Best Places to Live in Washington

Kennewick is a core city of Washington’s Tri-Cities. Its economy is driven by healthcare, agriculture, energy jobs related to the Hanford site, and a growing retail sector. Locals spend time at Columbia Park, Clover Island, and the area's wine trails, while the annual Water Follies festival remains a major community tradition. The neighborhoods are family-friendly and offer an easy commute to neighboring Pasco and Richland. Continued growth has brought new housing developments, shopping destinations, and dining options throughout the city.

Kennewick is a core city of Washington’s Tri-Cities. Its economy is driven by healthcare, agriculture, energy jobs related to the Hanford site, and a growing retail sector. Locals spend time at Columbia Park, Clover Island, and th... Read more

Pasco is currently the fastest-growing city in the Tri-Cities. It is successfully blending its agricultural roots with newer industries like logistics, food processing, and healthcare. Daily life often includes shopping at Road 68, events at Peanuts Park, and river recreation. Its location makes for short commutes throughout the region. Ongoing residential and commercial development continues to expand housing and employment opportunities. The city's diverse population contributes to a vibrant food scene and a strong sense of community.

Pasco is currently the fastest-growing city in the Tri-Cities. It is successfully blending its agricultural roots with newer industries like logistics, food processing, and healthcare. Daily life often includes shopping at Road 68... Read more

Spokane serves as the primary urban center for Eastern Washington, anchored by major employers in healthcare, education, government, and aerospace. It has a mix of historic neighborhoods, such as South Hill, and a revitalized downtown. Residents have year-round access to arts and dining, with Riverfront Park and the annual Bloomsday Run being staples of the local identity. The city continues to attract a diverse workforce thanks to its expanding economy and regional importance. Nearby mountains, lakes, and ski areas make outdoor recreation a major part of everyday life.

Spokane serves as the primary urban center for Eastern Washington, anchored by major employers in healthcare, education, government, and aerospace. It has a mix of historic neighborhoods, such as South Hill, and a revitalized down... Read more

Walla Walla is a college town known for its welcoming atmosphere and Whitman College. The economy is built on education, healthcare, and a world-class wine industry. You’ll find people walking the historic downtown streets, visiting tasting rooms, or attending the Balloon Stampede. It’s also well-regarded for its farm-to-table dining. The city consistently attracts visitors with its blend of culture, history, and culinary experiences. Tree-lined neighborhoods and a slower pace of life make it especially appealing to retirees and professionals seeking a strong sense of community.

Walla Walla is a college town known for its welcoming atmosphere and Whitman College. The economy is built on education, healthcare, and a world-class wine industry. You’ll find people walking the historic downtown streets, visiti... Read more

Spokane Valley offers a suburban lifestyle with a solid job market in retail, manufacturing, and healthcare. Located along the I-90 corridor, it provides easy access to the Centennial Trail and Dishman Hills Natural Area. Its location is convenient for those commuting to downtown Spokane or the airport. Residents benefit from a wide range of shopping centers, restaurants, and everyday amenities. The area also provides a variety of housing options, from established neighborhoods to newer master-planned communities.

Spokane Valley offers a suburban lifestyle with a solid job market in retail, manufacturing, and healthcare. Located along the I-90 corridor, it provides easy access to the Centennial Trail and Dishman Hills Natural Area. Its loca... Read more

Pullman is a university city defined by Washington State University. Employment is largely tied to education, research, healthcare, and agriculture. The town has a youthful energy, centered around College Hill and a walkable downtown, all set against the distinct rolling hills of the Palouse. University events, athletics, and cultural programs keep the community active throughout the year. Despite its rural setting, Pullman offers amenities and services that are uncommon for a city of its size.

Pullman is a university city defined by Washington State University. Employment is largely tied to education, research, healthcare, and agriculture. The town has a youthful energy, centered around College Hill and a walkable downt... Read more

Yakima is a major agricultural hub famous for its hops and vineyards. Healthcare is another major employment sector, with Virginia Mason Memorial serving the region. The lifestyle here is centered on the valley’s traditions, including events at State Fair Park, local wineries, and plenty of sunshine for outdoor activities. The region's agricultural success supports a strong food and beverage industry. Residents enjoy access to hiking, fishing, and recreation in the nearby Cascade foothills.

Yakima is a major agricultural hub famous for its hops and vineyards. Healthcare is another major employment sector, with Virginia Mason Memorial serving the region. The lifestyle here is centered on the valley’s traditions, inclu... Read more

Liberty Lake is a planned community east of Spokane, favored for its schools and safe neighborhoods. It is a popular spot for those working in the tech and healthcare sectors. Residents enjoy Liberty Lake Regional Park, the trail systems, Meadowood shopping, and ideal access to I-90 for commuting and weekend travel. The city's strong sense of community is reflected in its seasonal events, farmers markets, and outdoor recreation programs. Housing is primarily made up of newer developments, making it especially appealing to families seeking modern neighborhoods.

Liberty Lake is a planned community east of Spokane, favored for its schools and safe neighborhoods. It is a popular spot for those working in the tech and healthcare sectors. Residents enjoy Liberty Lake Regional Park, the trail ... Read more

Benton City is a small agricultural town located in Red Mountain wine country. Surrounded by vineyards and farmland, it offers a peaceful, rural atmosphere. While it feels a bit secluded, it provides easy access to Tri-Cities employment centers, making it a great option for those who prefer a slower pace of life. Wine tourism plays an important role in the local economy, with numerous tasting rooms nearby. Residents enjoy scenic views, open space, and a close-knit community that embraces small-town living.

Benton City is a small agricultural town located in Red Mountain wine country. Surrounded by vineyards and farmland, it offers a peaceful, rural atmosphere. While it feels a bit secluded, it provides easy access to Tri-Cities empl... Read more

Richland is one of the science-focused Tri-Cities, home to the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and Hanford contractors. It is a well-planned community with highly rated schools that supports professionals and families alike. Outdoor highlights include the Badger Mountain trails and several Columbia River waterfront parks. The city offers a strong concentration of high-paying technical and research jobs. Its combination of career opportunities, quality schools, and outdoor amenities attracts many long-term residents.

Richland is one of the science-focused Tri-Cities, home to the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and Hanford contractors. It is a well-planned community with highly rated schools that supports professionals and families alike.... Read more