Burbank is a waterfront community close to the Tri-Cities
Burbank sits in a location along the shorelines of the Columbia and Snake rivers, with miles of crop fields to the east, with a quiet atmosphere for its locale of just over 3,600 residents. “It truly is a small town,” says Dana Siegel, a Realtor with Realty One Group Ignite, who grew up in the community. “If someone wanted to live near the Tri-Cities but not in them, Burbank would be a good choice.” The lifestyle here centers around the water, from days on the boat to the annual Tri-Cities Water Follies and the commercial developments of Pasco and Kennewick are within 15 miles.
From water sports to fishing and local history
The community has two public boat launches for getting out on the Columbia and Snake rivers. “People are out on the water all the time, whether they are salmon fishing, jet skiing or water skiing,” Siegel says. McNary National Wildlife Refuge is another spot to cast a line. The refuge features a trail that winds along a portion of the Burbank Slough, where visitors can spot waterfowl, migratory birds and other wildlife.
Sacajawea Historical State Park is nearby and has a $10 admission fee, which includes a swimming beach, playground, athletic facilities and more. The Sacajawea Interpretive Center is home to artifacts of the area’s early inhabitants. It also details the journey of its namesake and Lewis and Clark, who arrived in the area in 1805.
Boat racing, food and music at Tri-Cities Water Follies
Hydroplanes race across the Columbia River to compete for the Columbia Cup in late July. Siegel says the boating tournament is a staple of the annual Tri-Cities Water Follies. Local food vendors line the Sacajawea Heritage Trail along Columbia Park to accompany the tournament, and fighter jets take to the sky for the Over-the-River-Air-Short every afternoon during the weekend-long event. Attendees can also catch live music and watch the show while floating on the river near the shore.
Single-family homes line residential roads
Ranch-style homes fill most of the community, alongside manufactured homes and a handful of cottages and New Traditional styles. While build dates span more than a century, most of the area was developed during the mid-to-late 1900s. Detached garages and fenced-in backyards are standard, and lots on the north side of U.S. Route 12 tend to be larger. Homebuyers can expect a median price of $555,000.
The CAP Index Crime Score in Burbank is 1 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4.
Pasco and Kennewick offer abundant shopping and dining
Beautiful Burbank Tavern on 2nd Street is the local watering hole. The laid-back spot serves typical bar food, has multiple billiard tables and hosts occasional live music. Firehouse Subs and Dollar General are close to home, and Safeway is available in Pasco. “Downtown Pasco is a short drive away and has several locally owned Latino restaurants,” Siegel says. She notes El Charrito as a popular spot, which is known for authentic Mexican dishes like Menudo and Chilaquiles. Columbia Center in Kennewick is a 15-mile trip west and houses more than 125 retailers. Big-box stores like Target and T.J. Maxx sit within surrounding strip malls.
Columbia High School's Culminating Project
Columbia Elementary School earns a C-minus grade from Niche. Columbia Middle School receives a C, and Columbia High School scores a B-minus. The high school requires seniors to complete a Culminating Project to graduate. The program mimics a capstone experience, with students working with mentors to create and present a project highlighting what they've learned over the last four years.
Travel is convenient in and around Burbank
U.S. Route 12 passes through the community, linking travelers to Tri-Cities Airport, 8 miles northwest. The throughway also connects with E A Street, which leads to Downtown Kennewick, 8 miles west. Grape Line buses stop on 5th Street, along a route that stretches from Walla Walla to Pasco.
The communtiy experiences spikes in air pollution during summer
According to data from the Washington State Department of Ecology, Burbank's air quality is good to moderate for most of the year. However, spikes of poorer quality occur during summer due to road pollution, wildfires in other parts of the state and other factors.
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Written By
Matthew Simmons
