Thinking about relocating to Camas and not sure where to start? You are not alone. Choosing the right neighborhood, planning a manageable commute, and understanding local home types can feel like a lot to juggle. This guide gives you a clear, practical overview so you can narrow your search with confidence and plan your move on a realistic timeline. Let’s dive in.

Why Camas works for many movers

Camas sits on the north bank of the Columbia River in Clark County, just east of Vancouver and north of Portland. You get a suburban lifestyle with access to both Washington and Oregon job centers. Many buyers weigh commute time against neighborhood character, lot size, and budget when picking a spot within the city.

Before you start touring, confirm a few essentials. Verify whether a property is on city water and sewer or has a well and septic. If you have children, contact the Camas School District to confirm boundaries and enrollment steps. For lakeside or river-adjacent homes, review floodplain status and shoreline rules. If you are considering newer communities, request HOA rules and fees early.

Camas neighborhoods at a glance

Downtown and Historic Camas

If you enjoy walkability and character homes, the historic Main Street area delivers a small-town feel near shops and cafes. You will see early 1900s bungalows and craftsman-style houses on smaller lots, with some infill townhomes or small multifamily near the core. Prices can reflect the charm and proximity to amenities. Expect more limited private yard space compared to suburban tracts.

Lacamas Lake and Lakeshore

Lacamas Lake draws you in with trails, water views, and an outdoor lifestyle. Housing ranges from older cottages and remodeled lakefront homes to newer subdivisions near the lake. Lot sizes vary widely, especially along the shoreline. For properties close to the water, confirm shoreline setbacks, critical area rules, and flood or erosion considerations.

Prune Hill and Hillside

Perched above downtown, Prune Hill offers elevated views and a more established residential setting. You will find older single-family homes on varied lots and some opportunities for renovation. Steeper streets and hillside grades are common, so plan for driveway and parking differences. If views matter to you, preview at different times of day.

Newer suburban subdivisions

Across the southeast, northeast, and edges of town, you will find planned communities built from the 1990s forward. These neighborhoods often feature sidewalks, parks, and HOA-maintained common areas. Homes tend to be modern single-family layouts with 3 to 4 or more bedrooms. Lots commonly range from about 0.10 to 0.25 acre, with some larger estate phases in select areas.

Rural fringe and acreage

Toward the outskirts near Hockinson or Washougal, you will see semi-rural parcels and small farms. Properties might include custom homes, manufactured homes, barns, and outbuildings. Lots often start at 1 acre and can be much larger. Expect a higher chance of well and septic, longer drives for errands, and different maintenance considerations.

Small multifamily pockets

Camas includes small mixed-use and multifamily areas near downtown and along commercial corridors. Inventory includes duplexes, small apartment buildings, and townhomes. These can work well for buyers seeking a low-maintenance lifestyle or an entry point into the market. Always review zoning, parking, and HOA requirements if applicable.

What homes look like in Camas

Common styles by era

In the historic core, you will find craftsman bungalows and early vernacular homes that date to the pre-1950s. Mid-century areas include ranch and split-level homes on modest suburban lots. From the 2000s to today, many subdivisions offer larger floor plans, modern finishes, and energy-efficient systems. Around the lake and shoreline, ages vary and many homes have been remodeled.

Typical lot sizes

Older neighborhoods near downtown often sit on smaller parcels, commonly under about 0.2 acres. In planned subdivisions, lots frequently range from roughly 0.1 to 0.3 acres. On the perimeter and in rural areas, you can find 0.5 to 5 or more acres with room for outbuildings. Always confirm lot area on the title or assessor record for accuracy.

Utilities and broadband

Most of the incorporated urban area of Camas is served by city water and sewer. If you are shopping the rural fringe, plan for the possibility of well and septic systems and the inspections that go along with them. Broadband coverage is strong across much of Clark County, but availability can vary by street and micro-area. Contact providers early to confirm service to your exact address.

Inspections and technical checks

Schedule a full home inspection that covers structure, roof, and major systems. For rural properties, add a septic inspection and well water quality testing. In older homes or lakeshore basements, consider radon and moisture checks. For lakefront properties, verify shoreline and critical area compliance. If you are near a designated historic zone, research any applicable restrictions.

Commutes and getting around

Where people work

Many Camas residents commute to Vancouver for medical, retail, or county jobs, while others go into Portland for regional employers. Commute time varies a lot by exact origin and destination. If you can, test your route at your normal travel time during a visit. It will help you set realistic expectations.

Key routes

State Route 14 runs along the Columbia River and connects Camas to I-205 and to Vancouver. I-205, including the Glenn L. Jackson Bridge, is the main crossing into Portland. Local collector roads feed into these corridors, and peak direction congestion is common. Expect heavier westbound travel in the morning and eastbound in the evening.

Typical drive times

To downtown Vancouver, many commuters report about 15 to 30 minutes depending on origin, time of day, and incidents. To Portland job centers, plan on roughly 30 to 60 minutes, with the potential for longer during peak congestion or bridge backups. Always check current conditions, especially if you rely on river crossings. Incident delays can significantly change your day.

Transit and other options

C-Tran provides regional bus service with routes that connect Camas to Vancouver and transfer options into Portland-area transit. Some peak-hour routes offer more direct service, while others require a transfer. Park-and-ride locations are available in the region if you prefer to avoid solo driving. Employers may offer transit benefits, vanpools, or shuttles, and local bike and pedestrian options are good around downtown and lakeside trails.

Commute factors to weigh

• Proximity to SR 14 and I-205 if you cross the river often
• Morning and evening congestion patterns in your chosen neighborhood
• Access to a park-and-ride or express bus if you want transit flexibility
• School traffic near major routes during start and dismissal times
• Seasonal construction and reliability of bridge crossings

Your 60 to 90 day relocation plan

60 to 90 days out

• Define what matters most: commute tolerance, school boundaries, lot size, home age, and whether you are comfortable with an HOA.
• Shortlist two or three neighborhoods and plan a quick visit or virtual tours.
• Contact the Camas School District to confirm boundaries and enrollment steps if you have school-age children.
• If buying, get mortgage pre-approval and connect with a local agent who knows Camas micro-neighborhoods.
• If renting, identify short-term housing options in case your timelines do not line up perfectly.

30 to 60 days out

• If you are under contract, stay on top of inspection and escrow milestones. Schedule any specialized inspections, such as septic or well.
• Gather moving quotes, lock in your movers, and plan packing by room.
• Line up utilities to start on move-in day. Confirm providers and coverage for electricity, water, gas, trash, and internet.
• Start DMV planning. New Washington residents have deadlines for licenses and vehicle registration, so check current requirements.

0 to 30 days

• Complete your final walk-through and closing if buying, then coordinate keys and move-in.
• Transfer utilities and confirm each start date.
• Enroll children in school and bring required documents like proof of residency and immunization records.
• Update your USPS mailing address, voter registration, banks, and employers.
• Set up local services such as trash and recycling. If you have an HOA, complete any onboarding steps.
• If you bought rural property, record septic and well maintenance schedules and meet local contractors as needed.

Avoid common pitfalls

• Assuming all Camas addresses have city water and sewer. Verify service for each property.
• Underestimating commute variability. Check typical rush-hour travel times for your work address.
• Relying on city boundaries for school assignments. Confirm the school boundary for your exact address.
• Skimming HOA documents. Review rules, pet policies, and maintenance responsibilities before you commit.
• Overlooking shoreline and floodplain rules for lake or river-adjacent properties.

How we help

Relocation is a life transition, and you deserve attentive guidance through every step. With boutique, relationship-first service backed by professional marketing, you get a single point of contact who knows Camas neighborhoods and how to navigate cross-border commutes.

You can expect clear communication, honest advice, and hands-on coordination with trusted local partners. From virtual previews and targeted neighborhood tours to negotiation and closing logistics, you have a calm, responsive advocate focused on your goals. If you plan to sell before you buy, premium photography, video tours, and virtual walkthroughs help your listing stand out so you can move forward with confidence.

Ready to explore Camas with a local advisor who knows the micro-neighborhoods, commutes, and home styles that fit your life? Let’s put a plan together that works for your timeline.

Connect with Brian R Jones to start your move.

FAQs

What neighborhoods fit a walkable lifestyle in Camas?

• Downtown and Historic Camas around Main Street offers older homes on smaller lots near shops, cafes, and civic amenities, with some townhomes and small multifamily nearby.

How long is the commute from Camas to Portland during rush hour?

• Many commuters see about 30 to 60 minutes to Portland, with longer times possible during peak congestion or incidents, especially at bridge crossings.

Are most Camas homes on city water and sewer?

• Most homes in the incorporated urban area are served by city water and sewer, but outlying and rural parcels often have well and septic systems, so verify service for each property.

What inspections matter most for a lakefront home in Camas?

• In addition to a standard home inspection, confirm shoreline and critical area compliance, assess for moisture or mold in basements, and review flood and erosion considerations.

How big are typical lots in Camas subdivisions?

• Many planned neighborhoods feature lots around 0.1 to 0.3 acres, while older in-town areas tend to be smaller and rural fringe properties can range from 0.5 to 5 or more acres.

What should I do first when relocating to Camas with kids?

• Contact the Camas School District early to confirm boundaries and enrollment steps, then time your housing search and move-in date around school calendars and document requirements.