Living in Walla Walla Washington - EVERYTHING You Need to Know
What is Living in Walla Walla Washington Like?
Sitting in the southeastern section of Washington, four hours east of Seattle, is the charming town of Walla Walla. With a population of around 34,000 residents, it's a small but vibrant community that offers a unique mix of rural and urban lifestyles.
One of the main attractions of Walla Walla is its thriving wine industry. The city is home to over 100 wineries and is known for producing some of the finest wines in the world. Visitors can participate in wine tastings, tours, and other wine-related activities, making it a popular destination for wine enthusiasts. Another popular attraction in Walla Walla is the Whitman College campus. This private liberal arts college has a beautiful campus and offers a variety of cultural events, including concerts, lectures, and art exhibitions.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Walla Walla has several parks and recreational areas to explore. The most popular is Pioneer Park, which features a beautiful rose garden, a duck pond, and several walking trails. There's also the Mill Creek Sports Complex, which has multiple sports fields and a playground for children.
One of the major employers in Walla Walla is the Providence St. Mary Medical Center, which employs over 1,300 people. Other major employers include Whitman College, Walla Walla Public Schools, and the Walla Walla County government.
The cost of living in Walla Walla is relatively affordable compared to other cities in Washington state. Housing costs are lower than the state average, and plenty of affordable dining and entertainment options are available.
If you're looking for a good mix of small-town charm, outdoor recreation, and cultural attractions, living in Walla Walla, Washington, could be for you. Whether you're a wine enthusiast, outdoor adventurer, or simply looking for a friendly community to call home, Walla Walla has something to offer. Keep reading to discover more about living in Walla Walla, Washington, including info on neighborhoods, schools, cost of living, and pros and cons of living in Walla Walla so that you can decide if moving to and living in Walla Walla, Washington, is the right choice for you.
The Moving to Walla Walla Washington Team
Let our team of trusted professionals help you buy or/and sell a home in Walla Walla, Washington. To connect with a local expert/real estate professional in Walla Walla, 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 Walla Walla Washington?
If you're exploring a move to Walla Walla, 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 Walla Walla, Washington, by factoring in today's costs for housing (rent and own), utilities, food, transportation, healthcare, and other necessities to live. To live in Walla Walla, Washington, and rent, you would need to make $45,000 a year. To live in Walla Walla, 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 Walla Walla Washington Tips/Info/Blog Posts
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Top Neighborhoods in Walla Walla Washington
Walla Walla, Washington, has a variety of neighborhoods, each with its own unique characteristics and attributes. Here are five of the neighborhoods in Walla Walla, along with some information about each one:
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Southeast Walla Walla: Southeast Walla Walla is a predominantly residential area known for its tree-lined streets and historic homes. The neighborhood is located near the Mill Creek Sports Complex and the popular Rooks Park, which features a swimming pool, picnic areas, and walking trails.
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West End: The West End is a diverse neighborhood on the west side of Walla Walla. The area has a mix of historic and newer homes with various architectural styles. It has several parks, including the popular Jefferson Park, and several schools and churches.
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Pioneer Park: The Pioneer Park neighborhood is located on the north side of Walla Walla and is characterized by its large historic homes and tree-lined streets. The area is home to the popular Pioneer Park, which features a rose garden, duck pond, and walking trails.
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Mill Creek: Mill Creek is a newer development on the outskirts of Walla Walla. The area is characterized by its large, modern homes and spacious lots. The neighborhood is popular with families and professionals looking for a suburban lifestyle within easy reach of the city center.
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College Place: College Place is a small town located 2 miles south of Walla Walla. It's known for its family-friendly environment and is home to several schools, including Walla Walla University. The area also has several parks and shopping centers.
If moving to Walla Walla, 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 Walla Walla, Washington.
20 Pros and Cons of Living in Walla Walla Washington
Living in Walla Walla Washington Pros
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Wine Country: Walla Walla is known for its thriving wine industry, with over 120 wineries in the region. This has led to a booming wine tourism industry and a fine dining and artisanal food culture.
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Scenic Beauty: Walla Walla is situated in a stunning location with rolling hills, lush farmland, and picturesque vineyards. The area also has many parks and nature reserves, including the Walla Walla River Delta, the Blue Mountains, and the Umatilla National Forest.
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Cultural Events: Walla Walla is a vibrant community that hosts numerous cultural events throughout the year, including music festivals, art shows, theater performances, and film screenings.
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Education: Walla Walla is home to many excellent schools, including Whitman College and Walla Walla University, which offer high-quality education and research opportunities.
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Small-Town Charm: Despite its growing popularity, Walla Walla has maintained a small-town feel, with friendly locals and a welcoming atmosphere.
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Affordable Cost of Living: Compared to other cities in the Pacific Northwest, Walla Walla has a relatively low cost of living, making it an attractive option for those looking to settle down.
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Outdoor Recreation: The Walla Walla area offers many outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, boating, skiing, and snowboarding.
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Mild Climate: Walla Walla enjoys a mild climate, with warm summers and mild winters, making it a pleasant place to live year-round.
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Agriculture: Walla Walla is home to many family-owned farms that produce a variety of crops, including wheat, corn, and apples. This has led to a robust agricultural industry and a thriving farmer's market culture.
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Quality of Life: All of these factors combine to create a high quality of life for those living in Walla Walla. The city offers a unique blend of rural charm and urban amenities, making it a desirable place to live, work, and play.
Living in Walla Walla Washington Cons
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Limited Job Opportunities: Walla Walla has a smaller job market compared to larger cities, which may make it harder for some professionals to find employment.
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Limited Diversity: Walla Walla has a relatively homogenous population lacking ethnic and cultural diversity.
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Rural Location: Walla Walla is located in a rural area, which may need to be more appealing to those who prefer urban environments.
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Limited Entertainment Options: While there are cultural events in Walla Walla, the city has a limited selection of entertainment options compared to larger cities.
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Harsh Winters: Although Walla Walla has a mild climate overall, winters can be cold and snowy, which may not appeal to everyone.
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Limited Public Transportation: Walla Walla has limited public transportation options, which may make it harder for some residents to get around.
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Health Care Access: Walla Walla has limited healthcare access, which may be a concern for those with chronic illnesses or who require specialized medical care.
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Education Quality: While Walla Walla has good schools, some may feel that the quality of education in the area could be improved.
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High Property Taxes: Walla Walla has higher property taxes compared to other areas in Washington, which could be a concern for some homeowners.
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Tourist Crowds: Walla Walla's growing tourism industry can sometimes lead to crowded restaurants, wineries, and events, especially during peak season.
FAQs About Living in Walla Walla Washington
What is Walla Walla known for?
Walla Walla, Washington, is best known for its thriving wine industry, scenic beauty, and rich history as a hub for agriculture. The area has a long tradition of producing high-quality crops, including wheat, corn, and apples, which has helped to shape the local economy and culture. In recent years, Walla Walla has gained national recognition for its burgeoning wine industry, with over 120 wineries in the region and a growing tourism industry.
What cities are nearby Walla Walla?
Some of the nearest cities to Walla Walla include Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland, which comprise the Tri-Cities metropolitan area around 50 miles away. Yakima, Washington, is located about 100 miles to the northwest. Other nearby cities include Hermiston, Pendleton, and La Grande, all over the border in Oregon, which are all located within about an hours' drive.
What is the weather like in Walla Walla?
Living in Walla Walla, Washington, you can expect mild weather throughout the year. In the winter months, the average high temperatures range from 41°F to 46°F, and the average low temperatures range from 25°F to 30°F. The city occasionally experiences light snowfall during the winter, with an average of 11 inches of snowfall annually. Summers in Walla Walla are warm and dry, with average high temperatures ranging from 82°F to 89°F and occasional hot spells in the 90s and 100s. The city receives around 18 inches of rain each year, most falling during winter. The area's mild climate and scenic beauty make it a desirable place to live and visit year-round.
Does Walla Walla Washington have good public schools?
Students in Walla Walla, Washington, attend public school in the Walla Walla Public Schools district, which serves the city of Walla Walla and its surrounding areas. For 2022-23 Niche.com ranks the Walla Walla Public Schools #67 out of the 252 school districts in Washington they ranked, giving it an overall B rating. The district is committed to providing students with a well-rounded education, including academic programs, arts, and athletics. Additionally, the district has implemented various programs to support the social-emotional development of its students. Families living in Walla Walla, Washington, can feel confident that their children will receive a quality education in the public school system.
Is Walla Walla Washington safe?
Living in Walla Walla, Washington, you'll find it to be a relatively safe place to live. Property crime rates in Walla Walla are lower than the national average, and violent crime rates are significantly lower than the national average. According to NeighborhoodScout.com, Walla Walla has a crime rate lower than 72% of all US cities. Residents of Walla Walla, Washington, should feel safe in their daily lives. The community's commitment to public safety and its low crime rates make it a desirable place to live and raise a family.
What is there to do living in Walla Walla, Washington?
Living in Walla Walla, Washington, there's always something to do. The city boasts a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities, including the scenic Walla Walla River and the Blue Mountains, perfect for hiking, fishing, and skiing. Walla Walla also features numerous parks, such as Pioneer Park, which offers playgrounds, picnic areas, and walking trails. The city hosts several annual events, including the Walla Walla Balloon Stampede, the Walla Walla Fair, and Frontier Days. If you're in the mood for a day trip, Walla Walla is conveniently located near various attractions, like the Whitman Mission National Historic Site and the Palouse Falls State Park. Last but not least, the wineries. As mentioned previously, Walla Walla has a few of those. If you get bored, go wine tasting! Whether you're seeking outdoor adventure or cultural experiences, plenty will keep you busy living in Walla Walla, Washington!
Who are large employers in Walla Walla, Washington?
If living in Walla Walla, Washington, some top employers include the Walla Walla School District, which employs over 1,000 people; Providence St. Mary Medical Center, which employs over 900 people; and Whitman College, which employs over 500 people. Other notable employers in Walla Walla include the City of Walla Walla and Walla Walla Community College.
I want to relocate to Walla Walla. How do I make it happen?
You've come to the right spot if you're looking to move to Walla Walla. 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 Walla Walla 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 Walla Walla is like as well as help with your mortgage if you decide to purchase a home.