Frequently Asked Questions
General
Columbia County, Oregon showcases a range of welcoming communities, each providing unique advantages and lifestyle options. Here are some of the most attractive locations to explore when you're looking for a Columbia County apartment for rent:
- St. Helens
This city serves as the county seat of Columbia County and offers views of Mt. Hood, Mt. St. Helens, and Mt. Adams from the historic Riverfront District along the banks of the Columbia River. The Portland metropolitan area is a half-hour drive to the south and the Oregon coast is an hour away, making it ideal for those who want river town charm with easy access to urban amenities and coastal recreation. - Scappoose
This growing community in Columbia County provides excellent connectivity to the Portland metro area while maintaining its small-town character and family-friendly atmosphere. The area features neighborhoods like Columbia Hills and Jacob Park, offering diverse housing options with access to local schools and community amenities. - Warren
This smaller community features neighborhoods like Crown Point and offers a more rural lifestyle while still providing reasonable access to St. Helens and the greater Portland area. Warren appeals to those seeking peaceful country living with the convenience of nearby urban centers. - Clatskanie
Located in the western part of Columbia County, this historic community offers affordable living in a scenic river valley setting. The area includes neighborhoods like Clatskanie Woods and Crown View, providing options for those who enjoy outdoor recreation and a slower pace of life while maintaining access to employment opportunities throughout the region.
St. Helens offers riverfront living and Hollywood charm with access to both outdoor recreation and urban conveniences. Whether you're looking for famous film locations, Columbia River adventures, or Portland proximity, here are some of the distinctive qualities to consider:
- Ideal Location
In just a half hour drive from Portland, you can find beautiful views of the Columbia River, a historic district lined with antique shops, and a variety of outdoor activities. This strategic positioning along the Columbia River provides stunning mountain views while keeping the Portland metropolitan area easily accessible for work and entertainment. - Outdoor Adventures
Enjoy several parks and walking trails along the St. Helens riverfront, featuring expansive views of the Columbia River, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Hood, plus camp and hike on Sand Island, a man-made island with free dock access on the Columbia River. It has everything from sandy beaches, dramatic nature trails, and docks to water-based fun like kayaking down the river. - Hollywood Fame
Spirit of Halloweentown in Oregon, the real "Halloweentown" filming site, offers celebrity visits, family fun, and photo-ops with a month-long festival featuring haunted tours, a mystery manor, magic shows, costume contests and more. The historic town of St. Helens, located 45 minutes from Portland, celebrates Halloween all October long, making it a unique destination for film enthusiasts and Halloween lovers. - Small-Town Character
The downtown area features charming historic buildings, boutiques, and local restaurants, giving the town a welcoming small-town feel with the historic downtown area featuring a variety of shops, restaurants, and local businesses as a popular spot for residents to gather and enjoy the small-town charm. St. Helens maintains twelve parks, including Columbia View Park on the river next to the old courthouse, where concerts are a regular summer attraction.
There are many fun activities to do in St. Helens! St. Helens Place Apartment Homes' central location at 700 Matzen Street puts residents in the heart of this historic Columbia River community with easy access to Portland and local attractions. Major attractions and activities in the area include:
- Spirit Of Halloweentown
- Columbia View Park
- Sand Island Marine Park
- The Columbia Theatre
- Oregon Trail Lanes
- Eisenschmidt Pool
- McCormick Park
- Columbia County Fair
- Crooked Creek Brewery
- Beyond the Forest
- Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge
- Washington Square
- Pioneer Place
St. Helens Place Apartment Homes in St. Helens is only minutes from Columbia County's top employers. The proximity to Highway 30 and easy access to Portland gives easy access to healthcare, government, education, and manufacturing employers, like:
- Legacy Medical Group-St Helens
- St. Helens School District
- Legacy Urgent Care-St Helens
- Columbia County Government
- Columbia Health Services
- Port of Columbia County
- Boise Cascade
- Armstrong Industries
- Walmart
- Nike (Portland area - 30 minutes)
At St. Helens Place Apartment Homes, you'll find a variety of amenities that make living in historic St. Helens even better, such as:
- State-of-the-Art Fitness Center with Athletic Court
Stay active year-round with our modern fitness facilities and on-site athletic court, ideal for maintaining your health routine whether you're preparing for Columbia River adventures or staying fit during Oregon's rainy seasons. The convenience means more time to explore St. Helens' historic downtown and nearby Portland attractions. - Sparkling Pool and Spa Complex
Relax and rejuvenate after exploring the Columbia River waterfront or attending the Spirit of Halloweentown festival with our resort-style pool and soothing spa. These premium amenities provide the perfect escape while enjoying St. Helens' unique riverfront charm and stunning mountain views. - Community Clubhouse with Recreation Areas
Connect with neighbors in our inviting community lounge and playground picnic areas, perfect for building relationships in St. Helens' welcoming small-town atmosphere. These social spaces enhance the community spirit while providing comfortable venues for gatherings and family activities. - Premium In-Home Features with Riverfront Living
Enjoy granite countertops, vinyl plank flooring, and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi and cable in your spacious apartment, plus practical amenities like washer/dryer hookups and private balconies or patios. These upscale touches create a comfortable home base for experiencing all that St. Helens offers, from Columbia View Park concerts to easy Portland commutes and outdoor recreation along the Columbia River.
Maintenance
Before move-in, we professionally clean the apartment, complete maintenance inspections, and confirm everything is ready for your arrival.
Yes, on-site maintenance is available, and emergency service is available 24/7.
Submit a maintenance request through the leasing office or the resident portal.
Maintenance requests are reviewed by our team, scheduled promptly, and completed as quickly as possible, with emergencies prioritized.
No, once you submit a work order, our team can complete the repair without your presence.
If you are locked out during office hours, contact the leasing office with a valid photo ID. After hours, you will need to contact a locksmith.
Amenities
Our community offers a seasonal pool, year-round spa, 24-hour fitness center, sports court, playground structure, and clubhouse for resident use.
The pool is open seasonally from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and the spa is open year-round from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Yes, each unit includes one assigned parking space, with additional parking available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Select units include a washer and dryer. Units without them have washer and dryer hookups, so you may bring your own or pay an additional $50 per month for us to install a set, which will become a permanent fixture in the apartment.
Yes, we are pet friendly, with a limit of two pets per apartment and required pet records and photos.
Pet rent is $30 per month per pet, and a $300 pet deposit per pet is required.
Pets must be at least one year old, spayed or neutered, current on rabies vaccination, and under 50 pounds. Certain breeds and exotic animals are restricted.
No, we do not have a pet park on-site; however, the closest off-leash dog park is located approximately 1.5 miles from the community.
Standard appliances include a range, refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, garbage disposal, and PTAC unit. Washer and dryer hookups are available in all units, and washers and dryers are included in select units.
No furnished apartments are available.
We do not offer short-term leases, but residents may renew or move to a month-to-month arrangement after the initial lease term.
Yes, corporate leases are available. Please contact the office for details.
Yes, packages may be accepted at the leasing office, depending on size and storage availability, and a photo ID is required for pickup.
The fitness center is available 24/7 for residents.
Our fitness center offers state-of-the-art equipment, including cardio machines such as a stair climber, as well as free weights and strength training equipment.
Admin
No, there is no cost to take a tour of our community.
Tours can be scheduled or taken as a walk-in. We recommend scheduling in advance when possible.
The leasing office is on-site and open seven days a week. Hours are 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM Monday through Saturday and 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Sunday.
Applications can be completed in person at the leasing office or online through the resident portal.
Applications are typically approved within one to five business days, depending on the screening process and how quickly we receive the required documentation.
Move-in costs vary and may include a prorated amount of rent based on your move-in date, a security deposit determined by the results of your screening application, and any applicable pet deposits or fees. Additional fees, such as an execution deposit, may apply depending on the terms of your lease and holding period.
Ask questions early. Our leasing team is happy to help make your move-in process easier.
Rent can be paid through the resident portal or in the leasing office with a personal check, cashier's check, or money order.
Residents can pay rent online through RentCafe after setting up their account. Flex Payments is also available for eligible residents.
Water, sewer, and trash are billed back to residents through a third-party billing company.
Renter's insurance is required. All roommates must be listed, and the property must be named as an additional interested party.
Water, sewer, and trash are billed back to residents. Complimentary Wi-Fi and basic cable are included, and electricity is the resident's responsibility.
Water, sewer, and trash are handled through the bill-back system. Electricity is provided by Columbia County PUD and must be set up before move-in.
Complimentary Wi-Fi and basic cable are provided through Comcast. Residents may also choose their own internet or cable provider.
Yes, referral bonuses may vary. Please contact the leasing office for the current offer and applicable restrictions.
Guests may stay up to 10 consecutive days or 20 total days within 12 months. Longer stays require written approval from management.
Subleasing is not allowed.
If you need to break your lease, a lease termination fee equal to 1.5 times the monthly rent will apply, and any concessions received may be charged back. Rent will continue to be owed until possession of the apartment is returned to management.
Location
Yes, the local CCR Rider public transportation service is available in the area.
Our community is located along the Columbia River with convenient access to Hwy 30. We are approximately 28 miles from Portland, 24 miles from Longview, WA, and 67 miles from Astoria. Nearby attractions include historic downtown St. Helens, known as the filming location for the movie Halloweentown, as well as proximity to areas featured in Twilight. Residents also enjoy local shopping, dining, waterfront parks, and outdoor recreation along the Columbia River including walking trails, boating, and fishing.
We are located within the St. Helens School District.
The nearest off-leash dog park is approximately 1.5–2 miles from the community, with McCormick Park Dog Park being the closest option.
Yes, there are several bike-friendly trails and routes near our community, including access to the popular Crown Zellerbach Trail, located approximately 10–15 minutes (about 6–8 miles) from the community, offering a scenic regional trail for walking, running, and cycling through Columbia County.
Residents have convenient access to nearby shopping options including Grocery Outlet, Safeway, IGA Market, and Walmart, along with a variety of additional local shops and businesses in the St. Helens area.
The nearest coffee shop is Starbucks, located approximately 0.3 miles from the property. There are also additional nearby options, including local coffee stands and Beyond the Forest Coffee, located in historic downtown St. Helens.
Directions
Our community is located off Hwy 30 in St. Helens, Oregon at 700 Matzen Street, St. Helens, OR 97051.
The nearest cross streets are McBride Street and Brayden Street along Matzen Street, just off Hwy 30.
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Our team is always ready to answer your questions.