As the lush Pacific northwest becomes an increasingly popular spot to settle, inquiring minds have begun asking: Is Chehalis a good place to live, visit, start a business, or raise a family? And our answer is… yes!

Chehalis combines historic, small-town charm with all the amenities of a growing community. There’s space to share, numerous opportunities at hand, and a close-knit community to welcome you. It’s the perfect place and time to put down roots.

Don’t worry, the kids are going to love it here. Our schools boast stellar education and extracurriculars, yet they’re small enough for each child to have meaningful experiences and connections. The Chehalis School District is making strides with two brand-new elementary schools, a comprehensive high school STEM program, and new STEM building. For after-school fun, check out the accessible Penny Playground and athletic complex, or the neighboring Aquatics Center. Chehalis also has its own Boys and Girls Club, all minutes away from school.

Looking for work? Chehalis is hiring. Businesses and employees are flocking to this growing town. We are a close-knit community of business owners and organizations, with multiple entities working tirelessly to provide more opportunities. The Port of Chehalis is selling properties at record rates, having recently closed their largest sale yet – one that is making way to create at least 100 new jobs in 2021.

Chehalis is a dream for business owners. Head downtown and take advantage of our high-speed fiber optic internet service and very agreeable leases. You might check out our Main Street Program’s Business Façade Program to beautify your storefront. Or, if you’re solo-preneuring, subscribe to our coworking space so you can operate with a fraction of the overhead.

With jobs on the way and multiple business owners investing in their own buildings downtown, professionals are thriving. However… we’re not ALL business. When the workweek is over, the fun awaits.

Hungry? Your taste buds will discover a surprising amount of culture mixed with small-town cuisine. Chehalis residents dine at a variety of restaurants downtown and around the county, many of which feature local ingredients and live entertainment. After you eat, check out our historic Chehalis Theater – soon to be made over as an upscale dining and live music venue. Oh, and don’t worry about your parking meter – parking is free downtown!

For locals with quieter tastes, Chehalis offers a charming assortment of thriving shops and small businesses to support. On the other hand, you might appreciate our two golf courses and several nearby parks. Not to mention, we have three museums with more to be found a few stops down the interstate. Visit our Lewis County Historical Museum, Veterans Memorial Museum, or the fully operational Chehalis-Centralia Railroad & Museum – and enjoy a scenic train ride while you’re out.

Local hikers, birdwatchers, bicyclists, and more relish in Chehalis’s nearby outdoor recreation. Whether you prefer a smooth ride, such as the Willapa Trail, or more rugged hikes – you’ll find it within an hour or two of your home in Chehalis. Even the most ambitious Chehalins love our central location and accessibility. Located on Interstate 5, precisely in the middle of Portland and Seattle, the mountains and the beach, opportunities for adventure abound.

Your destination is a hop, skip, and a boat ride away – literally – with several lakes and rivers to explore in our valley. There are also deep water ports to the north, with the closest being only 30 minutes up the freeway. Need to catch a train? Go to the Amtrak station in Centralia, our twin city. Or, if you prefer, take a plane from our Chehalis-Centralia Airport.

Many Cascadians agree there’s no better place to live than the Pacific Northwest. Chehalis is no exception. The I-5 corridor is abuzz with interest, and our small historic community is sweeping off the front steps. Chehalis has spent years preparing for this growth spurt. So, whether you are looking for a place to live, work, play, or invest, our town is ready to welcome you to the family.

Written by Chelsea Barr