Possibly reclocating to Tri-Cities area need idea's!! (Seattle, Spokane: low crime, homes)

[mncamper]

Greetings, We are looking at possibly relocating from MN to WA area my husband would need to drive every so often to Portland, OR. However, instead of that area, we'd like to be out a bit. If anyone could suggest schools (our children are 7 and 11) that would be helpful. Also great area's to live in either Kennewick or surrounding towns. We know absoultley nothing about these area's. Any help would be great!!!

[pw72]

Originally Posted by mncamper

Greetings, We are looking at possibly relocating from MN to WA area my husband would need to drive every so often to Portland, OR. However, instead of that area, we'd like to be out a bit. If anyone could suggest schools (our children are 7 and 11) that would be helpful. Also great area's to live in either Kennewick or surrounding towns. We know absoultley nothing about these area's. Any help would be great!!!

Portland is about three hours from The Tri-Cities, WA (Richland, Kennewick, Pasco). However, keep in my mind there are really two Pacific Northwest's...the west side and east side. Seattle and Portland are the major cities in the west, Tri-Cities, Yakima, Spokane, Bend, OR in the east.

The differences are considerable. First, the climate. Winters are colder in the east and hotter in the summer. Second, the politics. Mostly "blue" in the west, mostly "red" in the east. Third, housing prices, still mostly affordable in the east, (perhaps with the exception of Bend, OR)... not so much in the west.

The Tri-Cities is growing quite fast, can get very hot, and isn't too bad in the winter, in fact probably the warmest east of the cascades year 'round.

Hope that helps.

[Moon Waffle]

As far as Tri-Cities goes, I lived in Richland for many years, and now Pasco for the past 5 years after a 6 year stint in Seattle. I'm afraid I'm not much help in the way of Kennewick specifics; it's the city I know the least about.

To answer your original post, I can say that overall the Tri-Cities has good schools. They aren't "top of the line" by any means, but certainly average or slightly above average of what you'd find in most mid-sized or large communities.

As far as where to live: as long as you avoid the far East side of Pasco and Kennewick, you're most likely going to be in a "good" neighborhood. The bulk of the Tri-Cities is extremely safe and comfortable living; people are generally friendly while at the same time giving you your space and not getting their nose in your business. West Pasco and South Richland are the "hot spots" right now. Two years ago I actually was trying to decide between the two and eventually picked West Pasco. Below are the highlights of each, from my point of view:

West Pasco is primarily starter homes and a few neighborhoods with bigger homes. The benefit of West Pasco is the easy freeway access and the central location to the rest of the Tri-Cities. Plus there is a brand new (second) high school that will be completed in the next few years to serve West Pasco. There is also a lot of cultural diversity in West Pasco - not just white and hispanic, but also a good population of other races and ethnicities, which I really enjoy and like having my children growing up in.

South Richland is a more expensive area. Mid-sized to higher-end homes. This is due to the fact that it is near the central shopping hub of the Tri-Cities. So you have that benefit. Close to all the stores, restaurants, sporting events and such, etc. It is predominantly white.

Like I say, as far as Kennewick goes, I'm not much help. I just know the further east you go, the less desirable it becomes (for most people I've talked to). The west side of Kennewick borders South Richland so that might help a bit.

Good luck!

[mncamper]

It sounds like many different options to choose from. I understand the climate is quite mild. True? Also if you have a top notch realtor to suggest I'd be open to that also. You can e-mail me if you'd like. Sometimes when you just speak to someone over the phone and they are just trying to make a sale, your best interests aren't always considered. Nothing for my husband is set in stone yet, but the deal's on the table and I want to be prepared when they fly both of us out in a few weeks to see these area's. What are the prices for homes in these area's??? I've viewed some but you just can't tell from a picture. They always make it look the best from their point of view. This West Pasco are the lots larger or small neighborhood type??? Where we are coming from we have almost 2 1/2 acres. I don't need that much space, but would like to not see in my neighbors windows Also are there trees around your area? Remember, I'm coming from Northern MN, the tree lover's paradise! Oh, also I hear that there are great winery's there??? That sounds great! Buzz me back with your thoughts! MNcamper

[Balco9]

mncamper, Bend Oregon sounds like a better place for you. Lots of trees and snow capped mountains and a great place to raise a family with great schools. Low crime and definitely a yuppie town. In the Tri-Cities you are not going to see much trees. Afterall it is the desert, but cheaper to live than Bend for now anyways. Spokane would also be idea for you, but a bit further out from Portland. Checkout those places and decide for yourself.

[mncamper]

Thanks for the update! I've actually looked at the Bend area. Very beautiful. But a bit pricy. How far is Bend really from Portland??? I guess that we'll have to weigh all those different places and see. Thanks everyone for all your help!

[Balco9]

Bend to Portland 121 miles~~~
Richland to Portland 214 miles~~~
Bend is really beautiful and an awesome place.
Thank the Californians for driving up the price in
Bend...

[pw72]

Bend to Portland may be shorter in mileage, but weather may slow you down 6 months of the year.

Bend is more expensive than Tri-Cities.

Bend is colder and snowier than the Tri-Cities.

Hey, I have nothing against Bend, (It's a beautiful vibrant area), but just trying to relate facts.

[rundugrun]

Originally Posted by mncamper

It sounds like many different options to choose from. I understand the climate is quite mild. True? This West Pasco are the lots larger or small neighborhood type??? Where we are coming from we have almost 2 1/2 acres. I don't need that much space, but would like to not see in my neighbors windows Also are there trees around your area? Remember, I'm coming from Northern MN, the tree lover's paradise! Oh, also I hear that there are great winery's there??? That sounds great! Buzz me back with your thoughts! MNcamper

I wouldn't call the climate "mild"... It's the desert, and the high temps in the summer can get over 100 degrees pretty regularly. The winters are not bad, though (especially compared to Minnesota).

Schools are very good near the national lab in Richland... not as good elsewhere.

Regarding the lot sizes, most are small (.5 acre or less). Again, since it's a desert, everything has to be irrigated and it's pricey to irrigate a lot of land. Regarding trees, there are not a lot because (again) it's a desert. Some established homes with irrigation will have decent sized trees, but this area will be a shock to someone coming from Minnesota (I lived there for 7 years). There are very few "naturally growing" trees away from the river banks. Everything that's green has to be aritificially watered. There are very nice newish developments that over look the desert. There are also middle class areas with rusted cars in the front yard... The Tri-Cities is a mixed bag. If you're serious you must visit the area before you make the decision to move.

Good Luck!

[mncamper]

Ok, What's going on here??? First I hear that the Tri-Cities area is beautiful, and has a lot to offer??? Now I hear it's a desert waste land??? Which is it? How do vineyards survive there? Is nothing green? And how expensive does it get to water everything? And where does your water come from? Is it safe? Also how hot does it get? Coming from MN it can't be much hotter. Possibly dryer heat, but it's so hot and humid here right now you could just melt. Would someone refer Bend OR instead? It's really pricy there. Help, I'm not sure where to look to relocate now