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Is the Tri-Cities a Good Place to Live?

July 25, 2022

One of the first things most people think about when considering a move is the location. You’ll want to make sure that it checks off all of the important boxes that you’re looking for. You may ask: Is it a nice place to live? Is it family-friendly? Is it safe? Will I be able to find work opportunities? How is the weather?

At New Tradition Homes, we believe the Tri-Cities area is one of the best places to call home and will check off any boxes you have. And once you’ve decided that living in the Tri-Cities is for you, we’ve got the perfect home to match this perfect location.

If you’re still on the fence about moving to the Tri-Cities, here you’ll find some important and enlightening information to help finalize your decision.

Should I Live in the Tri-Cities?

The Tri-Cities is located in the southeastern part of the state of Washington. What’s so unique about its location is that the cities border one another at the confluence of the Yakima, Snake, and Columbia Rivers. Also, the Tri-Cities is made up of more than three cities total (even though tri means three). Overall, the main three larger cities that connect are Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland. However, the smaller neighboring cities of West Richland, Burbank, and Finley are included, and each has a unique atmosphere of their own.

With over 300,000 people, the Tri-Cities is the fastest growing metropolitan area in Washington State and is still growing. But don’t worry, there is still plenty of room to build or buy your next home with New Tradition in Tri-Cities. And with all of these people to feed, there is no shortage of fresh food and comfort food to enjoy, like the delicious potato doughnuts at the Spudnut Shop in Richland. A fun fact is that over one million acres of Benton and Franklin Counties (the counties that host the Tri-Cities area) are covered in farms and supply a lot of the produce for major cities on the East Coast.

Quality of Life

This incredible area has a long, rich history starting from the early 1800s and has since built a legacy around higher education, positive environmental impact, sustainable agriculture, and a variety of labor and high-tech engineering job opportunities.

Safety

If there ever was a reason to relocate, safety should be at the top of the list. Luckily, every city within the Tri-Cities area was rated among the top 15 safest cities in Washington by population. In the large town category, both Pasco and Richland were in the top ten, as well as West Richland in the midsized category. Considering there are 180 cities in the state, this is a wonderful location to live in no matter which city you choose.

Education

The Tri-Cities area is an excellent place to raise a family because it boasts access to several school options amongst three separate school districts. There are plenty of options for education, from primary school up to college and university level. If you decide to live in one of our Richland communities, your children will be able to attend one of the top-rated Richland School District schools such as White Bluffs Elementary, Chief Joseph Middle School, and Richland High School. Beyond primary schools, higher education opportunities are available at Washington State University (4-year), Columbia Basin College (2-year), and Charter College (career training).

Job Market & Cost of Living

An important part of moving is knowing what jobs are available so you can easily transition to your new location. The Tri-Cities has a strong job market with an emphasis on jobs in health care, education, food processing, and engineering & construction. Major employers like Battelle/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Lamb Weston, Richland School District, and First Fruits Farms employ thousands of employees every year to ensure a thriving economy.

Compared to other major areas, you’ll find that the Tri-Cities offers a low cost of living and a great sense of work-life balance. A majority of people own their homes and spend a good portion of their income on shelter, transportation, and food & beverages. Overall, 48.98% of the households here earn more than the national average each year, with the median yearly income at $72,538.

Weather

With an average of 300 sunny days per year and little rain or snowfall, it’s the perfect weather despite the myth that Washington is a mostly rainy state. It has an even mix of all four seasons, with hot, clear sky summers (reaching high 90s) and cold, blissful winters (reaching low 20s). It may get a bit cold in the winters, but the average snowfall is still only about 4 inches per year. There’s an average rainfall of around 7 inches per year, which is much lower than the average for Seattle, at 38 inches per year. Then in between is the lovely warm to breezy climate throughout the spring and fall months.

So, is the Tri-Cities a good place to live? From the beautiful weather to the high safety ratings, to the education offerings, and more, we think so! AND there’s still plenty more to brag about when it comes to this extraordinary collection of cities.

If you’re considering a move to this wonderful city in Washington State, consider owning a New Tradition Home in our Richland communities. Contact us today and start enjoying the small town friendliness and big city adventures that so many others are already experiencing here.