Thinking of Moving to the Tri-Cities? Here’s Your Ultimate (and Slightly Entertaining) Relocation Guide!

Welcome to the Land of Sunshine, Wine, and Hydroplanes!

So, you’re considering relocating to the Tri-Cities, Washington—Kennewick, Pasco, Richland or West Richland? Congratulations! You’re about to embark on a journey to one of the sunniest, most underrated places in the Pacific Northwest.

What’s waiting for you here? Affordable housing (gasp!), epic outdoor adventures, a rapidly growing job market, and more wineries than you can shake a corkscrew at. Not to mention, we take hydroplane boat racing way too seriously. Buckle up, because this guide will give you everything you need to know about life in the Tri-Cities.

Why Move to the Tri-Cities? (Besides the Fact That We Have Fewer Clouds Than Seattle)

☀️ 300+ Days of Sunshine

Yes, we live in Washington, but no, we do not have the same gray, drizzly existence as Seattle. We enjoy actual seasons, with warm summers, mild winters, and enough sunshine to make you question if you’re still in the PNW.

💰 Affordable Housing—No, Really!

• Our median home price? $419,950 (compared to Seattle’s “you-must-sell-your-soul” prices).
• You can actually afford a house with a yard—for pets, kids, or just to admire from your couch.
• More space, more house, fewer bidding wars.

🍷 We’re Wine Country, Baby

• With over 200 wineries, you’ll never run out of wine-tasting spots.
• We’re home to Red Mountain AVA, aka one of the best wine regions in the country.
• If you don’t like wine, don’t worry. We’ve got breweries, cideries, and enough coffee shops to keep your caffeine addiction happy.

🏞️ The Great Outdoors is, Well, Great Here

• Hike up Badger Mountain for epic views (and to justify that extra glass of wine).
• Kayak or paddleboard on the Columbia River without fighting Seattle tourists for space.
• Walk or bike the Sacagawea Heritage Trail while pretending you’re in a fitness commercial.

🎡 Tons of Local Events (Yes, Including a Rodeo)

• Water Follies Hydroplane Races: Because watching super-fast boats zoom across the river is weirdly addictive.
• Benton-Franklin Fair & Rodeo: Your chance to see real cowboys and eat too much fair food.
• Farmers Markets: Because nothing screams “I live in a wholesome community” like buying fresh produce from a friendly local farmer.

Where to Live in the Tri-Cities? (A Quick, Judgment-Free Breakdown)

Kennewick – The “Lively One”

🏡 Bigger city vibes, lots of shopping, and easy access to restaurants.
🏪 Home to Columbia Center Mall, so you never have to shop online again (unless you want to).

Richland – The “Brainy One”

🧪 Known for Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) and the nuclear industry.
🏡 Great riverfront views and charming neighborhoods like Meadow Springs.

Pasco – The “Growing Fast One”

🚜 Strong agriculture, affordable new homes, and a ton of family-friendly parks.
🌮 Hands-down the best tacos in the Tri-Cities (and possibly all of Washington).

West Richland – The “Rural Yet Fancy One”

🍷 If you like big houses, large yards, and being close to wineries, this is your spot.
🏞️ Perfect for those who want peace and quiet while still being near the action.

Housing Market in the Tri-Cities

💰 Median Home Price (2024): $419,950
🏡 Best Areas for New Builds: West Pasco, Badger Mountain, South Richland
📉 Rent vs. Buy? Rent is getting pricier, so you might as well buy and start building equity!

📌 Pro Tip: Homes here sell fast—like, “blink and it’s pending” fast. So if you find one you love, be ready to act quickly (or cry later).

Settling In? Here’s What You Need to Do First

✔️ Find a Realtor – You’ll need an awesome local expert (Hi, I’m Ryan Vogt 👋) to help you find the perfect home.
✔️ Set Up Utilities – Electricity? Benton PUD or Franklin PUD. Water? City services. Wi-Fi? Because living without the internet is unacceptable.
✔️ Register for Schools – If you have kids, the school districts in Pasco, Kennewick, and Richland are solid.
✔️ Change Your Address – Because getting mail sent to your old house is awkward.

🏡 Thinking of Buying a Home? Let’s make it happen! Contact Ryan Vogt Realtor for expert guidance.