Camas vs. Battle Ground (Vancouver, Orchards: to rent, house, buying)

[Mrs.C]

Does anyone have any opinions about Camas or Battle Ground? Or even Felida or Salmon Creek? We lived in Orchards/E. Vancouver for about 5 years, have moved out of state for a while, and are now coming back, but wanting to try somewhere new. We loved the whole 192nd/164th shopping areas, but don't know anything about the I5 side of Vancouver. My husband will be working near the mall, and we have 2 kids that would be in elementary school, so good schools are needed. We are going to rent first to make sure we make the right choice before buying. Did Hwy 502 actually become a true highway (rumored when we lived there)? Papermill in Camas shutting down (also rumored)? Things to look out for, or reasons to go to a certain area? Thank you, any input is appreciated!

[StealthRabbit]

Not much changed in the last 5 yrs, but it is ez'r to get to Hockinson (only school option I would consider besides Camas. ) (tho I home schooled... have friends / family / teachers in all local districts).

Papermill is not going anywhere for quite awhile (tho it is quite downsized). It would cost WAY too much to clean up the site, tho eventually it will be the jewel of Columbia River waterfront development 10 min from PDX. (Vancouver waterfront / boise cascade site will lead redevelopment, but eventually be dwarfed by Camas. ~20+ yrs)

[Inkpoe]

Originally Posted by Mrs.C

Did Hwy 502 actually become a true highway (rumored when we lived there)?

I don't know about it being a "true" highway. I have a SIL that lives in BG... and the family says that 502 has made it such a breeze to get to BG. The SIL's husband actually dislikes it for that reason.

[NWbyNW]

Battle Ground's main town is urban sprawls and has a growing choice of shopping including the Albertsons, Safeway, and Fred Meyer. I don't know if 502 is a highway now, but it does make driving easier to get to Vancouver instead of jumping on I-5.

There is a lot of land around Battle Ground, and as mentioned above, Hockinson is a nice rural area, that is close to the shopping of Battle Ground and Vancouver. Brush Prairie is similar, but doesn't have the small town feel.

Camas is a slower pace of life, but closer to the malls in Vancouver. I like the historic downtown of Camas.

[Happy_Homesteader]

I've house hunted in both areas recently. A lot depends on what you do with your time. Do you like a little more room? Are your kids in specific sports (swimming options are few I hear)? Do you like to garden? Are you into recreational shopping or are you more of a trail hiker?
Both Camas and Battle Ground have really beautiful areas, and I think both have a lot to offer a family with small kids.

[NWbyNW]

^ I agree. Both are have rural areas too and some nice scenery and nature. There is plenty of land around both towns to find land if you are looking for that as well.

As for shopping, Battle Ground has more shopping within the town. Camas shopping comes from Vancouver, which is a short drive away. Battle Ground has chain stores as well as a historic main street, that is starting to suffer from the big businesses in town. They have also started a new urban town core.

Camas has a great historic main street with many shops and businesses. More Ma and Pa shops. Big stores are out of town.

[truck9969]

what about the schools and extra cirricular activities? there is a possibility we might be relocating...I have two children one will be in sixth the other in third. How are the winters there? Do you get snow? If not where is the closest place that does?

[StealthRabbit]

Originally Posted by truck9969

what about the schools and extra cirricular activities? there is a possibility we might be relocating...I have two children one will be in sixth the other in third. How are the winters there? Do you get snow? If not where is the closest place that does?

winters=wet and dark, except for an occassional week of clear. cold (20F) and wnd.


minimal snow, more at elevations in the county above 1000'
mt hood 60 min downhill and xc

Troutlake 45 min ne x-c snowmobile
mt st helens 1 hr ne
mt adams 1.5 hr ne

bend and white pass ~ 3 hrs downhill

sacramento / tahoe (sun)... 1.5 hr by air $39-$59 ow