A lower cost of living and remote location bring buyers to Raymond
Less than 25 miles from the Pacific coast, Raymond is a quiet riverfront community in southwestern Washington. "People move here for the price. It's much cheaper out here. It's small and quiet," says Tyson Simonson, a Realtor at Realty ONE Group Pacifica with five years of experience. "It's a mix of people who are retired and want to be away from everything and remote workers who want the price but only have to drive to their jobs one day a week."
The Willapa River winds around the area, leading to Willapa Bay, known for its oyster production. The community was built on the logging and shellfish industries, which are still prevalent. Locally owned restaurants and craft breweries line the streets, while century-old houses offer a slice of the Washington countryside to call home.
Century-old homes in coastal Washington
Established cottages and bungalows dot the landscape in Raymond, often close together on suburban lots. Log cabins and Craftsman homes with wood siding are also common in the area. The streets rarely have sidewalks, and tall pines add a natural feeling to the neighborhoods. Houses on the community's east side and north of the river tend to be in more rural settings, sitting on a half-acre or more. The median sale price in Raymond is around $280,000.
Many homes may be at risk of potential flooding because of proximity to the river and wetlands in the region.
Fishing, kayaking and exploring on the Pacific Coast and Willapa River
With the Willapa River and the Pacific coast nearby, there are several recreation options around Raymond. "If you're going to the beach, it's a really pretty drive to Grayland and Westport," Simonson says. "There are boat charters that can take you out fishing for salmon in the ocean, and there are a few tuna boats that go out there, too." Grayland Beach State Park is about 26 miles away and has expansive sandy beaches for fishing, metal detecting or clam digging. In addition to ocean fishing, residents can fish for Chinook or Coho salmon in the Willapa River by launching boats from Willapa Landing or the South Bend Recreational Dock. Eighth Street Park has softball fields, a playground and tennis courts. The Raymond Pool is the only public pool in Pacific County and offers swim lessons, a swim team and a waterslide.
Locally owned restaurants offer fresh-caught seafood
Raymond has a fair amount of shopping and dining for a small town. Pitchwood Alehouse serves traditional bar food like burgers and flatbread pizzas alongside an extensive draft list of craft beer. Waterfront options include the aptly named River View Dining and Chester Tavern, each known for their oyster offerings. Wild Man Brewing and Willapa Brewing offer a variety of beer styles made in Raymond. Groceries are available at Willapa Thriftway or Pioneer Grocery. Other stores in the area include Ace Hardware, thrift shops and a pharmacy. For chain retailers and big-box stores, Aberdeen is about 25 miles north.
Historic venues and museums offer a look at Raymond's past
The Raymond Theater is a historic venue on Third Street that has been serving the area since 1928. The theater is on the National Register of Historic Places, and hosts live music, ballet and school performances. It can also be rented for weddings and parties. The Northwest Carriage Museum on Alder Street highlights the history of horse-drawn vehicles. It started in 2002 with a donation of 21 carriages and has expanded ever since. Today, the museum houses over 60 vehicles and other artifacts from the 19th century.
Multiple school options in Pacific County
Two school districts serve the area; Raymond School District covers the east side, while South Bend School District covers the west. Each receives a B-minus rating from Niche. Both districts offer career and technical education programs for students, including courses in agriculture, business, STEM and family sciences.
U.S. highways and local bus systems offer transit around Raymond
U.S. Route 101 is the main area highway, offering a north-south route along the West Coast. Aberdeen is the largest nearby city, while Olympia is about 65 miles northeast via Highway 101 and state Route 8. Pacific Transit operates multiple bus routes in the region, connecting Raymond to other communities in Pacific County.
Written By
Matthew Atkins
