Centralia

Centralia

Located in Lewis County

$531,948 Average Value
$269 Average Price per Sq Ft
66 Homes For Sale

A resilient and centralized Washington community

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
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Chehalis River runs throughout the city of Centralia, WA.
People from all over flock to Fort Borst Park for baseball games.
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.
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.
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.
Craftsman homes are among the variety of home styles found in Centralia, WA.
Duplexes are commonly found near the more dense areas of Centralia.
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 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 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.
Centralia Middle School is a part of the Centralia School District.
The Centralia School District has several schools, including Edison Elementary.
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.

Julia Concepcion
Written By
Julia Concepcion
Photography Contributed By
Carter Rogers
Jahlil Harris
Video By
Jahlil Harris

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Open Houses

  • Saturday, May 24
    12 - 3pm

    20215 Washington 507, Centralia, WA 98531

    $750,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,704 Sq Ft
    • 20215 Washington 507
    • New 3 days ago

    Tucked away on 5.38 secluded acres, this 3 bed, 1.75 bath home offers river frontage that lets you float from Bucoda Park back to your own home. Enjoy the wildlife, fishing, fun days and peacefulness. Relax in the peace and privacy of the park-like setting, complete with mature landscaping, a small pond, and a hot tub out back. Inside, enjoy the comfort of ductless heating & cooling, cozy wood

    Forest Bailey On Point Real Estate

  • Sunday, May 25
    11am - 1pm

    1115 Rancho Rd, Centralia, WA 98531

    $750,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 3.5 Baths
    • 3,150 Sq Ft
    • 1115 Rancho Rd
    • New 14 days ago

    EXCEPTIONAL mid-century home offers ultimate living experience in a vibrant community. Open-concept kitchen w/modern finishes-gas cooktop & stylish Belmont cabinets. Updated bathrooms feature elegant Talavera tile & large tub. Main level boasts seamless, light-filled layout ideal for everyday living & entertaining. Gather in the expansive dining & generous living spaces. With 4 spacious bdrms,

    Mailani Cappaert Windermere Prof Partners

  • Saturday, May 24
    11am - 1pm

    105 E Cindy Rd, Centralia, WA 98531

    $459,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,980 Sq Ft
    • 105 E Cindy Rd
    • New 20 days ago

    Enjoy space and convenience—with this spacious home on a quarter acre! Discover thoughtful details inside and out, including a charming finished shed perfect for a home office or creative space. The spacious backyard is complete with privacy fencing, a dedicated garden area, and patio ideal for outdoor fun. Relax on the welcoming covered front porch, cozy up by the wood-stove or head upstairs to

    Heather Stewart Blade Realty LLC

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Average Home Value



Source: Public Records
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.
Centralia