How do you like Camas? (Seattle, Vancouver: sales, employment, private school)

[CAtoWA]

Hi, My family and I are thinking about moving to Camas next Summer and we are from Los Angeles as well. Do you like it? Any advice?
-Denise

[Topaz]

What are you seeking in a city? I've only lived in Camas for about a month but I like it so far. We moved here after discovering the traffic in Portland was horrendous. Everyone in Oregon thinks the traffic HERE is terrible but we have found through experience that my husband's commute to Portland has been cut in half even though he has to cross the dreaded bridge from Oregon to Washington. We still have to pay Oregon's income tax, though, along with Washington's sales tax if we shop near home. That part isn't fun. If you move to Camas, try to get employment in Washington to avoid the Oregon income tax.

[crazycanuck]

My husband and I just moved to Camas on October 1st. He is working in Portland and must pay the state tax. It is our understanding though that he will get most of it back after completing the Oregon tax return next year. You might want to check into that! As Martha would say, it's a good thing!

[Carmela]

Good luck on the tax return! It's never happened for me but maybe my tax guy isn't crafy enough.

Here's a link for a related question http://www.city-data.com/forum/washi...en-living.html

[watkins911]

If you dont mind me asking what made you pick Camas over Wahsougal? My husband will also have to commute to Portland so about how long does it take? Luckily my husbands place of residence for the military is Vegas so we wont have to pay state taxes.

[JayHomes]

I just had a couple move from LA to Camas about 6 months ago. They moved here for the kids. They have 5 kids and could no long pay to keep them in private school. They are loving it. They where looking at either some areas of Vancouver or Camas. Camas is rated 8 out of 10 for overall schools. There are a few other schools in Vancouver area that are rated 8 and 9 too. They seem to very happy and just had another relative move down here to join them.

The summers are great here and people are very friendly. It does rain a lot compared to LA. Make sure to visit outside of the summer. I have seen to many people just come down here in summer and think the weather is like that year round. It take them a little while to adjust to all the rain. Take care an best wishes in your search.

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[Topaz]

I totally second the above opinion that people are friendly in this part of the Pacific Northwest. We lived in the Seattle area for 9 years and by contrast, people here in Camas are so much more welcoming and outgoing.

We picked Camas over Washougal because it is closer to Portland and to shopping and the schools are highly rated.

I lived in Los Angeles many years ago and I think the quality of life there is only good for extremely wealthy people.

Topaz