Living in Kennewick Washington - EVERYTHING You Need to Know
What is Living in Kennewick Washington Like?
With a population of around 84,000, Kennewick, Washington, is in southeast Washington. Situated in the Tri-Cities area, Kennewick sits approximately 200 miles southeast of Seattle and 130 miles northeast of Portland, Oregon.
Those Living in Kennewick, Washington, have the Columbia River running through town, providing residents with water activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The Three Rivers Convention Center is another popular attraction in the area. The convention center hosts various events, including concerts, conventions, and trade shows, drawing people from around the area.
The primary industry in Kennewick is agriculture, particularly wine grapes, apples, and cherries. The city is also home to several manufacturing companies, including those in the aerospace and defense industries.
Kennewick housing costs are lower than the state average, and many affordable options exist for apartments and houses, making the cost of living in Kennewick relatively inexpensive compared to other cities in Washington. The price of groceries and other essentials is lower in comparison to other cities in Washington.
If you enjoy outdoor activities and a slower pace of life, Kennewick, Washington, could be for you! Read on to discover more about Kennewick, Washington neighborhoods, schools, pros and cons of living in Kennewick, and get answers to FAQs about living in Kennewick, Washington, to see if living in Kennewick, Washington, is the right decision for you!
Skip Ahead to:
1. The Moving to Kennewick Washington Team
2. What is the Cost of Living in Kennewick Washington?
3. Living in Kennewick Washington Tips/Info/Blog Posts
4. Best Neighborhoods in Kennewick Washington
5. Public Schools in Kennewick Washington
6. Top Destinations & Attractions in Kennewick Washington
The Moving to Kennewick Washington Team
Let our team of trusted professionals help you buy or/and sell a home in Kennewick, Washington. To connect with a local expert/real estate professional in Kennewick, Washington, CLICK HERE. To start receiving emails with homes that match your criteria anywhere in Washington, CLICK HERE and sign up for Listing Alert. With a little info on what, where, and how much, you'll get newly listed homes matching your criteria sent to your inbox as they hit the market. This can give you a big leg up in your home search.
The first step in the home-buying process is getting pre-approved for a mortgage. Todd Davidson is an experienced mortgage broker and can help you get the best financing option for your home purchase. Not quite ready yet? Todd can help you put together a plan to get you there. Whether you're thinking a few months or a year or more if you want to buy a home, reach out to Todd and he can help. CLICK HERE to email Todd and set up a call to get the process started or just call him at 971-275-2465.
Todd Davidson
Mortgage Broker
What is the Cost of Living in Kennewick Washington?
If you're exploring a move to Kennewick, Washington, or any place, the cost of living would be a significant factor in your decision-making. I calculated the REAL cost of living in Kennewick, Washington, by factoring in today's costs for housing (rent and own), utilities, food, transportation, healthcare, and other necessities to live. To live in Kennewick, Washington, and rent, you would need to make $42,000 a year. To live in Kennewick, Washington, and buy a home, you would need to make $56,000 a year. Rental amount is based on current low end cost of studio or one bedroom, purchase is based on recent low end sales of a three bedroom and monthly payment with 20% down.
Living in Kennewick Washington Tips/Info/Blog Posts
23 FAQs A REALTOR GETS ASKED > CLICK HERE
18 MORTGAGE FAQs > CLICK HERE
NEW BLOG ALERT SIGN UP > CLICK HERE
WANT TO KNOW WHEN A HOME MATCHING YOUR CRITERIA GETS LISTED? SIGN UP FOR LISTING ALERT > CLICK HERE
MORTGAGE INFO > CLICK HERE
FREE HOME OWNERSHIP GUIDE > CLICK HERE
Top Neighborhoods in Kennewick Washington
If moving to Kennewick, Washington, you'll want to figure out the best neighborhood for you and your family. The city is home to some fantastic neighborhood with plenty to see and do in the surrounding area. Below are just a handful of the great Kennewick, Washington, neighborhoods you'll want to look at:
Canyon Lakes
Canyon Lakes is a large and upscale neighborhood in Kennewick, Washington, featuring a mix of single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments. The neighborhood is centered around a scenic golf course and country club, which features a restaurant and other amenities. The area also has several parks and walking trails, including the Badger Mountain Trail, which offers stunning views of the surrounding hills. Residents of Canyon Lakes have easy access to various shops, restaurants, and other businesses along Highway 395. Several highly-rated schools serve the neighborhood, including Canyon View Elementary, Desert Hills Middle School, and Kamiakin High School. If living in Kennewick, Washington, check with the Kennewick School District to verify which schools your kids will attend.
Southridge
Southridge is a large and rapidly growing neighborhood in southern Kennewick, featuring a mix of newer single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments. The neighborhood is near the Southridge Sports Complex, with several athletic fields, courts, a skate park, and playgrounds. There are also several parks and walking trails in the area, including Columbia Park, which offers riverfront views and a variety of outdoor recreational activities. Residents of Southridge have easy access to several shopping centers and restaurants in the area. The neighborhood is served by several highly rated schools, including Ridge View Elementary, Desert Hills Middle School, and Southridge High School. If living in Kennewick, Washington, check with the Kennewick School District to verify which schools your kids will attend.
West Highlands
West Highlands is a small, quiet neighborhood located in the western part of Kennewick, featuring a mix of mid-century and newer single-family homes. The neighborhood is near the popular Highlands Grange Park, which offers several athletic fields, playgrounds, and picnic areas. The area also has several other parks and walking trails, including the scenic Badger Mountain Park. Residents of West Highlands have easy access to several small shops and restaurants along Clearwater Avenue. The neighborhood is served by several highly rated schools, including Ridge View Elementary, Desert Hills Middle School, and Southridge High School. If living in Kennewick, Washington, check with the Kennewick School District to verify which schools your kids will attend.
Creekstone
Creekstone is a newer and rapidly growing neighborhood in northern Kennewick, featuring a mix of single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments. The neighborhood is located near the popular Columbia Park, which offers riverfront views and a variety of outdoor recreational activities. The area also has several other parks and walking trails, including the popular Badger Mountain Trail. Residents of Creekstone have easy access to several shopping centers and restaurants along Highway 395. Several highly-rated schools are nearby, including Sunset View Elementary, Desert Hills Middle School, and Kamiakin High School. If living in Kennewick, Washington, check with the Kennewick School District to verify which schools your kids will attend.
Canyon Ranch
Canyon Ranch is a small and exclusive neighborhood located in the southern part of Kennewick, featuring a mix of large custom homes and estate properties. The neighborhood is near Badger Mountain Park, which offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and several hiking trails. The area also has several other parks and walking trails, including the popular Southridge Sports Complex. Residents of Canyon Ranch have easy access to several small shops and restaurants along Clearwater Avenue. The neighborhood is served by several highly rated schools, including Ridge View Elementary, Desert Hills Middle School, and Southridge High School. If living in Kennewick, Washington, check with the Kennewick School District to verify which schools your kids will attend.
If moving to Kennewick, Washington, and you'd like to buy a home in one of these fabulous neighborhoods, CLICK HERE to sign up for LISTING ALERT to be the first to know when a home matching your criteria gets listed for sale in Kennewick, Washington.
Public Schools in Kennewick Washington
The Kennewick School District is the main public school system serving the city of Kennewick, Washington. It's a large district with over 18,000 students enrolled in 33 elementary, middle, and high schools.
According to Niche.com, for school year 2022-23, the Kennewick School District has an overall ranking of B, with high rankings for diversity and college readiness. The district also received high ratings for academics, teachers, and extracurricular activities. The graduation rate for the Kennewick School District is above the state average, with 86% of students graduating on time.
Kennewick has many excellent schools, including Amistad Elementary School, recognized for its strong academic programs and supportive learning environment. Another top-performing school in the district is Desert Hills Middle School, recognized for its innovative curriculum and commitment to student success. In addition to the traditional public schools, several charter schools and alternative learning programs are available in the Kennewick School District. These programs provide students with unique learning opportunities and flexible scheduling options.
If you live in Kennewick, Washington, and your kids attend schools in the Kennewick School District, they have access to a very good education.
Top Destinations, Attractions & Events in Kennewick Washington
Living in Kennewick, Washington, you'll have a number of destinations, attractions, and events to keep you busy. Below is a list of some of the more popular destinations, attractions, and events you'll want to put on the to-do list if you live in Kennewick, Washington:
Visit the Columbia River: The Columbia River runs through Kennewick and offers plenty of outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and kayaking. It's also an excellent spot for a scenic walk or picnic.
Go wine tasting: The area surrounding Kennewick is home to over 200 wineries, many of which offer tastings and tours. Some popular wineries include Kiona Vineyards, Terra Blanca Winery, and Goose Ridge Estate Vineyard & Winery.
Explore the Sacagawea Heritage Trail: This 23-mile trail runs along the Columbia River and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. It's a popular spot for hiking, biking, and birdwatching.
Visit the Gesa Carousel of Dreams: This carousel features 45 hand-carved animals in Southridge Sports and Events Complex. It's a fun spot for families and kids of all ages.
Attend the Benton Franklin Fair & Rodeo: This annual event features a rodeo, carnival rides, live music, and various food vendors. It's a highlight of the summer for many locals and visitors.
Go shopping at Columbia Center Mall: This indoor mall offers a variety of shopping and dining options, including popular stores like Macy's and JCPenney.
Visit the Hanford Reach National Monument: This national monument is home to a variety of wildlife and offers plenty of hiking trails and scenic overlooks.
Attend a Tri-City Americans hockey game: The Tri-City Americans are a junior ice hockey team based in Kennewick. They play their home games at Toyota Center and offer a fun and exciting evening out.
Check out the art scene: The area around Kennewick is home to various artists and galleries. Some popular spots include the Gallery at the Park and the Columbia Basin College Arts Center.
Visit Columbia Park: Columbia Park is a 400-acre park located in Kennewick, Washington. It is one of the largest and most popular parks in the Tri-Cities area, which also includes Pasco and Richland. The park is situated along the Columbia River and offers a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities for visitors of all ages.
Pros and Cons of Living in Kennewick Washington
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Affordable Cost of Living: Kennewick is known for its reasonable cost of living. Housing prices, groceries, utilities, and healthcare are all reasonably priced compared to the national average.
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Great Climate: Kennewick is semi-arid, enjoying warm, sunny summers and mild, relatively dry winters. People move to Kennewick, Washington, for the weather. It's a great place to enjoy outdoor activities year-round, such as hiking, boating, fishing, and golfing.
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Plenty of Outdoor Activities: Kennewick is situated in the heart of the Tri-Cities region, surrounded by rivers, parks, and wildlife areas. Columbia Park, the largest park in the city, features a playground, sports fields, and walking trails. There are plenty of other outdoor activities, such as the Sacagawea Heritage Trail, which runs along the Columbia River.
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Community Events: Kennewick has a tight-knit community and hosts several events annually to bring residents together. Some popular events include the Benton Franklin Fair and Rodeo, the Water Follies boat race, and the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony.
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Multiculturalism: Kennewick is a diverse city with a growing population of immigrants and refugees, making Kennewick a multicultural community with a variety of food, music, and cultural events.
Living in Kennewick Washington Cons
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Hot summers: While the sunny weather in Kennewick is often a plus, it can also be a drawback during the summer, as temperatures can regularly exceed 100°F.
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High traffic: With a growing population and limited road infrastructure, traffic can become congested during peak times, making it difficult to get around.
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Limited cultural amenities: While Kennewick has plenty of outdoor activities, it lacks some of the cultural amenities found in larger cities, like museums, theaters, and music venues.
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Homelessness: Like many cities, Kennewick has a growing homelessness issue, and it is not uncommon to see individuals experiencing homelessness on the streets or in parks.
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Too dry: Kennewick is located in a relatively dry and arid region. While this can make for sunny and mild weather for much of the year, it can also lead to challenges like water shortages and high dust levels, and particulate matter in the air. These conditions may be particularly challenging for residents with respiratory issues or allergies.
FAQs About Living in Kennewick Washington
What is Kennewick known for?
Kennewick, Washington, is most known for the discovery of the "Kennewick Man," one of the oldest and most complete human skeletons ever found in North America. The discovery was made in 1996 along the banks of the Columbia River. It sparked a lengthy legal battle over the remains between the local Native American tribes and scientists who wanted to study them.
What cities are nearby Kennewick, Washington?
There are a number of great cities somewhat close to Kennewick: Pasco - 3 miles, Richland - 10 miles, West Richland - 12 miles, Prosser - 25 miles, Hermiston, OR - 33 miles, Walla Walla - 49 miles, Boardman, OR - 57 miles, Pendleton, OR - 59 miles, Moses Lake - 79 miles, Yakima - 83 miles, and Seattle - 215 miles.
What is the weather like in Kennewick?
Living in Kennewick, Washington, you can expect a semi-arid climate characterized by hot and dry summers, cool winters, and low yearly precipitation levels. The area experiences an average of 300 days of sunshine per year. During the summer months, temperatures in Kennewick typically range from highs in the mid to upper 80s°F to lows in the mid to upper 50s°F (12-15°C). In the winter months, temperatures in Kennewick can drop to lows in the 20s°F and highs in the mid to upper 40s°F. The city averages 8 inches of rain per year.
Does Kennewick Washington have good public schools?
Living in Kennewick, Washington, your kids will attend good schools. The Kennewick School District is highly regarded and has a strong reputation for academic excellence. For school year 2022-23 Niche.com ranks the Kennewick School District #101 out of the 252 districts in Washington in raked, giving it a B grade. Additionally, 86% of Kennewick seniors graduated on time, which is above the state average of 82.9%. If living in Kennewick, Washington, you can feel good knowing your kids will attend excellent public schools.
Is Kennewick Washington safe?
Living in Kennewick, Washington, you'll find it very safe. The property crime rates in Kennewick are 20% lower than the national average, and the violent crime rates are 45% lower than the national average. According to NeighborhoodScout.com, Kennewick boasts a crime rate lower than 68% of all US cities. If you live in Kennewick, Washington, you should feel very safe.
Who are the large employers in Kennewick Washington?
If living in Kennewick, Washington, some of the top employers in the area include the Kadlec Regional Medical Center, which employs over 2,500 workers, the Kennewick School District, which employs over 1,000 people, and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, which employs over 4,000 people. Other notable employers in Kennewick include the Tri-Cities Airport, Lamb Weston, and various agricultural companies. With a diverse range of employers, residents of Kennewick can find opportunities in healthcare, education, research, and more.
How is the healthcare in Kennewick Washington?
Living in Kennewick, Washington, puts you near the Trios Health Southridge Hospital, which is a level III trauma center and has 111 beds. This hospital would likely be able to provide you with most of your medical needs. If looking for a specialist and can't find them in the Kennewick area, you're around 10 miles away from the Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland, Washington, which is the largest hospital in the region and has over 270 beds.
I want to relocate to Kennewick. How do I make it happen?
You've come to the right spot if you're looking to move to Kennewick Washington. There’s a lot of information on this website to help including some helpful links below. If you want to ask questions, try our Facebook Group > Moving to Washington where we have broad group of locals to answer any question you might have. If you’re looking to buy a home in the Kennewick area, getting pre-approved for a mortgage should be your first step. For Mortgage Info, reach out to me. I would love to tell you more about what living in Kennewick, Washington, is like as well as help with your mortgage if you decide to purchase a home.