Nice Neighborhoods in Camas

[karelise]

Hi HM -

I was reading the threads and would love to know how you find Camas and/or Vancouver now that you've been there a year. We are looking into it as well and want obviously good schools but also some access to culture and hopefully a house or neighborhood that is not reall cookie cutter, I would love a 'real' yard with mature trees, etc....(We are on the low end of the budget).

I'd love to hear what you like and or don't like about the area now that you have been there a little while. Someone mentioned there was a slight 'redneck' element. Do you find that to be true? Is there a sense of coommunity?

thanks!

[hml1976]

Hi! So funny, I hardly ever check these boards and just happened to today. Anyway, we just signed a contract on a house in Sunningdale Gardens in Camas.

Truthfully I love Camas, we've been renting here since Feb so only about 8mths but we're really learning our way around. We thought we would spend a lot more on housing but prices have really fallen here in the last 6mths or so and we spent a lot less. Yes, the downtown area near the mill has a "redneck" element to it but not in an offensive way, just working class people who enjoy fishing and hanging out at the Moose Lodge, both of which sound like fun to me. But, you would probably live in "new Camas" and really wouldn't encounter any redneck at all.

The only thing I don't like about the area honestly is the rain! And I do wish downtown had a little more to offer but really, its a wonderful place to raise a family. I'm part of the Moms Club here which has been great and my daughter is attending a great preschool. My husband and I go into Portland every other weekend or so for culture and nice meals, we have little kids so getting out is difficult anyway.

There is a nice community feel, I wish there were more mature neighborhoods but you should check out the Lake Pointe, Sunningdale Gardens area of course I'm biased but it was built more than 10yrs ago so mature trees and large flat lots.

Best of luck! If you have any specific questions feel free to ask away!

[karelise]

that's great info - thank you so much!

I will check out the areas you mentioned. I do think the rain is my biggest issue but if everything else stacks up I'll try to find a way to deal with it. Someone menitoned that it was quite windy there too - have you noticed that? Any other pros and cons to the area that you can think of? How are the parks?

thanks again for your help!

[karelise]

Does anyone have readily available pictures of Camas that they might want o shar on line? I've been searching websites to get a feel for what the town looks like and I've seen a few things but would love to see more than just chamber of commerce or real estate photos. Anyone with pictures of the streets, parks, activities in and around Camas?

Also, how are the parks and outdoor activities ( hiking, lakes, etc) there?

Lastly, without getting into a political discussion or offending anyone, would you characterize the area as conservative, liberal, or a healthy mix of both? Just curious.

thanks!

[katr]

Hi - glad to hear you are settling (wish it was me!) Can you give me any insider info on lower end homes? I too, would like an older home in an established area. I'm shooting in the dark here, since I've never visited the area, so the entire layout is unfamiliar. Any info offered would be appreciated.