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.
1/2
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.
1/4
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.
1/2
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.
1/4
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.
1/2
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.
1/4
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
Matthew Gerrish,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Centralia, WA sell after 7 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 18% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome Home! This charming brick rambler is sure to impress from the moment you drive up to the stately entrance. Spacious 4-bed, 2.5-bath w/basement featuring oversized detached 9 car garage, additional storage & even more parking in carport. Offering versatile living space w/room to spread out, entertain, or simply relax. Newer heat pump w/central AC, hardwood floors, gorgeous kitchen
Experience the ultimate in Pacific Northwest living on 25 + private acres. This 5-bed, 2.75-bath, 3,510 sq ft estate blends comfort, functionality, and self-sufficiency. A second kitchen upstairs adds versatility, while the outdoor furnace, 500-gal propane tank, and whole-house generator with interior switch ensure peace of mind in any season. Starlink internet keeps you connected, RV parking
Beautifully renovated, this stunning 3,046 sq ft home offers 2 bedrooms, 2.5 remodeled baths, a bonus room currently used as a gym- or ideal for a 3rd bedroom, & a flexible office or craft space- endless options! The luxurious primary suite features a walk-in closet & spa-like bathroom with dual sinks, soaking tub, & rain shower. A Gourmet kitchen includes quartz counters, under-cabinet lighting,
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.
Classic Centralia home with modern touches. Timeless brick-faced beauty nestled on a gently sloping, landscaped lot in sought-after Seminary Hill neighborhood. Well-maintained with 3-bdrm/1.5-bth offers perfect blend of vintage character+modern comfort. Updates inc insulated windows, modern electrical panel, heat pump-assisted HVAC ensuring year-round efficiency and peace of mind. Gleaming
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!
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
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
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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.
