Deciding Between Ridgefield and Camas: A Local Expert’s Four-Day Adventure

Hello, lovely people! My name is Cassandra Merks, but you might know me better as Realtor Cass, your friendly neighborhood expert on all things Southwest Washington, including Clark County, Vancouver, and even Portland. Today, I’m excited to share an adventure I had recently with a wonderful couple looking to relocate to this beautiful part of the world. They were torn between two charming cities—Ridgefield and Camas. We spent four delightful days exploring, and I’m here to give you the inside scoop on both places. Buckle up, because this journey is filled with twists, turns, and a whole lot of local charm!

Day One: Falling in Love with Camas

We kicked off our tour in Camas because my clients had their eyes on an amazing resale home. The weather was perfect, allowing us to soak in the beauty of Camas fully. Here are some of the highlights from our day in this lovely city.

Pros of Camas

1. Outdoor Activities:
Camas is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream! Nestled near the Columbia River and the Columbia River Gorge, Camas offers a plethora of outdoor activities. From hiking to boating on Lacamas Lake, my clients were captivated by the stunning nature that surrounds this city. Every corner we turned revealed another beautiful sight, and they couldn’t stop marveling at the scenic views.

2. Charming Downtown:
The historic downtown area of Camas is nothing short of enchanting. With its quaint streets lined with trees, charming shops, and delightful restaurants, it offers a small-town feel that my clients found irresistible. They loved the idea of being able to easily access this vibrant downtown area from their potential new home.

3. Top-Rated Schools:
For families, the quality of local schools is a crucial factor. Camas is well-known for its top-rated public schools, making it an extremely desirable location for families. Even if you don’t have school-age children, good schools often mean better resale value for your home.

4. Proximity to Larger Cities:
Camas is conveniently located near larger cities like Vancouver and Portland. While commuting wasn’t a significant concern for my clients due to their flexible work hours, they appreciated the easy access to the amenities and opportunities available in these bigger cities.

5. Affluence:
Camas is a more affluent area, which is reflected in its high-quality amenities and overall vibe. The higher median income per household was noticeable, from the upscale homes to the cars people drive. This affluence contributes to a well-maintained and appealing community.

Day Two: Exploring Ridgefield

On the second day, after a quick stop back in Camas, we made our way to Ridgefield. Here’s what stood out to my clients about this charming town.

Pros of Ridgefield

1. Small-Town Feel:
Ridgefield offers a quintessential small-town feel with a population that’s more spread out compared to Camas. My clients loved that they could find homes that offered a bit more space and a rural atmosphere, while still being close to town.

2. Growth and Development:
Despite its small-town charm, Ridgefield is experiencing significant growth and development. New amenities and services are popping up, including a Costco and an In-N-Out Burger near Interstate 5. This growth is bringing exciting new opportunities to the area.

3. Natural Beauty:
Ridgefield’s natural beauty is quintessential Pacific Northwest. From the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge to the proximity to the Columbia River, there’s no shortage of breathtaking scenery. We drove through the wildlife refuge, and it was a magical experience seeing the birds, deer, and other wildlife.

4. Education:
Ridgefield’s school district is well-regarded, with new schools being built to accommodate the city’s growth. My clients did their homework and were pleased to find that the schools are known for their caring teachers and excellent facilities.

5. Housing Options:
Ridgefield offers a variety of housing options, including plenty of new construction. My clients loved the Pacific Northwest craftsman-style homes and appreciated the multiple exterior options available. The median home price in Ridgefield is also more affordable compared to Camas, making it a great option for those looking to get more for their money.

Day Three: Weighing the Cons

After two days of exploring the pros, we spent the third day discussing some of the potential cons of both cities. Here’s what we came up with.

Cons of Ridgefield

1. Limited Amenities:
While Ridgefield is growing, it currently has fewer dining, shopping, and entertainment options compared to other areas. My clients noted that while it’s not a long drive to nearby areas with more amenities, they wished for more options closer to home.

2. Commute:
Even though commuting wasn’t a major issue for my clients, it could be a drawback for others. Ridgefield is a bit farther from Vancouver and Portland, and traffic can be challenging during peak hours.

3. Infrastructure:
Ridgefield’s infrastructure is still catching up with its growth. Many main roads are narrow and can get congested, especially during busy times. We experienced this firsthand one evening when we encountered heavy traffic due to a concert at a nearby venue, making it difficult to navigate.

Cons of Camas

1. Cost of Living:
Camas has a higher cost of living compared to Ridgefield. The homes are generally more expensive, which can be a significant factor for many people. Finding something affordable in Camas often means compromising on certain aspects.

2. Geography and Traffic:
The geography of Camas can lead to traffic issues, especially with ongoing development and construction. Highway 14 can be particularly challenging during peak hours, and the top of Prune Hill sees snow multiple times a year, which can complicate commutes.

3. Longer Commute:
While Camas is closer to larger cities, the actual commute can be longer due to traffic congestion and limited access points. My clients noted that it could be frustrating to deal with this on a daily basis.

Day Four: Making the Decision

By the fourth day, we had a clearer picture of what each city had to offer. Here’s the conclusion we reached.

Ridgefield: Ideal for a Rural, Affordable Lifestyle

Ridgefield is perfect for those who prefer a smaller community with a rural feel and want more affordable housing options. It’s great for nature lovers and those who don’t mind a bit of a commute to access more amenities.

Camas: Perfect for Families and Convenience

Camas is ideal for families who value top-notch schools, a charming downtown, and closer proximity to larger cities. It’s perfect for those who want a well-developed suburban environment and are willing to invest in a higher cost of living for these benefits.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, the decision between Ridgefield and Camas depends on your priorities—whether it’s community size, amenities, cost of living, or commute times. Both cities have a lot to offer, and you truly can’t go wrong with either choice.

If you have more questions about these communities or any other part of Southwest Washington, I’ve got plenty of resources for you. Check out my vlogs on Ridgefield and Camas to see more about these wonderful places and the homes available there.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. If you’re considering a move to Southwest Washington, let’s chat! You can text, email, or DM me on social media at Realtor Cass. I’m here to make sure you have all the information you need to make the best decision for you and your family.