Walla Walla (Yakima, College Place, Index: low crime, community college, living)

[Geog101]

Single guy here getting closer to retirement age. Is WW a good environment for a single retirement guy. Does WW get green in the springtime from winter rains? Other things I am looking for.
Low crime
Good variable weather
Restaurants
Low cost of living
Things to do
Replies would greatly be appreciated

[pnwguy2]

Originally Posted by Geog101

Single guy here getting closer to retirement age. Is WW a good environment for a single retirement guy. Does WW get green in the springtime from winter rains? Other things I am looking for.
Low crime
Good variable weather
Restaurants
Low cost of living
Things to do
Replies would greatly be appreciated

CRIME:

Looks like in the bottom half of WA cities with the worst crime, but still an average crime rate overall.

Washington Crime Index City Rank

I don't think Walla Walla is perceived as a crime hotspot, however.

WEATHER:

Dry, with cool winters, warm summers. Yes, gets green in the Spring! Avg. July Hi/Lo 88/62. Avg. January Hi/Lo 39/28. Average 9 inches of snow.

RESTUARANTS:

Like many smaller towns there are not a ton of local choices, but there are good ones, and the real story is all the wineries that serve food as well as wine. They are everywhere!

COST OF LIVING:

Definitely lower than most westside locations, but has been increasing. Housing still a bargain, but no doubt prices are rising.

THINGS TO DO:

As mentioned, wineries is the #1 tourist thing to do. There is a decent ski area (Bluewood) 53 miles away.

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS:

Home to Whitman College, Walla Walla College, and Walla Walla Community College. Not a bad lineup for a smaller town.

At the base of the Blue mountains. Very scenic compared to say, Tri-Cities or Yakima.

Neat downtown area with lots of shops and eateries. Has a historical feel combined with the usual big box retail toward College Place to the west.


Hope this helps!