Raymond Washington

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I'm still on the fence about where I moved recently, but it's sort of happening - I'm falling in love with the area. The main road curves around the Willapa River, a tidal river, a feature of this area. It flows into the Willapa Bay and important for the local lumber, shipping and fishing industry. Outside of town, are Oyster operations, the number one industry to the area and provides at least 30% of the nations oysters. Did you know many Willapa bay businesses recycle their shells, so other oysters can use them? They are cleaned, cured and reused since oysters recycle their shells! The first thing that caught my eye here, is the collection of metal sculptures throughout town and the outskirts. Loggers, fisherman, horses, deer and more dot the roads and hillsides, all paying tribute to the hard workers that built this small town. I wish I could get a photo to show you, but oddly, I can't get photos to post lately. If you visit Raymond, Washington, be sure to stop at the Northwest Carriage Museum, tucked quietly off the main road. Inside, the scent of oiled wood, and leather will greet you and take you back in time. As you walk through, you can't help but imagine how it was living with wagons in lieu of cars. On the other end of the museum building, the Willapa Seaport Museum offers a different story of past life here in Raymond. A life of sea captains, shipbuilders, and living on the water. Maps line the walls and you can imagine the echo of waves and the hustle of the fishermen. The riverfront trail winds along the bay are a photographers friend to capture beautiful shots of old boats, sunsets and colorful mountainsides. Raymond has a population of around 3,300 people, down from a top in the early years, but up about 2% from 2020. Jobs are not plentiful, but you may secure a position at the local lumber or Oyster plant in South Bend. The Port of Willapa, Dollar General in South Bend, schools or smaller stores may have a position or two available, but most drive to the nearby larger cities of Aberdeen, about 28 miles. The early years relied heavily on lumber, commercial fishing and timber, but the competition, environmental laws and other took away a lot of opportunities. Those industries are still going but on a smaller scale. With the younger generation moving to where jobs are more plentiful, it leaves a more aging population. In contradiction, city data will show a median age of about 48. Quite a few drive in from Long Beach heading to the state parks, and stop here if they haven't already in South Bend, three miles down the road. Many realize the beauty and slow pace and a few have moved here after just passing through (me!), and some are returning here to retire after leaving years ago for careers. I'll complain about the humidity (always!) but then look out over the river (view from the property), and see the marine layer settling over and the breathtaking beauty makes it worth it. What do you have in your town that you would recommend?