in this charming home! Being sold as-is, this property offers great bones and endless opportunity to make it your own. The spacious layout includes a huge unfinished basement, perfect for extra living space, storage, or a custom renovation project. Home includes a massive covered carport. Nestled on a generous corner lot with a peaceful setting, it's an ideal canvas for
Step inside this elegant single-story home boasting 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths, discover a wealth of living space including dining room, a cozy family room, and bright inviting living room. The chef's kitchen with eating space and professional gas stove is a dream, while conveniences like a tankless water heater and heat pump ensure comfort and efficiency. Situated on an extra-large lot, the
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.
Introducing these HUGE 1780 sqft luxury townhomes located in desirable Centralia WA. You won't find larger townhomes for this value! These spacious homes feature 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, perfect for those seeking a modern and convenient open living space. The unit comes equipped with stainless appliance suites (refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, and microwave), as well as washer/dryer
Rare Commercial Opportunity to Lease this, C-1 Zoned Retail/Warehouse Property. This versatile commercial property offers a rare chance to own a highly usable site. The layout includes approx. 1,039 sq. ft. of office space & 4,000 sq. ft. of warehouse area, providing a flexible setup for a wide range of business uses. Situated on just under 1⁄2 acre of fully fenced, flat, & paved yard, the
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