Wenatchee versus snoqualmie wa

[cjg5]

If you want city entertainment, Wenatchee probably isn't for you. If you want nature entertainment, well, you're right close to all sorts over there! And for all seasons too! All it does on this side of the mountains outside of a few months in summer, is RAIN!

[freezengirl]

Could someone familiar with Wenatchee (area) comment on snow accumulation? My husband and I are from originally northern MN and the last couple of years, Alaska. We are looking for an area that doesn't get much snow accumulation or have quite the harshness of the winter climates we are familiar with. We are both outdoor people, love gardening, puttering around and have always lived in rural or semi rural areas. He works up on the north slope of AK and the winters are getting difficult. We are considering the Wenatchee area as a possibility. Neither of us have ever been there but it sounds promising for further exploration.

[WAMama]

I haven't lived in the Midwest for years, but I vaguely remember those cold winters. I would say Wenatchee isn't THAT bad... But the winters are surprisingly long, harsh, and snowy. We haven't been here too many winters, but I've seen snow as early as Nov 7 and as late as--yesterday. End of March. Accumulation isn't crazy but depending on your area there are weeks at a time with a couple feet on the ground.

[ruprick]

WAMama, you failed to mention it was 60 and mostly sunny yesterday! I did hear there were a few flurries (no accumulation) in the morning but your statement may be misleading. We hiked yesterday and spent much of the afternoon doing yardwork in short-sleeved shirts.

I've only been here for two winters, but snow accumulation seems pretty reasonable here. At 700 feet elevation, you only have to drive 20 miles towards the cascades to see a dramatic increase in snow accumulation, though. I only used my snowblower once or twice all season. I'm lover of winter sports, though, so I am OK with snow.

As an AK resident this won't be a surprise to you, but one thing I DON'T like about our winters are the short & cloudy days. The Wenatchee Visitor's Center claims 300 days of sunshine, I'd say it's gotta be closer to 250ish. We do have beautiful springs & falls and a nice warm summer with temps in the 80s and 90s (and rarely 100).

[pw72]

Wenatchee is under-rated by most. It is a fine small town that is somewhat close to Seattle, but much drier, (and colder and snowier, but sunnier and warmer during the summer) than the former.

Economic-wise, good luck. Not much industry here, but perhaps some company will discover the area and bring in some new jobs.

I like the area, as it offers a mix of the Pacific Northwest. Some elements of the west, with some rain and snow that passes over the Cascade range. Some elements of the east, a drier, sun-drenched climate. Perhaps the best way to describe it is the "in-between" area between Western and Eastern Washington, perhaps more than any other city of its size in the state.

[freezengirl]

Thank you all so much for your replies to my questions about Wenatchee.