$606,014Average Value$284Average Price per Sq Ft39Homes 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.
Fog drifts over the river near La Center on a quiet morning.
1/2
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.
Ranch-style homes remain common in La Center’s housing mix.
Cape Cod homes contribute to La Center’s architectural variety.
1/3
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.
Sternwheeler Park combines nature views with shaded seating.
Sternwheeler Park combines nature views with shaded seating.
1/3
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 Middle School offers academics for grades 6-8.
La Center High School provides programs for grades 9-12.
1/3
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.
Clark County Polar Express brings holiday cheer to La Center.
1/2
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.
El Rancho Viejo serves authentic Mexican dishes in La Center.
1/2
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.
Written By
Jillian Pillow
Photography Contributed By
Alex Jacobsen
Video By
Michael Carey
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jody Hedrick,
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 La Center, WA sell after 53 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in La Center, WA over the last 12 months is $600,000, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
LIMITED TIME SPECIAL PRICING WITH ACCEPTED OFFER THROUGH FEBRUARY 1, 2026!Limited Double-Incentive Offer!Ask about our exclusive builder incentive combined with a preferred-lender incentive available on this home. Great opportunity for qualified buyers— for full incentive details.Under construction now in Lockwood Meadows this home offers the perfect blend of modern luxury, flexibility, and
LIMITED TIME SPECIAL PRICING WITH ACCEPTED OFFER THROUGH FEBRUARY 1, 2026! Preferred-lender incentive. Please reach out directly for full program details, terms, and current availability.This stunning one-story ranch features 1,650 SF of thoughtfully designed living space, offering three comfortable bedrooms and two bathrooms. A spacious three-car garage provides ample room for vehicles, storage,
Preferred-lender incentive. Please reach out directly for full program details, terms, and current availability.The Wildcat plan provides 2,402 square feet of living space, complete with a spacious 3-car garage. Inside, laminate flooring flows seamlessly throughout the main living areas, enhancing the home’s modern appeal. The gourmet kitchen boasts sleek slab countertops, stainless steel
Make this property your own. This 11+ acre setting offers creek frontage, open pasture, and expansive views, paired with a 4-bedroom, 3-bath, 2,500+ sq ft home that provides plenty of potential for updates or personalization. The main level features an open layout with a primary bedroom and full bath, laundry, kitchen, flex space, living room, and a 3/4 bath. Upstairs includes additional
Experience the pinnacle of Pacific Northwest living in this stunning 4-bedroom, one-level home by Generation Homes NW. Designed for both elegance and endurance, this home showcases superior construction and a level of customization that sets it apart from the rest.Luxury Interiors & Chef's Kitchen: The open-concept heart of the home features a chef-inspired kitchen anchored by sleek quartz
Live at ease in The Whidbey, a flexible plan with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, den,recreation room, great room, optional patio cover and 3-car tandem garage. Configure this plan to suit your needs with options for up to 4 bedrooms,including an option for a full guest suite on the main floor.This home offers an open concept main level with a spacious great open to the kitchen with an oversized island
Rarely will you find such contemporary comfort hidden amid such wide open, green space. All of our one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments at East Fork Commons offer our residents a sense of calm that can only be found when you bring urban design and convenience outside the bustle of the city, especially when it offers convenient freeway access. With a location in La Center, East Fork Commons
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.
