Centralia, WA

3 Apartments for Rent

Welcome to Centralia! This Washington city, which brushes right up against surrounding major cities, brings the charm with its small town feel and natural beauty. Let’s get started, shall we?

Centralia is located on the I-5 corridor, about 25 miles south of Olympia. The city’s economy was historically dependent on coal mining, and the withdraw of the TransAlta Corporation in 2006 had a negative effect on the city’s economy. However, despite one of the highest unemployment rates in the state, Centralia’s population has increased by about 10% since 2000.

The city is probably best known for the Centralia Factory Outlets, a large outlet mall located to the northwest of the city center. This mall draws in tons of regional shoppers and features retailers like Lane Bryant, Coach and Ralph Lauren.

Centralia is also home to a charming historic downtown area with many local shops and eateries. Centralia College, one of the state’s largest junior colleges, educates a little fewer than 5,000 students annually and helps to keep the city’s real estate market diverse and its local culture fresh. The city has several great parks and is also close to Capital State Forest and Mount Rainier, so outdoorsy folks will have plenty to do close to town.

The bad news is that Centralia has a dodgy safety record. Do yourself a favor and allow plenty of time to explore neighborhoods before signing a lease. A little extra time could mean a world of difference.

That said, the cost of living in Centralia is incredibly low for the Pacific Northwest, so you shouldn’t have too much trouble locating tons of great cheap apartments.

While the city center may be a great place to spend an afternoon, the safety record makes it less desirable in terms of apartment rentals. However, just to the north of town, along Tower Avenue, you’ll find a few great complexes that offer everything from studio apartments to two bedrooms. Apartment rentals here generally range from $450 to $700 a month.

West of the city center you’ll find some great apartment rentals and rental homes to the north and south of the Chehalis River. The neighborhood to the south, near Providence Centralia Hospital has developments that offer great amenities, including gyms and clubhouses. Rentals in the northern neighborhoods offer close proximity to Fort Borst Lake and recreational center. Two bedrooms here range from $550 to $700.

If you’re looking for short term leases, check out the rentals in duplexes and homes around Centralia College. Because of the student population this area may not be the safest, but it does offer a number of flexible rental options. Two bedrooms here range from $500 to $650 a month.

Good news for animal lovers! Centralia’s rental market is largely pet friendly. Though some apartments may have size or breed restrictions, many of the city’s apartments are both cat and dog friendly.

So welcome to Centralia! Enjoy all that this historic Washington city has to offer.