Longview, Washington offers a friendly riverfront small-city vibe with a walkable downtown, local breweries, farmers markets, parks and easy access to hiking, fishing and waterfront strolls—comfortable and interesting for week-to-week living and with enough character to imagine staying longer.
For bigger-city options and weekend variety, Portland (about an hour south) and nearby Vancouver, WA provide major dining, culture and airport access, while the Columbia River corridor and nearby trails deliver outdoor escapes within an easy drive.