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La Center

La Center

Located in Clark County

$614,432 Average Value
$286 Average Price per Sq Ft
42 Homes For Sale

Riverside recreation and a know-thy-neighbor atmosphere in La Center

Forests and farmlands surround the rural Clark County city of La Center. Along the East Fork Lewis River, less than 20 miles north of Vancouver, the growing community is known for its riverside recreation and small-town atmosphere, with big-city offerings just a short drive away. “We have a small-town, know-thy-neighbor atmosphere here in La Center,” says Hannah Shields, the city’s Outreach Coordinator. “We have an active volunteer community, and people help one another in times of need. At town events, you see familiar faces all around.”

In the early days of La Center, and through most of the 20th century, the area was supported by the active logging industry, until the decline of logging in the 80s, when card gambling rooms brought renewed revenue to the community. Three card rooms still sit in La Center’s small business district, along with a small selection of restaurants.

Residential streets showcase La Center’s peaceful character.
Residential streets showcase La Center’s peaceful character.
Fog drifts over the river near La Center on a quiet morning.
Fog drifts over the river near La Center on a quiet morning.
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A growing community with new housing developments

La Center has a continually growing housing market, with a population that has more than doubled since 2005. Near the center of town, ranch-style homes and bungalows date back to the early-to-mid 20th century, while 1990s modern traditional housing developments and brand-new builds can be found to the north and east. Most houses sit on quarter-acre lots, while some on the outskirts of town have multi-acre properties. Fixer-uppers and the town’s more established homes range from $290,000 to $520,000, while single-story 21st-century houses can go for $430,000 to around $650,000. Multi-story craftsman and modern-traditional homes in new suburbs like Highland Terrace, Stephens Hillside Farm and Lockwood Meadows range from $450,000 to $850,000.

La Center has a CAP Index Crime Score of 1 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4.

New Traditional homes add character to La Center’s streets.
New Traditional homes add character to La Center’s streets.
Ranch-style homes remain common in La Center’s housing mix.
Ranch-style homes remain common in La Center’s housing mix.
Cape Cod homes contribute to La Center’s architectural variety.
Cape Cod homes contribute to La Center’s architectural variety.
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Recreation on the East Fork Lewis River

In the summer months, locals flock to the East Fork Lewis River to swim, fish or kayak. A sandy beach lies on the south bank less than a mile from the town’s center and is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing. Across the water, Timmen’s Landing has a boat ramp. Anglers can cast a line from shore to reel in coho salmon, chinook and steelhead. Paradise Point State Park has a riverside beach, campsites, a disc golf course and yurts available for rent. The 12-acre Holley Park offers facilities for baseball, tennis and basketball, along with a playground and a skate park. The community is also around an hour south of Mount Saint Helens, surrounded by dozens of miles of hiking trails and scenic picnic areas.

Paradise Point State Park provides scenic hiking near La Center.
Paradise Point State Park provides scenic hiking near La Center.
Sternwheeler Park combines nature views with shaded seating.
Sternwheeler Park combines nature views with shaded seating.
Sternwheeler Park combines nature views with shaded seating.
Sternwheeler Park combines nature views with shaded seating.
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An array of extracurriculars at La Center High

La Center Elementary School and La Center Middle both earn B-minus grades from Niche. La Center High School receives a B and has a variety of extracurricular offerings, including Knowledge Bowl, Equestrian Club and the Environmental Action Team.

La Center Elementary School serves local students in grades K-5.
La Center Elementary School serves local students in grades K-5.
La Center Middle School offers academics for grades 6-8.
La Center Middle School offers academics for grades 6-8.
La Center High School provides programs for grades 9-12.
La Center High School provides programs for grades 9-12.
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Neighbors gather for La Center events

The city regularly hosts holiday celebrations and other events that bring community members together. “We have a pretty active community,” says Shields. “There’s a consistent group of 30 to 40 locals that volunteer to organize events, from library programs to ribbon cuttings. One of our biggest annual events is the Our Days Steamboat Celebration.” Each July, Our Days hosts live music, vendors, a parade and a 5K run to celebrate the history of La Center.

La Center Community Library offers books and community programs.
La Center Community Library offers books and community programs.
Clark County Polar Express brings holiday cheer to La Center.
Clark County Polar Express brings holiday cheer to La Center.
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Fourth street businesses and nearby shopping hubs

East Fourth Street has a handful of small businesses, from Stonehill Coffee House to El Rancho Viejo, which serves Mexican fare. Nearby, Sadie and Josie’s Bakery offers a wide array of sweets and baked goods, from pies and scones to handmade candy and artisan bread. At 4th Street Bar and Grill, patrons can enjoy sandwiches, steak or seafood alongside a cold beer or a specialty cocktail. There are three card rooms in town, including The Last Frontier Poker Room, which draws in visitors from across the Vancouver area. Apart from a few convenience stores, locals do most of their shopping in nearby communities like Ridgefield and Battle Ground. Costco, Safeway and Walmart are all within a 12-mile drive.

Sadie and Josie’s Bakery serves fresh pastries in La Center.
Sadie and Josie’s Bakery serves fresh pastries in La Center.
El Rancho Viejo serves authentic Mexican dishes in La Center.
El Rancho Viejo serves authentic Mexican dishes in La Center.
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Public transit and proximity to I-5

Interstate 5 spans around 18 miles south to downtown Vancouver and 26 miles north to Longview. For long-distance travel, Portland International Airport is around 25 miles south. C-TRAN operates a bus route to and from Vancouver’s 99th Street Transit Center.

Jillian Pillow
Written By
Jillian Pillow
Alex Jacobsen
Photography Contributed By
Alex Jacobsen
Michael Carey
Video By
Michael Carey

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Schools

Source:
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

Parks in this Area

La Center Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$635,000
Median Sale Price
$600,500
Median Single Family Sale Price
$619,900
Median Change From 1st List Price
2%
Last 12 months Home Sales
114
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
1%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$286

Area Facts

Number of Homes
1,468
Number of Homes for Sale
42
Median Year Built
2004
Months of Supply
4.40
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,176
Above the national average
1,930
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,582
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
8,276

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Mar 7
    Open Sat 1PM - 3PM

    1506 NW 339th St, La Center, WA 98629

    $929,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 2,932 Sq Ft
    • 1506 NW 339th St

    If you’ve been searching for a 1-acre property with RV parking, space to build a shop, and room to breathe, this is the opportunity you’ve been waiting for. Situated on a fully flat, usable 1-acre lot, this well-maintained home delivers the acreage, functionality, and features today’s buyers are actively looking for — including RV parking, outdoor living space, and flexible square footage.

    Kori Burke Windermere Northwest Living

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  • Wednesday, Mar 4
    Open Wed 10AM - 5PM

    151 E Airedale Ave, La Center, WA 98629

    $699,900

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,975 Sq Ft
    • 151 E Airedale Ave

    Welcome to the Albina floor plan in Urban Meadows—a beautifully designed, single-level home created for comfort, convenience, and modern living. This brand-new residence features 3 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms with a smart, age-in-place layout that’s both stylish and functional.The open-concept living space is perfect for everyday life and entertaining, highlighted by a central kitchen island,

    Joe Bjorklund Felida Real Estate

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  • Saturday, Mar 7
    Open Sat 10AM - 12PM

    134 E Joyce Ct, La Center, WA 98629

    $659,900

    • 3 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 2,168 Sq Ft
    • 134 E Joyce Ct
    • New 20 hours ago

    Moody, grand, and unmistakably refined, this stunning New Tradition gem is ready to welcome its next owners. Immaculately maintained and thoughtfully designed, this house definitely feels like a home. A charming covered front patio invites you to relax with your morning coffee while enjoying peaceful cul-de-sac living in a quiet, private community where no neighbors peer into your space. This

    Kori Burke Windermere Northwest Living

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Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

La Center Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
3,473
Median Age
45
Population under 18
23.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
21.8%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$104,701
Above the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$114,294

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
93.1%
College Graduates
22.1%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
4.7%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
58.9%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
43''
Average Winter Low Temperature
34°F
Average Summer High Temperature
81°F
Annual Snowfall
3''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®®

23 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®®

35 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

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.
La Center