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Montesano

Montesano

Located in Grays Harbor County

$456,153 Average Value
$269 Average Price per Sq Ft
5 Homes For Sale

Montesano brings small-town life to verdant Grays Harbor County

Founded in 1870, the city of Montesano, affectionately called “Monty” by locals, has a quaint setting. Its Main Street of local businesses is surrounded by historic architecture, including the Beaux Arts style Grays Harbor County Courthouse. “We're more upscale, probably the nicest city in the county. There's very little crime, since it’s a very small town with one stop light,” says Debora Wood, owner of Price & Price Realty, Inc., with about two decades of experience in the area. The community’s population is approximately 4,200, and its CAP Index Crime Score is a 3 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4. With untouched forest around it, Montesano has access to the lush nature of Washington state. One of its notable features is a state park, where pine forest and ferns thrive.

Near Montesano, Capitol State Forest is massive and supports the region's timber economy.
Near Montesano, Capitol State Forest is massive and supports the region's timber economy.
Architecture is celebrated in Montesano, with many homes on Main Street donning plaques.
Architecture is celebrated in Montesano, with many homes on Main Street donning plaques.
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Main Street local restaurants and shopping

In the heart of Montesano, Main Street consists of walkable blocks of locally owned businesses. “Their downtown commercial district is really nice. The Fishin Hole is pretty popular and so is Gepetto's,” says broker Kristi Christensen, who works with Better Properties Grays Harbor and has about 10 years of experience in the region. Fishin Hole Restaurant serves comfort food in a classic diner setting, while Gepetto's Italian Restaurant Sports Bar has Italian American dishes and a laidback tavern feel. At Lemon Hill Cafe & Bookstore, patrons can look through shelves of new books and then order authentic French meals or specialty drinks. Main Street is also home to the Montesano Timberland Library - W. H. Abel Memorial Library, which has programming from storytimes to book clubs. For grocery shopping, there’s Pick Rite Thriftway and Organics 101 Market + Deli & Juice Bar.

Montesano residents always enjoy getting together at Gepetto's Italian Restaurant Sports Bar.
Montesano residents always enjoy getting together at Gepetto's Italian Restaurant Sports Bar.
The Montesano Timberland Library has programming for community members of all ages to access.
The Montesano Timberland Library has programming for community members of all ages to access.
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Craftsman bungalows, ranch-style homes, New Traditionals and more in Montesano

Within walking distance of downtown Montesano, the town’s grid-style blocks are lined with historic homes on sparely decorated lawns, many graced with simple shrubbery in front and evergreens in the back. The area still has plenty of greenery, with views of the Olympic National Forest foothills throughout the community. The historic architecture in this central part of the city includes Victorians and Craftsman bungalows, ranging from $250,000 to $500,000. The town continues to spread out with cul-de-sacs and sprawling roads of midcentury architecture, ranch-style homes and split-levels, which are priced similarly to the historic homes. On the outskirts of Montesano, New Traditionals built in the 1990s through today range from $600,000 to $750,000. Woodsy undeveloped land ranges from $10,000 for under an acre to $300,000 for about 30 acres.

Craftsman bungalows abound in Montesano, with some having lush greenery and vibrant colors.
Craftsman bungalows abound in Montesano, with some having lush greenery and vibrant colors.
Some of Montesano's sprawling roads end in cul-de-sacs with a range of houses gathered around.
Some of Montesano's sprawling roads end in cul-de-sacs with a range of houses gathered around.
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Water recreation, including Lake Sylvia State Park and Friends Landing

Lake Sylvia State Park is a former logging site on the north side of Montesano. Its dense evergreens encircle a reservoir, which offers a swimming beach and kayaking. “The hiking trails are popular. The city owns the forest around the state park and provides a map for hiking and bicycling,” Wood says. Three rivers converge on Montesano’s south side, where the many water recreation areas include Friends Landing. This camp site on the Chehalis River has a paved 1.5-mile walking trail around Lake Quigg, ideal for bird watching. The park features boat launches and fishing docks at the lake as well as on the river. Kelsey Park, on the town’s north end, has ballfields, picnic tables and a playground. For more recreation in the wilderness, the Olympic National Forest is north of the community, while the Capitol State Forest lies south of Montesano.

Lake Sylvia State Park is a popular spot near Montesano for folks looking to fish for trout.
Lake Sylvia State Park is a popular spot near Montesano for folks looking to fish for trout.
At Friends Landing, Montesano residents can use one of the fishing docks on the Chehalis River.
At Friends Landing, Montesano residents can use one of the fishing docks on the Chehalis River.
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Education from Beacon Avenue Elementary to J.M. Montesano Junior/Senior High

Beacon Avenue Elementary School has a B-plus rating, while Simpson Avenue Elementary School earns a B. J.M. Montesano Junior/Senior High School has a C-plus rating. Its extracurriculars include Art Club and Knowledge Bowl.

Montesano students can attend Beacon Avenue Elementary School to start their learning careers.
Montesano students can attend Beacon Avenue Elementary School to start their learning careers.
At J.M. Montesano Junior/Senior High School, students can enjoy pursuing extracurriculars.
At J.M. Montesano Junior/Senior High School, students can enjoy pursuing extracurriculars.
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The Festival of Lights and the Historic Montesano Car Show

The annual Festival of Lights, Montesano’s biggest event, is a holiday extravaganza spanning three days in mid-December. The activities range from a home decoration contest to a parade featuring bedecked tractors to a Christmas music concert. The Historic Montesano Car Show brings the town to life in July, with live music and a contest for vintage vehicles.

A 10-mile drive to Aberdeen, 40 miles to Olympia and more transportation

Much of Montesano is walkable, with some residents’ homes only blocks away from local workplaces like the courthouse. The commute to Aberdeen takes about 10 miles via U.S. Highway 12. The town is located about 40 miles from Olympia via State Route 8. For public transportation, the Grays Harbor Transit bus system serves the community, with the Montesano Transit Center just east of downtown Montesano. The closest major airport is the Seattle–Tacoma International Airport, located about 90 miles away.

The Montesano Transit Center accommodates a modest fleet of buses to help folks get around.
The Montesano Transit Center accommodates a modest fleet of buses to help folks get around.
When Montesano residents want to fly, they can head to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
When Montesano residents want to fly, they can head to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
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Anna Anderson
Written By
Anna Anderson
Photography Contributed By
Landon Gauthier
Luke Basinger
Video By
Luke Basinger

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Addie Wenger, an experienced agent in this area.

Agents Specializing in this Area

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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

Montesano Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$549,950
Median Sale Price
$699,950
Median Single Family Sale Price
$549,950
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
8
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
8%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$269

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
849
Number of Homes for Sale
5
Median Year Built
1963
Months of Supply
7.50
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,816
Below the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,776
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
13,721

Open Houses

  • 8 Minkler Rd, Montesano, WA 98563

    $12,500

    • 8 Minkler Rd

    This heavily wooded Parcel is just south of the Chehalis Bridge close to SR 107 and Minkler Rd.

    Agent Photo
    Brent Wolters
    Best Choice Realty LLC
    (360) 322-1071
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  • 1194 State Hwy 12 Unit 49, Montesano, WA 98563

    $42,500

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,176 Sq Ft
    • 1194 State Hwy 12
    • Unit 49
    • New 25 days ago

    Montesano. Features include a functional kitchen with eating space, a living area adjacent to the kitchen, three bedrooms, and a bathroom with a soaking tub off the primary bedroom. The property also offers storage space, a fenced backyard, a wood deck, and a carport with an attached storage unit. Contact to schedule a viewing.

    Agent Photo
    Don Goethals
    RE/MAX Extra Inc.
    (360) 900-1417
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  • 1194 U S 12 Unit 55, Montesano, WA 98563

    $27,500

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,152 Sq Ft
    • 1194 U S 12
    • Unit 55

    Owner Financing Available! The mobile home located in Hidden Valley MHP with space rent of 900 per month that includes sewer and garbage. This home is a fixer!

    Agent Photo
    Don Goethals
    RE/MAX Extra Inc.
    (360) 288-7841
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Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Neighborhoods in Montesano

Property Mix - Square Feet

Montesano Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
4,348
Median Age
43
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
22%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
23.1%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$64,535
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$87,640

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
96.7%
College Graduates
24.5%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
8.2%
% Population in Labor Force
52.6%
Below the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
85''
Average Winter Low Temperature
36°F
Average Summer High Temperature
69°F
Annual Snowfall
2''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®®

5 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®®

3 / 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.
Montesano