Grant County agricultural hub with a bit of shopping and dining
Ephrata, the county seat of rural Grant County, is a small city in the heart of Washington. Founded in 1909, the city began life as an agricultural hub and remains one to this day. Irrigation in the area, which is technically high desert, is due entirely to the New Deal-era Columbia Basin Project, which redirected waters from the Columbia River to the area. The city has grown steadily over the years and serves as a major shopping and dining hub for much of Grant County. “A small-town lifestyle, that’s what you get here,” says Broker Kim Randolph-Meaney of Keller Williams, who has lived in the area for over 30 years. “It’s quiet, there’s decent shopping, some nice restaurants, and a lot of nature nearby. What more can you ask for?”
Ephrata is largely an agricultural hub with a few small town amenities.
Ephrata has lots of local restaurants in the downtown area.
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Midcentury and modern homes
Ephrata’s housing market is almost entirely made up of single-family, single-story homes. Midcentury ranch-style homes and contemporary bungalows can both be found around town, along with a few scattered two-story properties. The median home sale price in town is $350,000, significantly lower than in cities along the coast. The city’s relative affordability has led to a slow but steady influx of remote workers relocating from western Washington.
Two story homes are commonly found in the city of Ephrata.
Ephrata is getting some new construction homes built in the city.
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A few big shops and a quaint downtown
Basin Street and state Route 282 are the town’s major thoroughfares and retail corridors. The town is home to multiple supermarkets, a Walmart and a selection of smaller local shops and chain retailers. Locals looking for more extensive shopping options typically head to Moses Lake, where they can find a number of big-box stores and local retailers. Ephrata’s quaint downtown area is home to a number of highly rated local restaurants, including the well-loved Bookery cafe, a longstanding local bookstore and coffee shop.
Downtown Ephrata provides lots of local retail shops.
Ephrata provides lots of public amenities such as a transit stop and library.
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Nearby Beezley Hills mountain biking trails
City parks with well-maintained playgrounds and athletic fields can be found throughout town, and many are walkable from homes. The city is also home to a multifield soccer complex, a dog park and a swimming pool. Most homes on the west side of town are within walking distance of the Beezley Hills Recreation Area, which features over 20 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails and offers great views of the city. Fishing is also a popular pastime in the area. “The Lower Grand Coulee around Soap Lake is great for fishing and hiking,” says Randolph-Meaney. “There’s some absolutely beautiful scenery.” A number of protected wilderness areas are within a 30-minute drive of town, including Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park and Stratford Wildlife Recreation Area.
The Beezely Biking Trails are a popular spot to go biking in Ephrata.
Ephrata has lots of open athletic fields for kids to enjoy.
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Ephrata School District
The Ephrata School District oversees the city's public schools and has a B grade on Niche. Students at Ephrata High can take college-level courses at Big Bend Community College, which is located southeast of Ephrata in Moses Lake.
Ephrata features several public schools near the downtown area.
Ephrata High School has a small parking lots for students in front of the school.
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Grant County Fair
The Grant County Fair, held annually at the state fairgrounds in nearby Moses Lake, draws attendees from across the region for livestock shows, carnival rides and live entertainment. The Soap Lake Food and Folk Festival celebrates folk music every year just a few miles north of Ephrata.
The Grant County Fairgrounds is a short drive from Ephrata.
Ephrata provides quick access to the Grant County Fairgrounds.
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The Amtrak Empire Builder
Ephrata’s main roads are state Route 28 and state Route 17, which connect the city to Moses Lake, Soap Lake and other parts of central Washington. Amtrak’s Empire Builder line stops in Ephrata, connecting the city to Seattle and Spokane. It’s a 20-mile drive to both Moses Lake and Interstate 90, and 50 miles to Wenatchee, the nearest city with a commercial airport.
The Ephrata Amtrak station also is the main hub for busses coming in and out of Moses Lake.
Ephrata has an Amtrak station that runs a few times each day.
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Desert climate and the Ephrata Police Department
The area is semi-arid, with warm-to-hot summers and cold winters. While the town itself isn’t prone to wildfires, smoke from West Coast fires has been an occasional issue for residents in recent years.
The Ephrata Police Department serves the city, but recent crime stats are not available.
The Ephrata police department works closely with the nearby sheriffs department.
Ephrata has lots beautiful nature nearby.
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Written By
Benji Anklam
Photography Contributed By
Brandon Wong
Video By
Bill Jennings
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Joyce Fry,
an experienced agent in this area.
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Exceptionally well built 3 year old Home on a great fenced lot. This beauty has an amazing kitchen with a spacious island, stone countertops, soft close cabinetry, and an enormous amount storage all in quality products. The Primary bedroom has an enormous walk in closet, en suite bathroom; Bedrooms 2 & 3 are positioned across the home for privacy. For garage enthusiasts, Size Matters, and this
This stunning new home is situated in a well-kept neighborhood and boasts a fully landscaped large .22 acre lot! Some standout features on the interior include vaulted ceilings, an expansive kitchen with quartz countertops and tile backsplash, and a tiled walk-in shower in the primary bathroom as well as a large walk-in closet and a mudroom. The home features covered patios in the front and back
60,000 sqft of C-1 Commercial property fully fenced and gated, Ready for your new Retail or Commercial Business on one of the busiest highways in Grant County with great exposure to visitors from all over the State heading to the best fishing around Recreation, Boating, Camping, Hunting everything under the sun, Do not miss a great opportunity to become a part of the growth in Grant County. The
Stylish Living! Fall in love with this charming 2-story home, perfectly situated near downtown, schools, parks, and shopping. This 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath residence offers an intimate and cozy setting, featuring two distinct living spaces plus a versatile bonus room—perfect for a home office, gym, or hobby space. Step outside to a private oasis featuring mature landscaping, private outdoor patio for
ATTENTION - This 1.29 acre lot is currently the most buildable lot in Rimrock Meadows regarding soil and access to utilities. Located just off the main highway will provide easy access to paved roads that lead approximately 17 minutes into Ephrata for groceries and 30 minutes to Jameson Lake for fishing and boating. This lot is surrounded on 2 sides with about 120 acres of Rimrock Meadows Assoc
New 100 ft Well, and Power on the property. This lot can sell for the current list price or with an extra $100,000 with the RV. NO OWNER FINANCING available for this lot. Easily accessible location. Keep as part time recreational lot or upgrade to full time residence. RV is a 40.6ft 2023 Forest River Cedar Creek Cottage
Great location in proximity to the Clubhouse. This lot is ready for immediate use. Load up your Snow Sleds and come on out. Thousands of Government Land Acreage nearby for Hunting, Horseback riding, Dirtbike riding, Snowmobiling, etc. 240 sqft shed stays when sold. View photos to see the community amenities. Annual dues are $555 which includes use of the Clubhouse, Showers, Community Kitchen,
Incredible opportunity to own 23 acres of scenic land just outside of Ephrata, offering the perfect balance of rural tranquility and development potential. Zoned R5, this property allows for up to 4 residential lots making it ideal for a private estate or future development. A productive private well provides approximately 80 gallons per min. and surface water rights with a delivery system are
Need a Secret Hideaway? This is the perfect place. Fun drive to this property makes the trip worth it. Lots of amenities when you get here. See photos.
Ideal building location. Corner of Coulee Meadows Rd and Hackamore Dr. Great cell and internet service in this location for "work-from-home" or "work-from-vacation-property" while taking breaks at the Clubhouse and POOL. Bring the furry family members. Power pole runs along the property line allowing inexpensive power hook-up.
Welcome to an off grid flat and level property in the unique hills of the Moses Coulee. This area is the second-largest and westernmost canyon of the Channeled Scablands, a breathtaking landscape carved by ancient glaciers. This parcel sets within an HOA camp-resort community featuring a Clubhouse, Large Heated Pool, Showers, recreational room with games, movies, vending machines, restrooms and
Located on the upper plateau above the Clubhouse with views of sunrises, sunsets, hills and valleys. Simple access off of the main drive of Tumbleweed Way. This spot is for SUN LOVERS and seasonal BONFIRE GABBERS. See the list of amenities and view the photos of what the Clubhouse has to offer.
$20k price cut! Owner offering 4% financing, 3 year balloon, OAC! This brand new, custom-built masterpiece offers unparalleled luxury and sophistication. Nestled on one of the best view lots in the area, this modern industrial-style residence combines cutting-edge design with timeless tones and craftsmanship. High end luxury vinyl plank floors, jacuzzi tub, hand built vanities, cabinets and
Back on Market after buyers failed to close! Absolutely immaculate Mid-Century Modern Brick Home WITH a Spectacular View & Shop! This brick beauty is a 3 bedroom, 1.5 bathroom home with covered patios, porches, and views forever. Home includes cove ceiling, updated kitchen, expanded family room, mature trees and landscaping, & TILE Roof. Second Parcel includes an immaculate 2000 sq ft shop with
Discover contemporary living in this newly built two-story 5-plex featuring spacious 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath units, each offering 1,200+ sq ft of thoughtfully designed living space. These townhome-style residences showcase modern finishes throughout, including sleek cabinetry, stylish countertops, & open-concept main living areas perfect for everyday living & entertaining. Upstairs bedrooms provide
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Brand new beautiful townhomes designed w/ modern finishes & a spacious floorplan. 3 bd/2 bath upstairs, w/ 1/2 bath on the main level for convenience. The primary bedroom features an ensuite for extra privacy. W/D included. Kitchen stainless-steel appliances: refrigerator, dishwasher, range & microwave. Refrigerator features ice/water dispenser. There is also a spacious pantry for extra storage.
Brand new beautiful townhomes designed w/ modern finishes & a spacious floorplan. 3 bd/2 bath upstairs, w/ 1/2 bath on the main level for convenience. The primary bedroom features an ensuite for extra privacy. W/D included. Kitchen stainless-steel appliances: refrigerator, dishwasher, range & microwave. Refrigerator features ice/water dispenser. There is also a spacious pantry for extra storage.
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