Thinking About Moving to Tri-Cities Washington? Here's Your Area Guide
Tucked just inside the southeastern corner of Washington State is a gorgeous, growing region of the Pacific Northwest called the Tri-Cities. Our guide for moving to Tri-Cities Washington covers the three distinct cities the region is named after – Richland, Pasco, and Kennewick. The name has grown to represent newer communities in the area, too (West Richland, Benton City, Burbank, and Finley), and each one of the eight boasts a personality and a way of life all its own.
Uniquely situated in the Columbia Basin at the meeting point of three rivers – the Columbia, Yakima, and Snake – the Tri-Cities offers beautiful views; a sunny, mild, four-seasons climate (with much less rain than Portland or Seattle); tons of outdoor activities; and wine country rivaling world-renowned Bordeaux, France.
Locals often say the region provides the perfect mix of urban and laid-back lifestyles. Not too slow, but not too fast, and all within about a three-hour drive from Portland (to the southwest), Seattle (to the northwest), and Spokane (to the northeast), as well as recreation at nearby Mt. Hood and Mt. Rainier.
To enjoy the many benefits the Tri-Cities has to offer, Pahlisch Homes welcomes you to learn more about the region and see the luxury homes awaiting your next chapter of life at Quail Ridge or Westcliffe Heights in West Richland, and Solstice in West Pasco.
Westcliffe Heights
Located in Richland, Westcliffe Heights is a community that is truly a first of its kind. Upscale and luxurious, these stunning Pahlisch homes are nestled into Badger Mountain, one of the area’s most notable landmarks. Some cliffside homes showcase sweeping vistas of the Tri-Cities and the Columbia River below. Others peer loftily across lush vineyards and picturesque family farms in the distance.
Homes are available in single- or two-floor layouts, with open floor plans, trendsetting design, elegant finishes, and surfaces of the highest quality. Several Westcliffe Heights homes have been award winners in past Parade of Homes showcase events, a distinction of which we are very proud.
Westcliffe Heights homeowners will have exclusive rights to residents-only amenities coming soon including a swimming pool, community room, and clubhouse, along with access to the Friends of Badger Mountain trail system, which is open year-round and a joy for any hiker.
If you are looking for the best of the best in our guide to Tri-Cities Washington, Westcliffe Heights is where you will find it.
Quail Ridge
With summers that stay near the 90-degree mark and an annual average of 300 sunny days, Richland is the perfect setting for Quail Ridge. It’s the newest phase of our Pahlisch Homes Horn Rapids community, known for its high-end resort-style and exclusive amenities, situated along the Horn Rapids Golf Course, just north of Richland.
At Quail Ridge, buyers can choose from a range of luxury single- and two-level plans designed with innovative, open floor plans; contemporary high-quality finishes; and decadent, masterful upgrades.
Additionally, every Quail Ridge resident – and only Quail Ridge residents – will have access to the community amenities currently being created. They include an on-site swimming pool and community room.
For a glimpse of the great outdoors or a swing of the sticks beyond the property, residents can watch the Yakima River flowing past the community’s edge, stroll to one of the numerous parks close by, or take advantage of the nearby Horn Rapids Golf Course, Columbia Point Golf Course, or West Richland Golf Course.
For living every day like it’s a resort vacation, Quail Ridge at Horn Rapids is just the place.
What Is it like to live in Richland?
Outdoor Activities
Moments away from both Westcliffe Heights and Quail Ridge are plentiful parks, nature trails, and paved paths along the river (don’t miss the seven-mile Riverfront Trail) and up in the mountains for biking, running, and walking. Owing to Richland’s sun-drenched days and mild winters, they are all accessible for the better part of every year.
For even more fun, those who call Richland home often flock to the Northwest’s largest river, the Columbia, to cool down and spend time together on the water, whether it’s for fishing, boating, waterskiing, or kayaking.
Wine and Dining
To unwind, Richland’s award-winning wineries will not disappoint. There are more than a dozen incredible options in the Red Mountain AVA (American viticultural area), including local favorite Fidélitas, bursting with world-class grapes and cabernets that draw comparisons to French wines. Can’t get enough? Tastings and tours abound at nearly 200 more locations across the region.
Richland also offers an endless list of breweries, restaurants, farmers’ markets, and other surprising finds that pair perfectly with a long day in the sun or just relaxing in your new Pahlisch home at Westcliffe Heights or Quail Ridge.
Arts and Entertainment
Richland has a vibrant arts and entertainment scene worth including in our guide to Tri-Cities Washington. Our Pahlisch Homes communities are within easy reach of the cultural exploration at The REACH Museum, performances at the Richland Players community theatre and outdoor HAPO Community Stage, music festivals in the warm months, and the annual Art In The Park event alongside the popular three-day Tri-Cities Water Follies and Air Show, featuring boat races, jets, planes, games, and food, for all ages.
Schools and Education
Further enhancing the Richland community are the schools. Richland’s public schools are regarded as the best in the region, and Washington State University’s Tri-Cities campus is a wonderful option for students seeking higher education. These excellent choices are appealing for many families and individuals, including those who work at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, one of the largest employers in the area.
Solstice
Coming soon, Solstice is a much-anticipated Pahlisch Homes master-planned community – our first in West Pasco – that will deliver numerous private luxury amenities to residents for easeful living amidst intentional design, close to the beauty of the Columbia River.
At Solstice, homebuyers will find several single and two-story homes to fit their lifestyle and their stage in life. Spacious, front-facing three-car garages make parking a breeze and storage a pure delight. Inside, sumptuous touches, designer finishes, and award-winning floor plans add drama without fuss, so every moment feels stress-free yet wonderfully refined.
In this fast-growing and exciting part of town, new schools, fantastic conveniences, and endless possibilities are on the horizon.
What Is it Like to Live in West Pasco?
Travel and Commute
Solstice residents who commute to work or travel frequently will find the nearby freeway access a perk that cannot be rivaled. What’s more, the Tri-Cities Airport (PSC), located in Pasco, is the largest airport in all of southeastern Washington and northeastern Oregon, offering connections to eight major hubs. Coming home or heading out could not be easier.
Amenities and Convenience
The Road 68 area is buzzing with life and life’s essentials. Offering quick bites, shops, salons, and services, this is the ideal zone for finding everything you need.
Higher Education
Packed with over 100 programs and degrees, Columbia Basin College is a great post-secondary education option, and it’s located right here in Pasco, Washington.
Outdoor Activities
When work is done and it’s time to play, among the best things in the area are fishing (Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Steelhead, Sturgeon, Walleye, Catfish and Bass), the Pasco Farmers Market (4th St. & W. Columbia St.) and Dust Devils minor league baseball games. Pasco is the site of all of these beloved activities, which draw people from all over the region.
Whether you want to retreat to the river or just head outside, Chiawana Park is a sure bet, where volleyball courts, a boat launch, playgrounds, and river paths offer fresh air and fun for all ages. For golfers, nearby Sun Willows is a great local course.
Arts and Entertainment
Pasco is also home to The HAPO Center, a huge event and entertainment venue where everything from concerts to conferences, monster truck jams to circus spectaculars can be held.
Although Pahlisch Homes does not currently have any communities in Kennewick, this wonderful area is worth including in our guide to Tri-Cities Washington.
What Is it Like to Live in Kennewick?
Amenities and Convenience
The largest of the original Tri-Cities, Kennewick has a variety of activities and amenities – plus the most shopping – for our nearby residents to enjoy. The Cable Bridge (actually called the Ed Hendler Bridge) running from Kennewick to Pasco has become a popular landmark and an unofficial symbol of the area. Have you seen it?
Outdoor Activities
Columbia Park is a must-visit attraction along the Columbia River. The park is home to multiple boat ramps and marinas. Rent a kayak, paddleboard, or bike from Greenies to use here, or check out the infamous Lampson Crane. (It’s also a great home base for watching the Tri-Cities Water Follies and Air Show, mentioned earlier.)
Still on the sporty side and also in the vicinity, Columbia Park Golf Tri-Plex offers classic golf, footgolf, and disc golf. Other golf courses in this area include Canyon Lakes Golf Course and Zintel Creek Golf Course.
Arts and Entertainment
Hockey fans will love seeing the hometown team, the Tri-Cities Americans, play at the Toyota Center, a large-scale venue for concerts, events, and Broadway performances.
Wine and Dining
The fun doesn’t end there, though. Kennewick is a great spot for dining, whether you’re in the city or near the river. Feed your inner artist at Columbia Gardens Urban Wine & Artisan Village at the Port of Kennewick. Or, park your boat at the marina on Clover Island for a meal and a beer at Kennewick’s Historic Waterfront District. Favorite stops are Cedars at Pier One and Ice Harbor Brewery, with views of Clover Island Lighthouse.
Ready to Try the Tri-Cities?
After reading our guide to Tri-Cities Washington, we at Pahlisch Homes would love to think you are now raring to relocate! With new luxury home options available at our West Richland communities of Westcliffe Heights and Quail Ridge at Horn Rapids and Solstice in West Pasco coming soon, we could not be more confident there is something waiting here for you.
