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
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Centralia, WA sell after 107 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Centralia, WA over the last 12 months is $480,000, up 14% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Charming mid-century brick home with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths, offering 2,652 sq ft of living space just a short walk to Centralia College and close to all major amenities. Enjoy spacious rooms with hardwood floors, a cozy wood-burning fireplace in the living room, and a kitchen with eating area. Features include an office, bonus room, covered ceilings, and elegant arched doorways. Step outside to
The Lina at Centralia Woods offers 2 floors of comfortable living space with a main-floor layout that’s perfect for entertaining. As you enter the home from the front porch, the foyer leads to an expansive great room and a kitchen boasting a spacious center island and adjacent dining area. Upstairs, the sizable loft provides another versatile gathering area. Additional second-floor highlights
The Finley floor plan on Lot 18 is a 2,447 sq/ft 4bd/2.25ba home. This home will come with: quartz countertops in Kitchen & Primary bathroom, deep stainless steel kitchen sink, tile backsplash in Kitchen, LVP throughout main floor (except under stairs), 8' Ceilings, front yard landscaping, White cabinets w/hardware & soft close hinges, covered back patio, electric fireplace, microwave/hood,
2 duplexes for a total of 4 rentals. Built in 2009, each has approx 800 sq.ft.. Great rental history. Each unit is 2 bdrms/1 bath and has electric fireplaces. Efficient design, EZ to maintain. Single car garages plus outside parking. Located offstreet on a private cul-de-sac. Just 5 minutes to I-5 access at exit 88. EZ commute to Olympia or Centralia. Short distance to restaurants. About 15
Renovated 4-bed, 2-bath home in Centralia! This 1,954 sq ft gem features a stunning kitchen remodel with brand-new appliances, updated flooring on both levels, and fresh paint throughout. The private upstairs suite with separate mudroom entrance offers incredible flexibility—perfect for guests, home office, or multi-gen living. HVAC keeps you comfortable year-round. Enjoy your fully fenced
Designed for your comfort and convenience, the Finley is anchored by a sprawling great room that flows into a lavish kitchen with a center island, walk-in pantry and adjacent dining area. Upstairs, you’ll enjoy the flexibility of an expansive loft space. To one side of the loft, you'll find access to three generous secondary bedrooms. And to the other side, a large primary suite boasts a spacious
Embrace Ultimate Comfort & ConvenienceBrand-New Apartments in Centralia, WashingtonFind the ideal home for your fast-paced, on-the-go lifestyle at The Varsity in Centralia, Washington. Choose from our two brand-new communities in Lewis County, each of which is primely located and competitively priced with a modern style. Whether you choose a studio or one bedroom home at The Varsity
Welcome home to this charming 3-bed, 3-bath Craftsman in the heart of Centralia. Built in 1920 and thoughtfully updated with new appliances, this home blends classic character with modern comfort. Each bedroom includes its own bathroom, offering privacy and convenience for everyone. The spacious kitchen with a gas stove flows into a bright dining area that opens to a large deck/patio—perfect for
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