A great place for those who can afford it.
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6/14/2019
Disclaimer: This was written in 2019. All info subject to change!
Kelso is a quieter town, with a lot to offer if you have the money. If you do NOT have money, the town is NOT good and you really need to think twice before trying to move here. They do not have much housing for low income people, they do not offer a lot in the way of lower blue collar jobs. This in turn has caused some homeless issues inside the city of Longview/Kelso. Lots is being done to combat it and thwart it, but... Really, just don't come here if you can't afford to be here. There are limited resources for struggling folks. Hate to sound snobby, but it is just honesty. The area is a huge pitfall poor people fall into in this area.
For the rest of us, Kelso offers some really nice homes with views for great prices in a historic area with lots of beauty. Its a great spot nestled in between two smaller rivers (Cowlitz, and Coweeman) and of course the grande Columbia River. For people who love the great outdoors, there is excellent fishing, hiking trails, and nearby natural wonders (St.Helens national park, Ape Caves, short drive to the coast etc). Multiple golf courses in Cowlitz area and country clubs to choose from. Willow Grove park is for boat enthusiasts (also has sandy beaches for swimmers), Tam O'shanter Park was a recent superfunded (many many millions) park for youth sports, lots of fun festivals (Squatchfest, Longview Squirrel festival, Go fourth, brew fests, etc). There is also Ilani Casino down south, a short drive for people wanting a little bit of a fun night out.
For Techie fans, Gamers, and geeks: There are some great shops in the 3 rivers malls for fans classic RPG and board games, vintage games, old school style arcade, and modern gaming facilities (playnation). The area also has an annual game convention for kids (cowlitz gamers for kids), as well as an annual comic and gamer convention (Nanocon) and some of the highest speed internet connections currently available in WA. As mentioned before, also the Squatch Fest, and annual squirrel fest so lots of goofy fun to be had. I personally am not into anything like SCA, steampunk, or renaissance fairs, but they're around as well.
For shoppers: There is the Triangle Center (outdoor mall) and the Three rivers mall, and many trendy chain food spots that are staples for a lot of folks. (I think Kelso alone has 3 Starbucks, Panera, Red lobster, etc). You're also within very short distance (drive north I-5) of some really great outlet malls, a short drive to Portland, and reasonable distance to Seattle. You're honestly just central to everything WA and OR have to offer.
For quieter folk: Lots of beautiful parks in the area. Lake Sakakawea has a Japanese garden in its center island. Check out their website. There's also Riverside Park which is a massive well groomed park with a trail alongside it, on the edge of the Cowlitz river. Lots of squirrel feeding to be had there, bring nuts.
For Nightlife there are a few nice spots for a drink and spots to dance. Google them to see whats available, not my thing, so I don't know all the names.
Anyway, Kelso/Longview. Yeah, its a great area. I love it here.
Kelsonian | Kelso, WA