$445,116Average Value$265Average Price per Sq Ft8Homes 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
When Montesano residents want to fly, they can head to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
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Written By
Anna Anderson
Photography Contributed By
Landon Gauthier
Video By
Luke Basinger
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Geia Roberts,
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.
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On average, homes in Montesano, WA sell after 61 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Montesano, WA over the last 12 months is $424,000, up 9% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Owner Financing Available! The mobile home located in Hidden Valley MHP with space rent of $795 per month. build sweat equity with this one fixer! 2 bedroom 2 bathroom
Owner financing available. Three bedrooms, and 2-bathroom Features include a large kitchen with eating space, a large living area adjacent to the kitchen great room concept. Primary bedroom with a soaking tub. The property also offers storage space, a fenced backyard, a covered wood deck, and a carport with an attached storage unit. home is livable needs light TLC Contact to schedule a viewing.
Close to town yet quietly removed from the hustle and bustle, this well-designed home sits in a setting where space, light, and privacy come together - all with no HOA. Surrounded by open skies and generous parcels, the atmosphere feels calm and open, with sunset views that make evenings something to look forward to. Inside, the layout is both modern and practical, with bright, connected living
Beautifully updated 1,800 sq. ft. split-level home offering modern comfort and serene valley views. This 3-bed, 3-bath home features contemporary finishes and thoughtful upgrades throughout, and the roof is only 5 years old! The upper living area showcases tongue-and-groove vaulted ceilings and a stone fireplace, creating an airy, inviting space. A large back deck extends the living area outdoors
This home suits buyers drawn to classic architecture paired with generous, functional space across multiple levels. The first impression is the stately presence and covered wrap-around front porch, setting the tone before you even step inside. The main level carries that feeling through with special finishes, hardwood floors, and two living areas connected by a double fireplace. The flow between
This 93-ac farm has 3 parcels, 2 homes, barns, outbuildings, 2 new grain bins, private access to Wynoochee River. Remnants of last operating dairy farm in the valley include milking parlor, cow barns, hay barns, and pastures. 35 ac fenced. Clover blend hay crop growing for 2026. Continue to operate as a farm, make a private retreat/venue, or combination. Original 1903 barn shows the craftsmanship
Spacious double-wide in Country Estates 55+ park, located in Montesano. This 3 bed, 2 bath home offers a primary ensuite, vinyl windows, and generous living/dining areas. Kitchen with double oven, family room, and utility room add convenience. Enjoy full baths, carport with storage shed, and multiple decks including a covered front entry. End-of-road location with greenbelt views provides privacy
Welcome Home! This beautifully finished 1,632 sq. ft. home is on just over a quarter acre in East Montesano. Inside you’ll find 3 bedrooms plus a bonus room, along with 1 3/4 bathrooms. The primary suite features its own private bath with a double vanity, walk-in shower, and spacious walk-in closet. This home has been thoughtfully remodeled and updated from top to bottom, including brand-new
Welcome home to this beautifully remodeled 3-bedroom, 13⁄4-bath doublewide located in the sought-after Country Estates Park community. Mostly renovated down to the studs in 2023 by Joel Cole Construction, this home blends modern comfort with relaxed community living. Step inside to an inviting open floor plan that creates a bright, spacious feel—perfect for entertaining or everyday living. The
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to own 2 level acres just outside the city limits of Montesano! Conveniently located less than 2 miles from downtown and only 1⁄2 mile from Beacon Elementary, this property offers the perfect blend of country space with city convenience.All the prep work has been done for you:-Surveyed and recorded with the County-Septic system designed and approved-City water
Rare 5-acre property in a highly desirable Montesano location near the Brady Store, offering multiple paths forward. The existing home provides an opportunity for renovation and restoration, or the site may be ideal for removal and construction of a new custom residence. The parcel is flat, cleared, and partially fenced, with valuable infrastructure already in place including driveway access,
Breathtaking secluded agricultural land. 52.64 gorgeous acres running along river. Natural wildlife includes native elk herds. Custom Home, 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms, Kitchen with island open to dining room, family room, utility room. Enjoy the woodburning stove for those cool PNW days and nights. Desirable wrap around porch to watch sun rise and set. 25x50 shop. Garden area, fruit trees.
Among the pine forests of Washington, Brady is a community of countryside estates in Grays Harbor County. Daily snapshots include neighbors tending to their farms, horses grazing on acres of land and pine siskins trilling in the boughs of towering evergreen trees. The population of less than a thousand people lives in peace and quiet, with ample space to themselves. “I suppose a lot of people move there because it’s closer west by the beaches but still in commuting distance to Olympia. And it’s more of a rural community — people wanting to get out of the big city move there,” says broker Harley Greninger who works with Premier Realty Grays Harbor and has over three decades of experience in the area. The small town next door, Montesano, is a big part of living in Brady, since residents rely on its grocery store, school system and access to the natural splendor of Lake Sylvia State Park. <br><br>East of Aberdeen, Brady has a classic rural feel: long country roads punctuated by spread-out houses surrounded by land. Pine-covered hills roll in the distance, with mountain silhouettes rising above. One of Brady’s big draws is lot size; from one acre to 20 acres, there are endless possibilities for yards this spacious. Some homes come with stables and barns, while others have RV parking for frequent campers. The local architecture includes ranch-style homes, log cabins, farmhouses and Cape Cods. In terms of sales prices, farmhouses range from $500,000 to $850,000, while ranch-style homes range from $500,000 to $650,000. <br><br>To get to the most popular park in the area, residents of Brady head to the outskirts of Montesano. Lake Sylvia State Park, once a logging site, now provides visitors with kayaking and swimming in roped off deep and shallow sections. Anglers delight in the stocked waters full of trout, bass and perch, while hikers explore the scenic pine forest trails. “They've been putting a lot of money into the clubhouse. It's busy during the holidays, but it’s very beautiful and serene,” Greninger says. At Kelsey Park, parents bring their kids to a playground and swing set beside a baseball field with a concession stand open during games. Schafer State Park is located on the Satsop River, where people can swim and fish for salmon in autumn. It also has campsites shaded by tall maple trees. Between the Olympic National Forest to the north and Capitol State Forest to the south, Brady locals can take their pick of camping sites and hiking trails deep in the wilderness. <br><br>Although the community doesn’t have many businesses, residents have a convenient stop for snacks and beverages at Brady Food Mart. Also right in Brady, Snowbird Farm & Cidery serves ciders in various fruit flavors that patrons can drink inside or outside, where they might encounter baby goats, chickens and ducks. The animals add to the ambiance of this former dairy farm, where people can spend an afternoon with their kids playing outdoor games and letting them dig in the sandbox. For groceries, residents must drive into Montesano to get to the local store Pick Rite Thriftway. Next door to the grocery store is Valu Drugs Inc, a pharmacy and gift shop. <br><br>The community is served by the Montesano School District, which earns a B grade according to Niche. Beacon Avenue Elementary School serves prekindergarten through second grade and has a B rating. Also given a B grade, Simpson Avenue Elementary School serves third through sixth grade. For middle and high school levels, Montesano Junior/Senior High School has a C-plus rating and extracurriculars like astronomy club and drama club. <br><br>If Brady residents want to go to local events, they can head into town for the Montesano Festival of Lights. This three-day holiday celebration includes activities like a gingerbread house contest, a Christmas music concert and a parade. The Historic Montesano Car Show kicks off every summer with a pancake breakfast and a contest for vintage rides. <br><br>Brady is a car-dependent community, so most residents drive to work. It's located 35 miles west of Olympia via State Route 8. About 15 miles east of Aberdeen, residents can get to the city via U.S. Highway 12. Those who prefer public transit can catch a Grays Harbor Transit bus. For a nearby hospital, Harbor Regional Health Emergency Department is 18 miles away in Aberdeen. The Seattle–Tacoma International Airport is about 90 miles away.
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
$79,601
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
64.9%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
85''
Average Winter Low Temperature
36°F
Average Summer High Temperature
69°F
Annual Snowfall
2''
Area Factors
Moderately friendly
Bike Score®®
70/ 100
Somewhat friendly
Walk Score®®
20/ 100
Not friendly
Transit Score®®
0/ 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic
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.
