Hoquiam

From streets lined with Craftsman homes, locals can stroll down to a boat launch and take in scenic vistas of Grays Harbor, a bay leading to the Pacific Ocean. Here in Ontario, it’s all about fishing, boating and the water. The neighborhood is located in Hoquiam, a small town in Washington state only a few miles west of Aberdeen. The Hoquiam River runs through the area, which is set along the bay. The area’s waterfront scenery has its pros — natural beauty and recreation — but it also has its drawbacks. The neighborhood is in a flood zone, although this keeps it relatively affordable. “The biggest appeal is the price range,” says broker Rikki Roberts, who works with Olympic Realty 2000 and has over five years of experience in the area. With proximity to Grays Harbor, Ontario residents can access scenic waterfront recreation. The Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge, located about five miles west, features a boardwalk trail through wetlands with scenic views of the bay. It's also a bird watching sanctuary, so people can see shorebirds like herons and dunlin. However, this means parkgoers can’t bring their dogs, who may scare the wildlife away. Right below the neighborhood is the 28th Street Boat Launch, which has a two-story viewing tower where people can watch the sunset over the bay. The park also has fishing docks and a ramp to drop boats into the water. Ocean City State Park, about 20 miles west in Ocean City, is a beach where visitors can drive and park on the sand. On the eastern side of Hoquiam, Ontario is centered around Simpson Avenue, which has some retail. However, the area is mostly residential, composed of grid-style blocks of houses from the early 1900s. The yards tend to be compact at around 5,000 square feet with garden beds and the occasional fence. The architecture includes many Craftsman homes, cottages, ranch-style houses and bungalows. “There are a lot of houses that need some work on Ontario Street, but there are a lot of nicer houses mixed in. I believe that area is in the flood zone, so it keeps the housing prices reasonable, which is the biggest draw,” Roberts says. Most of Hoquiam has an extreme risk of flooding, which is reflected in its price points. Craftsman homes and ranch-style homes both range from $200,000 to $400,000. Ontario has its share of convenience stores and fast food on Simpson Avenue. A popular restaurant nearby is the Welcome Inn Bar & Grill, a relaxed hometown pub with a covered patio. Only a mile west lies Hoquiam’s Main Street-style downtown: a handful of walkable blocks with shopping and dining at local businesses. One of these is Brunch 101 of Hoquiam, which serves breakfast foods like chicken and waffles in a modern, minimalistic interior. McHugh's Furniture has bedroom sets, couches and decorations like wall art. There's also entertainment in downtown Hoquiam, including the 7th Street Theatre, a historic Spanish Revival building that puts on movies and concerts. Those looking for a supermarket can stop by Swanson's grocery store. The community gathers at the annual Easter Egg Hunt in the spring. Kids can find eggs hidden in Olympic Stadium, a sports field northeast of Ontario. There are also photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny. Hoquiam Timberland Library hosts events more often — from needlework groups who work on their crafts together to Creature Teachers, where attendees can meet reptiles and amphibians. Emerson Elementary School has a B-minus rating on Niche and serves kindergarten through first grade. Serving second through fifth grade, Central Elementary School has a C grade. Hoquiam Middle School earns a C-minus and is for sixth through eighth graders. Hoquiam High School has a C rating and offers courses from commercial photography to culinary arts. Ontario is a semi-walkable community. It's located 60 miles from Olympia via State Route 8. It’s also only 3 miles west of Aberdeen via Simpson Avenue. Those who prefer public transit can catch a Grays Harbor Transit bus at multiple stops along Sumner Avenue and Simpson Avenue. For the nearest hospital, Harbor Regional Health Emergency Department is two miles away in Aberdeen. The Seattle–Tacoma International Airport, the closest international airport, is about 100 miles away.