Hoquiam, WA

Hoquiam sits right where the Hoquiam River flows into Grays Harbor, on the southwestern edge of Washington's Olympic Peninsula. With around 9,000 residents, it borders Aberdeen and offers a much slower, quieter pace of life than the larger Puget Sound cities to the east. Neighborhoods climb from the riverfront up into evergreen-covered hills, where you will find affordable vintage Craftsman homes, quiet residential streets, and easy access to Highway 101 for quick trips out to the coast.

ATTRKen Lund from Reno, NV, USA / CC BY-SA 2.0

The town has deep roots in the timber industry, which shows in its historic downtown and long-running traditions like the annual Logger’s Playday. Nature is a big part of daily life here, with the Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge right next door for great birdwatching, while the ocean beaches of Westport and Ocean Shores are only a short drive away. It is a down-to-earth coastal spot for anyone who loves fresh ocean air, a relaxed atmosphere, and easy access to the Pacific Northwest outdoors.