Relocating to Cathlamet/Longview area (Kelso, Pacific: violent crime, houses, theatre)

[BusyMomToTwo]

I've read other threads regarding life in Longview, but everything is a few years old and I'm hoping to get some more recent info.

We are moving to the Cathlamet area (from Southern California -- I know! BIG change!), and wondering whether it's better to live there or in Longview.

We have two small girls, one in kindergarten and one who will be next year. That said, schools and safety are a big factor for us. Any recommendations as far as elementary schools go? Including both public and private?

I'd also love input on kids' activities, general things to do in the area, and anything else you can offer.

Are there areas/communities within Longview that are safer than others? I've never been there, so I have no point of reference.

Thanks so much for your honest input!

[spotown11]

I spend a lot of time in Longview and can tell you that your best bet is probably in areas north of Ocean Beach or near the lake. I don't believe Longview is a violent crime hotbed, but areas closer to the Columbia and Cowlitz rivers (in town) are not the greatest areas and this shows in the schools. Cathlamet is small, so good jobs and schools might be hard to come by there, but is certainly beautiful.

[Sobefobik]

Hey there, I live in Longview and so I'll do my best to help you out.

This really is going to be a MAJOR change for you. Are you coming from Los Angeles? Also, do you already have a job, are you retired, etc.? Where is your job? In terms of things to do, Longview is going to be a better choice (although there really isn't that much to do in Longview either). Cathlamet is beautiful, but it's very rural and other than outdoor activities around the river, there is nothing to do unless you travel into Longview or head to Portland.

Our schools are not known for their scholastic greatness. As far as grade schools go, I'm not sure about Cathlamet. In Longview, I recommend Northlake Elementary and Columbia Heights Elementary. I attended both of them growing up, and they are nice and in good areas. As your kids get older, you'll want to stay away from Monticello, as it was voted one of the worst schools, has violence, drug problems, and in fact did receive federal aid to help it out this year. I can't help you out with private schools; I'm not even sure we have any except for maybe the Catholic school near the lake.

Things to do in the area: For the most part, Longview isn't very exciting. We have a movie theatre, bowling alley, mall (very small), and Lake Sacajawea that is very popular for walking, jogging, and picnicking. I don't recommend it for fishing or swimming because it is very polluted. Of course, you can always head to Portland to do anything you feel like, which is only 40 minutes away.

Where to live: There are definitely areas that are safer and not! When looking at a map, use the lake as the divider between east and west. Anything East of the lake cutting off at 15th is going to be nice, especially the closer you are to the lake. On the West side of the lake, anything south/west of 30th/Beech is going to be BAD. Stay out of this area! This is considered to be the highlands and you have drugs, crime, and rundown homes. Your safest bet is the first couple blocks directly west of the lake. For the most part, though, the nicer areas downtown are going to be those east of the lake.

Anything north of Ocean Beach Highway is going to be pretty nice. A lot of the houses on Ocean Beach are also nice, but it's on a very busy street. One of the best streets to live off is Pacific Way, and anything beyond that in Columbia Heights is very nice. We've come to call it "Snob Hill." Now, Cathlamet is going to be out west on Highway 4, which is also called Ocean Beach Highway. These areas are more rural. Other nice rural areas to consider are off Coal Creek Road up into Castle Rock. As with anywhere, make sure to check out the place before you buy/rent it because the areas can vary from block to block in some spots.

I would not recommend Kelso, Wa. Period.

Make sure you realize that Longview smells. This is a mill town, which are all paper mills, and they surround the town of Longview making it smell terrible some days. There's also the city dump not far from town, which surprisingly doesn't seem to smell. This is another reason you want to stay out of the area of the Highlands, because it's just blocks from the mills and it smells even worse.

I hope this helps. If you have more questions, just post them and I'll get back to you!

[BusyMomToTwo]

I can't thank you enough for the time you put into helping me out! I know I have other questions -- and I will definitely take you up on posting them here. This is a HUGE change for us -- we are visiting the area next week to look at places to live, and I'll be printing this post to take with me as a map reference.

Really; thank you so VERY much! I'll be in touch for sure!

[Sobefobik]

Originally Posted by BusyMomToTwo

I can't thank you enough for the time you put into helping me out! I know I have other questions -- and I will definitely take you up on posting them here. This is a HUGE change for us -- we are visiting the area next week to look at places to live, and I'll be printing this post to take with me as a map reference.

Really; thank you so VERY much! I'll be in touch for sure!

Your Welcome