Living in Tri-Cities WA - HONEST Pros & Cons

[@MissesSniffles]

I’ve lived here for 11 years now. The biggest con I think is that there’s literally nothing to do here when you’re 17-25. And there’s nothing new coming to this area that’s fun or an attraction for people to go and do. They need to stop building new banks and start bringing in some new attractions

[@LivingInTriCitiesWA]

I agree, it can be a tough place for that age group/demographic. What kinda of attractions would you love to see in town?

[@Pterodactyl-kn3ve]

Art, history museums, wine tasting, Hanford tours, outdoor sports, the river, hunting, fishing, hiking, photography, food, fairs, boat races, volunteer work, plus high school sports (or music & drama) are the best value entertainment anywhere, there is a lot to do. Only boring people are bored.

[@katielerchen3016]

There is no dancing except at the elks club, or whatever it’s called. I don’t count the Branding Iron B/C it’s country music. Also, the major extracurricular activity here, for most people, is going to a church.

[@littymcgritty]

Go skydive in ritzville

[@MissesSniffles]

@@littymcgritty i wouldn’t wanna do it alone :(

[@katielerchen3016]

I disagree on the weather. It’s either too damn hot or too damn cold (with only a few short weeks for spring and fall). You see very few people out side for days. And on the golfing is suspended for weeks while it is very cold. I do however love the occasional wind storm, it’s always fun. Most structures are built for this wind, so no worries about your house blowing apart. You do need to assure stuff in your yard doesn’t blow over though. The rents are just as expensive here as anywhere.

[@nlj0479]

People always say theres nothing to do..go to downtown kennewick, go eat somewhere, go to a dustsdevils game, or americans hockey game, go go karting, go to the movie theater, go to a escape room, go golf, plenty of high school sports around, go to a park, and lots of other things too.

[@nlj0479]

Did I mention gun ranges, and paintball???? Also the fair every year, and boat races every year. Fun activities at the toyota center like PBR, harlem globetrotters, jeff dunham, and more.

[@Pterodactyl-kn3ve]

Art, history museum, wine tasting, Hanford tours, outdoor sports, the river, hunting, fishing, hiking, photography, food, there is a lot to do. Only boring people are bored.

[@leestamm3187]

I can speak only from my personal frame of reference. After years of scouting many locations throughout the Western US, my wife and I retired to Kennewick from Western Washington in 2009. It's a great place for retirees, with the reasonable cost of living and housing, good medical care, golf, wine and other things you mentioned. Your Cons are realistic as well. Some newcomers have real problems with the wind, which you rightly noted. This is a windy region and it's something you either have to get used to or go elsewhere. In addition to some snow, Winter can have spells of cold overcast with little sun. But overall, the weather is great. No regrets retiring here and no plans to leave anytime soon

[@LivingInTriCitiesWA]

Glad you chose the Tri-Cities to retire Lee! Are there any other Pros or Cons you can think of that I missed?

[@leestamm3187]

@@LivingInTriCitiesWA Not really. I've seen some other local realtor videos, but your's is the most concise. You mentioned the heat, which might be a con for folks from cooler summer regions. Even with our low humidity, 105-110 is still HOT, though of course it's not as frequent here as in some areas of the West.

[@Doobie1975]

Ten years ago the Tri-Cities was a great place to raise a family, it was a nice, affordable community with low crime and the beautiful Columbia River, sadly in the past several years the crime rate has gone up significantly, cost of living has doubled and the homelessness has increased greatly, plus we have to deal with so many wildfires and smoke filled skies (that wasn't the norm 10+ years ago)

[@yordanpopov]

I have never seen homeless people there.

[@yepachigga945]

I was born and raised here in kennewick and worked in all 3 cities, heres the honesty: starter homes are well over $400k unless youre getting a crack house Nothing to do, if you have kids or a teenager they will be bored, theres literally nothing Crime has gotten so out of hand its insane, numerous violent crimes spring up in the news each month, my car has been broken into at my different apartments more times than I have fingers Racism definetely exists and im speaking as a white man Its either too hot with our summers going well into the 110° or too cold going into the negatives Its not worth living here unless youre a real estate agent or working for hanford, if you arent doing either of those you wont be able to save money Lots of dry heat and smoke with nearby fires People dont know how to drive here, i lived in yakima for a little over a year at one point and never saw an accident, over here people are swerving in and out of lanes constantly A ton of passive aggresive people a ton of karens Homelessness is getting so out of hand its insane, its like california dropped off a bunch of meth heads in kennewick and pasco Cost of living has sky rocketed because people from seattle moved here cause its not as bad as there and people from california moved here because its not as bad as there, causing big corporations to buy out apartment complexs and doubling prices. I had a 1 bedroom apartment go from $600 a month straight to $1470 under new management about 4 years ago. People ive talked to have rent over $2k a month Bills: Gas prices currently: $3.70 My rent 2 bedroom apartment is going to be going up to $1700 in a few months Electricity $80-$100 depending on time of year This place sucks, id rather live in idaho but i cant save the money to move my family there with how expensive it is here, people i have met who moved here all end up hating it the only good thing i like is the fishing season and thats it.

[@paigelloyd3886]

I’ve lived in Richland for years and I Lived everything about it

[@johngaeta2638]

I’m planning to move out there in the next Month my wife family live in the Tri cities, we currently live in Los Angeles tired of the traffic and taxes

[@LivingInTriCitiesWA]

Wonderful to hear! What line of work are you in? Give me a call or shoot me a text if you have any questions relayed to your move 509-567-5572

[@Formerlytrouserttrout]

Don't. Stay out of Walla Walla too

[@Pterodactyl-kn3ve]

It’s a conservative region. Don’t bring your liberal voting ideals here. We don’t want to be ANYTHING like California.

[@sunnysidekat37886]

Omg my boyfriend is moving out there in Pasco next month! I am planning on moving out there end of the yr. But we never visited/heard abt that place until recently

[@riptide74]

Californians ruin everything everywhere they go.

[@heyjude6335]

Pro’s…Wonderful green parks on the Columbia, pro… a gardeners heaven! We just moved here from the west side. Another pro is no traffic

[@LivingInTriCitiesWA]

All wonderful Pros! Do you have a fruit/vegetable garden, flowers, or both?!

[@bladeobrian2144]

As someone born in Kennewick, Pros: Cheap, but not by much Cons: Everything else! I live in Everett now, and even with it’s problems, I’ll take it over TC any day of the week!

[@ulyssesgrant4403]

Could you explain why you like Everett better than Tri-Cities? Considering moving over to Richland so I would like to know your thoughts

[@bladeobrian2144]

@@ulyssesgrant4403 let’s see here, TC is boring, isolated, the job market stinks, people are annoying, the weather is balls, public transport is a joke, I could go on. Wherever you are, I’d avoid TC at all costs, if you wanna go to Eastern WA, go to Spokane.

[@leestamm3187]

​@@bladeobrian2144 It depends on your needs. I lived in Everett for 30 years, working in downtown Seattle. Retired to Kennewick 16 years ago. Everett was Ok, but I'll take Kennewick anytime. It's a good place for retirees. Far better weather, lower cost of living, decent medical care, excellent golf courses, lots of local fruits and vegetables, uncongested, and quiet. Lacking only a Trader Joe's. 😄

[@bladeobrian2144]

@@leestamm3187 idk I don’t consider dust storms and heat waves to be good weather. I don’t care about it golf, I use public transportation (congestion not an issue), and I get section 8 so COL isn’t an issue. I also don’t like having Mormons running around telling everyone how to live their lives.

[@ElSantoLuchador]

I grew up in the Tri-Cities (Richland). If you have teenagers they'll be bored out of their gourds. It's a place. That's the nicest thing I can say about it. On the other hand, I went to Hanford which is one of the best public schools in the nation. If you're a scientist that never goes outside you're going to love it here. (I can only speak for Richland. Pasco and Kennewick are different cases entirely.)

[@LivingInTriCitiesWA]

The cities being so spread out definitely makes it tough for teenagers to get around until they're old enough to drive!

[@whatupsun8563]

Hello from Prosser, WA!

[@enriquefariad4993]

Its a great place to live .

[@LivingInTriCitiesWA]

Agreed!

[@enriquefariad4993]

@@LivingInTriCitiesWA 28 years and counting

[@rowenminer]

I’m going into college for orthopedic spinal surgery hopefully. And I’ve seen some of the job opportunities for that in tri cities. The pay definitely is doubled then what you would fine in Portland. Even tripled, i definitely think it’s a great place as I’ve seen. Hopefully I can live here in the next decade 🙌

[@justicem2853]

I was born and raised in kennewick, and I had always had allergies!!! all of my extended family lives around the three cities, but eventually my own family and I moved up to Seattle about a decade into living in kennewick. and after a year or so while living in Seattle, and adapting to the different climate. my allergies went away!!!! to this day I still live in Seattle and about 10 times a year we make that 3 and a half hour drive down to the Tri to see family and every time I go my allergies kick back in! its really funny! but forever ill always love kennewick. there wont be a year in my life where I dont visit!

[@LivingInTriCitiesWA]

The same thing happens to me!! What do you miss most after moving to the West Side?

[@justicem2853]

@@LivingInTriCitiesWA probably how calm the roads are for sure! as well as the late august nights. too many memories at my relatives house just sitting outside with my cousins. I love the weather on those nights coupled with the sunsets!

[@Rags2250]

First I don't know that I'd call the region 'desert' having been to some deserts as much as it is arid. Lack of night life is seen in the number of thefts. I had installed security systems when I bought this house because one of the first things neighbor told me was his house was robbed in the middle of the day while he and his wife where at work, and they have to large dogs! Had the police here not long ago asking for video footage one morning because neighbor across the street had her vehicle stolen out of her garage. After reviewing footage from day and night before saw the people casing the house out and later learning they had some knowledge of the habits of the folks across the street, doors not locked, keys left in vehicle for convenience etc. Give and take and I've lived in MN, MO, OK, CA, IA, FL, MT and OR! As you said pro's and con's where ever you are!

[@11superstar1997]

The allergies here in the Tri-Cities are probably the worst in the US

[@LivingInTriCitiesWA]

Are your allergies worse here than other places you've lived?

[@11superstar1997]

@@LivingInTriCitiesWA I travel often and I'm super sensitive allergies. Been to Idaho, Oregon, California (NorCal and SoCal), Utah, Florida, Missouri, Asia, Europe, Mexico.. Salt Lake City can be rough once you're in the mountains, but here in the Kiona-Benton area, it's miserable. You can't escape it. The combination of high pollination and windy terrain is a nightmare for anyone with allergies

[@LivingInTriCitiesWA]

@@11superstar1997 Have you found an effective way to cope/manage? I know some people go for a weekly or bi-weekly shot to help alleviate symptoms.

[@Wasted_Talent007]

Class of 1976 Kamiakin High School. Have lived in the Tri Cities since 1964. 1) Too hot 2) Dominated by Republican politics 3) Plenty of water

[@JaneSmith007]

Poor air quality in the summer due to Tri-cities being down in a fishbowl... air whips around inside the bowl but can also hold in the smoke from fires around the region as well as allergens. If you have asthma or prone to allergies, its the worst from beginning of spring to end of fall...then winter allergies because its all locked in your house . Must dust your house constantly in the Tri-cities. Also, cost of living is going up steadily so don't be fooled... Washington state has the second highest minimum wage of all states, with that comes higher prices. Right now it's the worst its ever been. Other than that, we do have lower numbers in homeless for those coming from bigger cities and crime rate is fairly low compared to bigger cities, but I still lock everything up at night. Been here all my 50 Years, but do not plan to retire here...

[@ulyssesgrant4403]

What makes you not want to retire there? What area are you thinking of retiring?

[@TheKING-bj6my]

What about crime rate? Is it a safe place becuase im considering studying in tri cities washington state university campus there . And i have asthmatic

[@LivingInTriCitiesWA]

Where are you moving from? As far as the asthma goes, we do have quite a lot of allergens from the surrounding high-desert landscape.

[@lilliputlittle]

As a retired healthcare professional who now lives in the tri - This is not the place to move to for good medical care. The level of care offered here is appallingly sparse and limited.

[@TNKHART]

Is there better healthcare near by or not to far away? Thank you

[@lilliputlittle]

@@TNKHART I’ve had a provider suggest a physician in Spokane for one concern. My insurance does cover the entire state so, for me, it comes down to how far I want to drive and the time involved. In the 7 months that I posted that I have been heartened by the fact that I was able to find a nephrologist in Kennewick that I’m comfortable with. So that is one less pressing issue that I have on my plate.

[@andrewlang4448]

If you like cloudy, windy and cold weather from November through May, than this is the place for you. Do not believe there are 300 days of sunshine. I say there is 300 days of clouds and rain here. Very similar to Seattle weather.

[@yordanpopov]

It's only cloudy November thorough February. The other months are mostly sunny. It has nothing to do with Seattle weather.

[@Jerpent_The_Serpert]

I'm moving out there soon. Do you have any mortgage lenders that you recommend?

[@LivingInTriCitiesWA]

Absolutely! I've got a few different people I could recommend. Shoot me a text or give me a call and I'll get you some contact info: 509-567-5572

[@nomadcurious]

PRO - Kennewick has a cancer center, wine selections, Columbia River

[@vikiejohannesson7025]

Thank you. That was very informative. My mom and I are looking to move there at the end of this year or very early next year.

[@LivingInTriCitiesWA]

That’s awesome! Do you know which of the cities you’d like to live in?

[@debras9246]

I plan to visit, maybe move to tri cities. How often is it windy throughout the year? I hate heavy winds, and i have allergies, so it would be good to know. Thank you

[@LivingInTriCitiesWA]

What do you consider to be heavy winds?

[@debras9246]

Maybe not considered heavy, but how often does it get over 20 mph winds throuhout year?

[@LivingInTriCitiesWA]

​@@debras9246 Here's some info from another video I did (Weather in Richland WA). Although Richland is the tagline, the wind will be very similar in the other cities. Winter: Technically the windy season is considered to be from about February to June, so the winter isn't technically the windy season, but you definitely notice it more because when it's cold and windy as the wind chill can make it feel significantly colder than it actually is! Average daily wind speeds in the winter are about 7mph which is pretty normal for Richland. Spring: Spring in Richland falls directly in the middle of the windy season, which runs from February to June. Although the most intense wind storms, and highest wind speeds can occur in November and December, the spring is consistently the windiest time of the year, which an average daily wind speed of ~8mph for all 3 months. About 1 out of every 10 days average wind speeds will be between 11mph to 14mph, and there's usually a couple days each spring where speeds will gust excess of 50mph. Summer: June & early-July conclude the windy season in Richland, meaning most of July and all of August are some of the least windy days of the year. With that being said, least windy doesn't mean there's not wind (this is the Tri-Cities we're talking about after all). June averages ~8mph for daily wind speeds, while July and August are closer to 7mph. July and August have very few days where wind speeds reach over 30mph, although they do happen once or twice a month on average. Fall: September has the lowest average wind speeds of any month throughout the year. Combined with average highs in the low-80's, it's an incredible time of year to spend time outdoors doing your favorite activities. Although the Fall doesn't technically land in the windy season, Richland does often see some high winds in late November as Winter is arriving. Although there are other months that have higher average daily wind speeds, November often sees a larger number of extremely high winds (50mph and above).

[@debras9246]

Thank you😊. This is very helpful. A few years ago, I was visiting family in Oregon for Christmas, and decided to go to Tri Cities because of wineries, I enjoyed the cold and snow and really liked the area. I started researching and learned about the winds, which is disappointing but maybe it's not that bad considering all cities, states have something negative. Fall is my favorite season, so happy it's nice during this time. I will view your other videos for more information.

[@LivingInTriCitiesWA]

@@debras9246 My pleasure! I know you mentioned allergies, that is definitely more of a factor on a day-to-day basis for more people than the wind. The vegetation in the area produces a lot of allergens that can have adverse effects on people. It's usually treatable if the symptoms are severe, but just wanted to let you know that's definitely a consideration :)

[@dan-h2g]

West Richland golf course is awesome. You see all sorts of wildlife. It actually has a pure white skunk.

[@ETfriend]

The biggest con to me sounds like the weather. Too hot! And it’s dry and not very pretty

[@etubrutus3501]

I grew up in the Tri-Cities. Don’t forget to mention it is considered one of the most contaminated areas in the United States due to the working and abandoned nuclear sites. But it’s nice though.

[@mrwnking]

I've lived here all my life. There's nothing here in the tri cities. If I didn't have children, I would have taken off a long time ago.

[@LivingInTriCitiesWA]

What things/activities would you like to see more of?

[@jamman7344]

My guy said trampolines picked up in blown through the neighborhood. I will hate to be driving and get out to go shopping and then get some hectin head by a giant trampoline😂

[@michaelmendez5860]

I tell anyone planning on getting a trampoline here to anchor is into some concrete. Spend $0 on some anchors and a bag or two of concrete and it'll make your life way less stressful haha.

[@evgeniiprosk6648]

are there any radiation concerns?

[@LivingInTriCitiesWA]

The health/radiation concerns are a stigma, but I have yet to see any substantiated evidence or information. If you reach out to me via text, I can provide you with a map and link showing reported cancer diagnoses in Washington, but in short there is no evidence I have seen showing that living in the area poses any additional risks due to radiation from the Hanford site.

[@paigelloyd3886]

The thing about allergies until I moved to Richland

[@JohnEastmanExAttyAtLaw]

Is homelessness there as bad as the Seattle area? Are people always walking out of the stores with carts while the employees stand and watch? Do people smoke fen while they beg for money at the McDonald's drive thru?

[@michaelmendez5860]

Not even close. I moved from Seattle and it's a night and day difference. I live in Richland and we even have self checkout inside gas stations! You will see homeless every now and then but nothing even close to Seattle where you see them every 30 seconds and see tent cities.

[@Nameiscool420]

Nope. You’ll see a couple homeless and you’ll barely every see one of them smoking drugs

[@ennen1701]

Cost of living? Are you mad? I moved away 20 years ago and lived in Indiana during that time, now I'm back and the prices have exploded and this was before the Democrats their inflation. He's not wrong about the allergies and the wine was non-existent 20 years ago.

[@LivingInTriCitiesWA]

It's all relative! Lots of people go to college on the west side and move back because the cost of living is significantly cheaper.

[@higginslakelover3658]

Too much rain and clouds here from November to February. Also, you will pay over 400K for a starter home. The place is not for me.

[@nlj0479]

Y didnt u mention sports, the Americans and Dustdevils...

[@LivingInTriCitiesWA]

Did you see my video on things to do? I always recommend AMS and Dustdevil’s games to people :)

[@nlj0479]

@@LivingInTriCitiesWA Tbh with ya broski, no this just popped up into the recommended LOL

[@ycfedchun]

Believe me, not everyone is into sports. Many couldn't care less.

[@kokalti]

Of course cost of living compared to Seattle is better. Compare it to Texas and it worse. Real Estate is too expensive here considering you are living in a desert.

[@davidfisher7978]

Just want to thank you so much for this honest look at the Tri-Cities moved here in 77 from southern California

[@LivingInTriCitiesWA]

Thank you David! What brought you here from SoCal?

[@andrewlang4448]

You can't afford a house here unless you're a millionaire and the weather is cloudy, windy and cold for most of the year.

[@yordanpopov]

That's not even true.

[@richardlee5536]

I intensely dislike Kennewick and Pasco because my last living relatives are there....

[@enriquefariad4993]

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