Connell provides a peaceful countryside locale close to the Tri-Cities
Connell is a small city in southeastern Washington that allows for a quiet, rural lifestyle with access to larger communities. “It’s a really easy commute to the Tri-Cities. There are some big businesses down there,” says Andy Sawyer, a broker at Keller Williams Tri-Cities and former Connell resident. “When we say it’s just minutes to the Tri-Cities, it truly means minutes. It’s easy.” While the bigger areas like Pasco, Kennewick and Richland have lots of options for shopping, education and employment, Connell has plenty to offer at home. The North Franklin School District and the Coyote Ridge Corrections Center are major employers. Agriculture is also big, with several farms surrounding the community. Columbia Avenue serves as the main strip in town, with locally owned restaurants and shops. City parks and federal lands allow for a variety of recreation in the Columbia Basin.
Vintage and modern homes in southeastern Washington
Houses in Connell include 100-year-old cottages, midcentury ranch-style homes and 21st-century New Traditional builds. Manufactured homes are also common. The community has a suburban feel, with houses close together on streets lined with leafy trees and some sidewalks. New development is common, with subdivisions like Oasis Village being built on the community’s west side. Sawyer says Connell is a more affordable option than the bigger cities. “Buyers will be able to get the same kind of house for less,” he says. “A home could cost another $100,000 in the Tri-Cities.” Most properties in Connell sell for $210,000 to $360,000. A creek flowing through the area poses a significant flood risk in the center of town.
City parks and natural areas provide plenty of recreation
Connell has several city parks that offer a variety of activities. Pioneer Park is one of the largest in the community, with baseball fields, a basketball court and a skate park. It’s also a popular spot to cool off in the summer, with a public pool and waterslides. As its name suggests, Old Town Park is the oldest green space in the area and is home to the Connell Heritage Museum. It also has a volleyball court and playgrounds. Fishing and boating are available at Scooteney Reservoir, about 11 miles west of Connell. The lake is home to species like bass, walleye and sunfish and is a top destination for ice-fishing in the winter. The Snake River is accessible from Devils Bench, about 23 miles from the community. This area is operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and has campsites, a boat launch and picnic tables.
Highly rated high school serves Connell students
Connell Elementary School and Olds Junior High School each receive a C from Niche. Connell High School earns a B and is on Niche’s list of standout high schools in Washington. It offers several options for dual credit, including College in the High School and Running Start. These programs allow students to earn credit through colleges like Central Washington University, Eastern Washington University and Columbia Basin College. Students can also experience hands-on learning in industries like welding and computer technology at the Tri-Tech Skills Center in Kennewick.
Locally owned shops and restaurants line Columbia Avenue
Most of the area’s shopping and dining is centered on Columbia Avenue. Locally owned restaurants include casual pizza parlors like Pizza Station and Papa Ray’s, each recommended by Sawyer. Shops downtown include an antique store, a butcher, a farm supply store and a clothing boutique. Groceries are available at Lep-re-kon Harvest Foods. Residents can head south to Pasco to shop at larger retailers like Walmart, Lowe’s and Yoke’s Fresh Market.
Commuting is a breeze on Highway 395
U.S. Route 395 is the main highway in the area, leading about 35 miles south to Pasco. The highway also leads northeast and connects to Interstate 90, offering a 101-mile drive to Spokane. People for People is a nonprofit providing transportation in rural areas. The group operates a bus route connecting Connell to the Tri-Cities and north to the Othello and Moses Lake communities. The closest hospital to the area is Othello Community Hospital, about 23 miles away.
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Written By
Matthew Atkins
