Questions about Lewis County Vibe (Olympia, Longview: sale, buy, movies)

[IdahoGal]

DH and I are planning a move to Western Washington here in a few months. Specifically we're looking at Lewis County for its close proximity to Olympia (where I'll likely work) and property prices. And also because it more rural there, which is also our preference.

But we've heard from family and friends that it is things are really depressed there with a hurting economy, and now we're worried that it could be a problem and that we might be better off living in Thurston County.

What do you think?

We have a small family (2 children under 3) and have a strong interest in gardening, community, family activities, outdoors activities, fishing and hunting. Thanks so much!

[Sandy Nelson]

The only place in Lewis County that I would consider would be Centralia, but it's very provincial with limited cultural amenities and opportunities. You'll probably find yourself driving up to Olympia alot, especially to take advantage of the Hands On Childrens Museum.

[Hemlock140]

It is very much more of a country feel, and also very politically conservative compared to the greater puget sound are. Centralia does have some decent shopping now but the I5 is prone to flooding which could keep you from getting to work. Have you looked at Lacey? Short commute, more suburban but still with some country areas, and everything you need is there including Cabella's.

[Cinebar]

Originally Posted by IdahoGal

DH and I are planning a move to Western Washington here in a few months. Specifically we're looking at Lewis County for its close proximity to Olympia (where I'll likely work) and property prices. And also because it more rural there, which is also our preference.

But we've heard from family and friends that it is things are really depressed there with a hurting economy, and now we're worried that it could be a problem and that we might be better off living in Thurston County.

What do you think?

We have a small family (2 children under 3) and have a strong interest in gardening, community, family activities, outdoors activities, fishing and hunting. Thanks so much!

Well, I happen to love Lewis County (except for the fact that it IS heavily conservative) but I am about thirty miles southeast of Centralia, where it is very rural.

Centralia would put you at about 25-30 miles south of Olympia and I know a lot of people make that commute, including my own son.

My son and his wife often go to Olympia for restaurants, movies, and shopping and don't think much of the drive.

Centralia has a nice library and a decent county fair (small). There's the annual garlic festival and other activities, usually taking place at the fairgrounds, such as a huge community garage sale twice a year; other things take place at the Yard Birds "mall."

Fishing and hunting is a huge thing in this area. My son does very well fishing the Cowlitz River (and I have the fish in the freezer to prove it ).

I find that Chehalis/Centralia will pretty much provide me with everything I need, with an occasional trip to Olympia (to the north) or Longview (to the south) for something in the way of service or shopping that I can't find here.

I hate traffic - hate it with a passion - and I rarely get too agitated at the traffic around Centralia/Chehalis; the worst is probably the Harrison St. area. from Goodwill (one of my weekly stops) to the other side of the freeway interchange where there a number of businesses, as well as the outlet stores.

As far as I-5 getting flooded, I have lived here six years and that has happened twice. I wouldn't say it's exactly a regular occurrence, but it can happen.

There are some other alternatives between Centralia and Olympia that would put you a little closer but would still be rural - Rochester, Tenino, Rainier (all of which I think are in Thurston Co.).

Good luck!

[Count David]

I'd go with Thurston personally. I concur with everything that has been said so far about Lewis.

[Andy]

Just because you cross the county line into Thurston doesn't change the situation any. Much of Rochester/Grand Mound is worse off than Lewis County is.

[IdahoGal]

Thanks so much. I love your feedback it is so valuable. What about elk hunting? Anyone?

[Andy]

Plenty of elk hunting in the Cascades.

[Cinebar]

Originally Posted by IdahoGal

Thanks so much. I love your feedback it is so valuable. What about elk hunting? Anyone?

There are tons of elk in the east part of the county (there is actually a herd near me where I live). In fact, the elk are so plentiful up around Randle and Packwood, they are a downright hazard - a county deputy got killed a while back when he was responding to a domestic violence call in Packwood and he hit an elk on the road. People who routinely drive Highway 12 from Randle and up to or over White Pass have a warning signal system - when there are elk on or near the road, they warn oncoming traffic by blinking their lights. The first couple of times that happened to me, I didn't have a clue what they were trying to tell me - it didn't take long to figure out.

They are often referred to as "the Packwood Elk." There is actually a small herd that just kind of hang around the town of Packwood and can often be seen just meandering around among the businesses.

I'm not sure where the hate on Lewis County has come from from a couple of posters. I moved up here from Clark County, where I lived for thirty years, and I will take the slower pace and less hustle and bustle of this county any day.

[sadder but wiser]

Go to Thurston unless you are ready to accept and deal with the Good Ole Boy Network which runs the county! Lewis County enjoys a deservedly poor reputation as far as honesty and justice in local government goes. The timber mills are out, puppy mills are in, and money can buy you any kind of zoning you like. The land is beautiful but the county government is despotic at best.