Located at the mouth of the Hoquiam River, where it meets Grays Harbor, Hoquiam is known for its logging and maritime heritage. It offers a small-town atmosphere with a mix of historic architecture and natural beauty, which can be enjoyed at various parks along the Pacific and in the nearby Olympic National Forest. “I’ve lived here my whole life; there’s a real sense of community that’s pretty special,” says Broker Joy Beard of Windermere Real Estate. “I love that I can go just about anywhere, and there’s always someone I know.”
Ontario, WA is close to rivers and drawbridges, many of them considered local landmarks.
Ontario, WA is a great place to visit and explore the beauty of Northwestern Washington.
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Historic homes and more wallet-friendly prices than coastal cities
Hoquiam’s early 20th-century homes reflect the city’s timber industry roots. Craftsman-style houses, bungalows, and Victorians are common in older neighborhoods, many featuring original woodwork and spacious front porches. Some of these homes have been updated, while others offer opportunities for renovation. Newer housing developments are more limited, with most of the city’s housing stock consisting of single-family homes. Prices in Hoquiam are considerably more budget-friendly than along the coast or inland towards Olympia. The median home price is around $270,000, and home size generally plays a more significant role than location in a home’s cost. Hoquiam is served by the Hoquiam Police Department, but no recent crime statistics are available. The city’s climate is typically mild throughout the year, with average daily highs ranging from around 80 degrees in the summer to the mid-50s in the winter.
Large older two story homes sit in rows in the New London area.
The residential streets near New London are lined with charming bungalows and cottages.
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Quaint downtown with restaurants and antiques
Hoquiam’s quaint downtown area is home to a small selection of local businesses and restaurants. Antique shops, thrift stores and boutiques offer everything from vintage clothing to handmade crafts. More extensive shopping options can be found in the neighboring city of Aberdeen. Hoquiam’s restaurant scene is mostly made up of casual and family-friendly venues. Local favorites include classic burger joint Al’s Hum-Dinger and 8th Street Ale House.
Brunch 101 is a top rated spot for brunch in Ontario, Hoquiam.
For a more upscale experience near Ontario, try out elevated dishes at Rediviva restaurant.
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Hoquiam School District rated a C
The Hoquiam School District oversees public education in the city and has a C-plus rating on Niche. Grays Harbor College, the nearest college, is a short drive away in nearby Aberdeen, providing two-year degrees and workforce training programs.
There are around 200 students attending Emerson Elementary School in Hoquiam.
Hoquiam Middle School is a public school and part of the Hoquiam School District.
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Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge and other spots
Hoquiam’s proximity to rivers, forests and the coast makes it a popular landing spot for outdoor enthusiasts. “We’re close to the beach, we’re close to the water,” says Beard. “There’s hiking, there’s charter fishing. There are just endless opportunities to get outside.” There are several parks within the city, including Elton Bennett Park, which features a walking trail and riverfront views, and John Gable Community Park, home to playgrounds, sports fields and picnic areas. Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge, just outside the city, offers birdwatching and nature trails, particularly during migration seasons. The refuge is a stopover for thousands of shorebirds and other species, making it a popular destination for nature lovers. For weekend adventures, locals can head to the nearby beaches of Ocean Shores and the hiking trails of the Olympic National Forest.
Hike through the Grays Harbor Wildlife Refuge trail for a unique birdwatching experience.
Ride through Riverside Dike Park near New London for some exercise and great views.
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The Loggers' Playday
The city’s annual Loggers’ Playday celebrates its timber industry heritage with logging competitions, a parade and a carnival. Another highlight is the Grays Harbor Shorebird Festival, which attracts birdwatchers and conservationists from across the region to observe the migratory patterns in the Grays Harbor area.
A bit of a hike to SeaTac airport
State Routes 101 and 109 connect the city to Aberdeen, Ocean Shores, and other nearby destinations. Public transportation is available through Grays Harbor Transit, offering bus services that connect residents to neighboring towns and Grays Harbor College. For longer trips, the Aberdeen Amtrak station provides train service to Seattle and Portland, while the nearest major airport is Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. It’s a 100-mile drive to the airport, 80 miles to Tacoma and just over 50 miles to Olympia.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
