$613,010Average Value$288Average Price per Sq Ft54Homes 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
Diane Lokan,
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 59 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in La Center, WA over the last 12 months is $599,997, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
The modern Wahkeena plan offers you 4 bedrooms that includes an amazing primary suite , soaking tub, separate shower and double vanity. The large great room with laminate flooring flows into the kitchen and dining areas. Enjoy the covered back patio in your fenced backyard. Nice den on the main floor. 3 car garage. Lockwood Meadows open Saturdays and Sundays 1 to 4. Come see us!
The Aspen ADU Plan offers exceptional flexibility with 4 bedrooms in the main home and an additional 2 bedrooms in the attached ADU — perfect for multi-generational living or rental income potential.The main home features durable laminate flooring throughout the living areas and a beautifully designed kitchen complete with stainless steel appliances, a spacious island, pantry, and seamless flow
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 appliances, induction range, Built in microwave, hood vent, a built in wall oven and a large island, perfect for both
Welcome to 124 W 20th Way — a beautifully upgraded 5-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom home with a dedicated office and bonus room, set on a quiet cul-de-sac in La Center with mountain views secured by choosing the best lot in the neighborhood from day one.The main level features luxury vinyl tile, a decorative overlook railing, and an upgraded fireplace with matching living room cabinetry. The kitchen has
Investors & Visionaries – Your Canvas Awaits! Bring your tools – ideas – and blueprints – this property is full of potential. The home isn’t fully permitted – but with the right updates – and a little elbow grease – to bring it up to code – it could someday become a true masterpiece. Situated on approximately 10 acres – the land offers sweeping views of Mt. Hood – Mt. Bachelor – and the Portland
Located in the heart of La Center sits a premier community where you’ll find this 5-acre home w/perfect balances of NW Contemporary design and the functional freedom of a country estate! Whether you’re looking for a sophisticated multi-generational setup or a professional-grade hobbyist space, this property delivers on every level. The 2,468 square-foot primary residence is a quality-built home
OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY 4/11 12-5! 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
Life in La Center just hits differently. Think Friday night lights, summer concerts at Holley Park, neighbors who actually wave, and the kind of community people are searching for again. And the best part? You don’t have to sacrifice the house to get the lifestyle. This upgraded New Tradition Home was built for real life—with the layout, space, and features buyers are constantly hunting for but
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
Tucked away on 10 secluded acres with a year round creek, this exceptional property offers the perfect blend of privacy, functionality, and modern comfort. With 4 bedrooms plus a den/office on the main, and a spacious bonus room, there’s room for everyone & everything. The main level features a stunning primary suite with vaulted ceilings, ensuite bath, and a huge walk-in closet, along with rich
DeAnna BrysonBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices NW Real Estate
Close in Acreage, Beautiful setting with a charming all new farmhouse. Fenced and secluded this flexible floor plan includes 3 Bedrooms plus den on the main, loft upstairs and 2.5 Bathrooms. This home is the little piece of heaven you have been waiting for. 5+ acres to spread out, build that shop and a 2260+ sqft home that is light and bright with an amazing gourmet kitchen plus all kitchen
The modern Wahkeena plan offers you 4 bedrooms that includes an amazing primary suite , soaking tub, separate shower and double vanity. The large great room with laminate flooring flows into the kitchen and dining areas. Enjoy the covered back patio in your fenced backyard. Nice den on the main floor. 3 car garage. Lockwood Meadows open Saturdays and Sundays 1 to 4. Come see us!
Spectacular, easy living in this well thought out floor plan. The Grandview offers stylish two-level living with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a recreation room, great room, den and 2-car garage. Enter the home to find a convenient den on the right hand side, continue into the great room which opens to the kitchen and dining area, opportunity to add a bay to the dining area is available. Kitchen
The Aspen ADU Plan offers exceptional flexibility with 4 bedrooms in the main home and an additional 2 bedrooms in the attached ADU — perfect for multi-generational living or rental income potential.The main home features durable laminate flooring throughout the living areas and a beautifully designed kitchen complete with stainless steel appliances, a spacious island, pantry, and seamless flow
This home offers one-level living on a park-like 0.95-acre lot with no HOA. The interior features a large kitchen with an island and bar seating, as well as an oversized great room that shares a double-sided fireplace with a bright and spacious living room. The home includes 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and amenities such as air conditioning, a heat pump, a central vacuum system, and RV/boat
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
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and 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.
