The historical novel, "Where the Lilacs Still Bloom," by Jane Kirkpatrick, is about Woodland's famous "Lilac Lady" Hulda Klager. "Much of the narrative is based on Hulda and her actual relatives, with numerous references to Woodland-area places and people a century ago."
Woodland, with a population of 5,509, is located in the southern part of Washington state, 145 miles south of Seattle, yet only 21 miles north of Vancouver, Washington and 28 miles north of Portland, Oregon
The historical novel, "Where the Lilacs Still Bloom," by Jane Kirkpatrick, is about Woodland's famous "Lilac Lady" Hulda Klager. "Much of the narrative is based on Hulda and her actual relatives, with numerous references to Woodland-area places and people a century ago."
Woodland, with a population of 5,509, is located in the southern part of Washington state, 145 miles south of Seattle, yet only 21 miles north of Vancouver, Washington and 28 miles north of Portland, Oregon. The climate can be rather mild, with summer highs in the 80's and winter lows in the 30's. If you're looking for a growing town with a small-town atmosphere, Woodland may be just the spot. The city has a thriving Chamber of Commerce and plenty of activities to keep you occupied.
Moving to Woodland, Washington
In your search for apartments, you'll want to keep a few things in mind. Studio and one bedroom apartments for rent are in short supply, so if you find one that fits your needs, grab it while you can. As with most apartments for rent, you'll need to bring your driver's license or ID with you. It's also a good idea to bring a copy of your recent credit report and a couple of recent utility bills. Be prepared to pay a security deposit and first month's rent when you find your new rental home.
The City of Woodland's website provides a separate page specifically for new residents, which lists utility companies and phone numbers to help you set up service. When you're looking at apartments, be sure to ask what, if any, utilities are included, so you'll know which ones you need to establish.
One fact you'll need to note: Woodland is actually located in two counties, Clark and Cowlitz, so that may determine who provides certain utilities and where you set up those accounts. Ask the apartment manager which county the complex is located in to save a few calls.
Once you settle in, you have 30 days to get your driver's license changed. Vancouver and Kelso are the closest towns where you can get your license.
The good news is that if you're licensed in another state, you don't have to take any tests (except vision) if your license is still valid. You'll need to provide proof of identity, your Social Security number, and proof of your new address (utility bills, bank statements, vehicle title, etc.) Washington State's Department of Licensing provides a comprehensive list of acceptable documents.
Neighborhoods in Woodland
There aren't specific neighborhoods in town, which can certainly be seen as an advantage (less places to get lost and mixed up in). Some specific apartment complexes providing rental homes in Woodland are Jefferson Place, Tulip Valley, La Casa De San Juan Diego, and the Woodland Meadows Apartments.
Living in Woodland, Washington
Woodland makes an impressive effort creating a sense of community among residents. Even the main grocery store in the town is centrally located, and the focus of the area seems to be on maximizing the potential for living life to its fullest.
Woodland offers many more amenities than other towns its size. Groceries, restaurants, coffee, and entertainment are all in easy reach. The walkability score is a 75, which means most everything is within walking distance, but neither public transportation nor taxicabs are available here.
The area is goldmine for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers of all kinds. Residents enjoy fishing, hiking, hunting, biking regularly around the Lewis River and all the large area lakes. Fly fishing is a favorite pastime and guides and fishing trips are readily available. If you want to learn how to fly fish, Woodland is a great place for that, too!
Waterfalls, caves, and gardens also provide unique and beautiful outings. Woodland is graced with an abundance of flowers. The late Woodland resident Hulda Klager became known as "The Lilac Lady" because of all the different varieties of lilacs she created. The Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens are now a National Historic Site, and Lilac Days celebrate the blooms during the three weeks leading up to and including Mother's Day. Tulips are in plentiful supply in the area, too, so expect a burst of color to alert you when spring arrives, and just in case you might miss it, there's an annual Tulip Festival every April to remind you.
Fairs, rodeos, and festivals of all sorts keep the area hopping year round. Planter's Days is a four-day festival held annually that celebrates the building of dikes that helped keep the area free of flooding so crops could be harvested.
There are other nearby attractions as well. If you follow the Lewis River northeast from Woodland, by way of Hwy. 503 (aka Lewis River Road), you'll encounter one of the most famous landmarks in state - Mount St. Helens volcano. The Woodland Chamber of Commerce provides links to both the Lewis River and Mount S. Helens websites, so seek those out for maps of all the tourist spots, fishing areas, caves, road trips, day trips, itineraries, visitor centers, and much more. Ape Caves offers an "insider's view" of the longest lava tubes in North America, so add that to your list of must-sees. Yes, it's always exciting to play tourist in your own town.
With its proximity to Seattle, it is reasonable to expect that coffee and coffee shops would be in abundance in the area. Woodland does not disappoint. The Chamber has a designated link on their website specifically for coffee. The list includes websites, addresses, and phone numbers of all the local java joints.
Woodland is a happening place. Residents can enjoy all the activities the area has to offer, yet avoid the hustle and bustle of life (and traffic) in a big city. There's a great sense of community among residents and they appear to welcome new folks with open arms.
