Elma, WA Home for Rent

Elma, known as the Gateway to Grays Harbor County, is a small town located 30 miles from Olympia, offering a rural, small-town charm with a population of approximately 3,500. The town's timber industry and agriculture have allowed it to grow without overdeveloping its pine-laden forests and farmland. Downtown Elma features a walkable commercial district with dining options like Joey’s Crepes & More, Tacos El Huatusi, and Rusty Tractor Restaurant. Local shops include Game Freaks and OddDuck Books, while East County Thriftway provides grocery shopping. The town is expanding with new chain stores such as Grocery Outlet and Burger King. Housing in Elma includes early 1900s bungalows, midcentury ranch-style homes, and contemporary houses, with prices generally lower than in nearby Thurston and Pierce counties. Outdoor recreation is abundant with Vance Creek County Park offering swimming, fishing, and walking paths, and Lloyd Murrey Park providing ballfields and a playground. Capitol State Forest, located about 10 miles southeast, is popular for hiking, mountain biking, and off-roading. Annual events include the Grays Harbor County Fair and the Fall Festival. Elma is 30 miles from Olympia and 20 miles from Aberdeen, with the Grays Harbor Transit bus system serving the area.