Camas' housing stock reflects its evolution from a mill town into a desirable Portland-area suburb. The city includes older, well-kept homes near its historic downtown and the mill, alongside newer single-family subdivisions in the hills above Lacamas Lake and across the city's growing residential areas. The mix of established character neighborhoods and newer construction gives buyers a range of options, from early twentieth-century houses to contemporary family homes. Camas' strong schools and its proximity to both Vancouver and Portland have made it a sought-after market, with a settled, family-oriented housing landscape that balances heritage and growth.

Camas' neighborhoods cluster around its historic downtown and the paper mill at the west end of the central district, then spread into the surrounding hills and lakefront areas. The downtown area retains a classic Main Street character, while residential streets climb toward Lacamas Lake and the newer developments that ring the city. The lake and its parks—Lacamas Park, Lacamas Regional Park, and the Lacamas Heritage Trail—anchor the eastern portion of the community, giving many neighborhoods access to trails and open space. This layering of a historic core, lakefront recreation, and newer hillside subdivisions defines Camas' neighborhood character.

Life in Camas blends small-town character with the amenities of the Portland–Vancouver metropolitan region. The restored downtown, with its shops, restaurants, and community events, is a gathering place for residents, while the paper mill remains both a visual landmark and a symbol of the city's industrial heritage. The community is family-oriented, consistently ranked among the best places in Clark County to raise a family, and outdoor recreation is woven into daily life through Lacamas Lake and the surrounding parks. Camas offers a balanced lifestyle: a historic, walkable downtown, strong schools, and ready access to the Columbia River and the broader Northwest.

Camas is served by the Camas School District, a well-regarded system whose high school carries the distinctive Papermakers nickname—a direct reference to the city's paper mill heritage. The district's strong reputation is a major factor in Camas' recognition as one of the best places to raise a family in Clark County, and its schools anchor the community's family-oriented identity. With schools distributed across the city and a focus on academic and extracurricular programs, the Camas School District plays a central role in attracting families and sustaining the city's residential character.

Camas is connected to the broader Portland–Vancouver region by State Route 14, which runs along the Columbia River and links the city to Vancouver to the west and Washougal and the Columbia River Gorge to the east. The city's position on the Oregon border places it within commuting distance of Portland, with Interstate 205 and the region's highway network providing access across the river. As a growing Clark County suburb, Camas is primarily automobile-oriented for regional travel, while its compact downtown and lakeside trail network support walking and cycling for local trips.

Recreation in Camas centers on Lacamas Lake and its surrounding parks. Lacamas Park, a 312-acre area, offers fishing for bass, bluegill, and perch in Round Lake, along with hiking, bird-watching, and wildlife viewing. The Lacamas Heritage Trail follows the south shore of Lacamas Lake, and the broader trail network—about six miles of scenic paths—connects the lake to the city and surrounding areas, supporting walking, running, cycling, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The city's parks and recreation department also programs concerts, movies in the park, and seasonal events, giving residents year-round recreational options in a lake-centered, outdoors-oriented setting.