Seated in the heart of the Columbia Valley, along the banks of the Columbia River, Kennewick is the largest of the Tri-Cities, a group that also includes Richland and Pasco. First founded around the turn of the century as an agricultural town, today Kennewick is the retail hub of the Tri-Cities, though its residential neighborhoods and downtown still retain a small-town feel. “It’s definitely one of the more walkable part of the Tri-Cities,” says Realtor and Kennewick native Jennifer Monds, of Windermere Group One/Tri-Cities. “The neighborhoods are really accessible because of the smaller block sizes; it’s a great town for biking or running. And they’ve done a good job revitalizing their downtown area, as an alternative to the shopping centers.”
Downtown Kennewick offers a small town feel that lots of people enjoy.
Many locals walk their dogs along the river trails in Kennewick.
1/2
Larger, newer builds and midcentury homes close to downtown
The city features a wide variety of housing options, depending on the part of town. Neighborhoods such as Badger and Highland feature well-maintained, higher-priced newer builds with three to five bedrooms, while neighborhoods near the river and closer to the center of town are made up of midcentury ranch-style homes and early-20th century homes. Older properties in the central and northeast parts of town generally sell for $300,000 to $500,000, while more spacious modern homes on the west side go for $500,000 to $700,000.
Newer construction homes are plentiful in the city of Kennewick.
You can find homes spanning a wide price range in Kennewick.
1/2
Fun in and around the Columbia River
There are dozens of parks throughout the city, ranging from small neighborhood playgrounds to larger spots like Lawrence Scott Park, which is home to multiple baseball fields and athletic courts. The undisputed gem of the city’s green spaces is 400-acre Columbia Park, which hugs the Columbia River on the north side of town and is one of the most popular running and walking spots in the Tri-Cities. The Columbia River itself also plays a huge part in the recreational life of Kennewick residents. “There’s paddleboarding, kayaking, lots of boating in general,” says Monds. “And fishing is a big deal around here, too, particularly bass and salmon.” Hikers can trek the Sacagawea Heritage Trail, a 23-mile-long paved trail that runs through Kennewick, Pasco and Richland.
Kennewick offers lots of activities to do on the Columbia River.
Kennewick has lots of nearby parks for locals to enjoy.
1/2
Kennewick School District
The Kennewick School District has a B grade on Niche. Some of the most highly-rated schools in the area include Amon Creek Elementary School, Desert Hills Middle School, and Southridge High School. High school football rivalries are a real thing in the Tri-Cities, and the annual grudge match between Kennewick High School and Pasco High School often draws thousands of spectators. Residents can also choose from a couple of different private schools, like Bethlehem Lutheran School and Calvary Christian School.
Kennewick has lots of public schools near downtown.
Many public schools are located in residential neighborhoods of Kennewick.
1/2
The heart of wine country
There are 160 vineyards within a 60-mile radius of Kennewick, and the city is home to a host of wineries and tasting rooms, offering frequent events and tasting tours. Some prominent wineries include Cooper Wine Company, Powers Winery, Moonlight Sparkling Winery and Bartholomew Winery. In the historic downtown district, Columbia Gardens Urban Wine and Artisan Village hosts two full-production wineries and four tasting rooms with dining options within a 3.5-acre site, all in view of the Columbia River. The district is also home to a multitude of shops and galleries.
Kennewick is proud of the several wine producers in the city.
Wine production and other agriculture is a large part of the city of Kennewick.
1/2
U.S. 395 and Interstate 82
Bisected by U.S. Route 395 and bordered by Interstate 82 and state Route 240, Kennewick is surrounded by major thoroughfares, connecting it with nearby cities like Yakima and Walla Walla. Though most residents use a car to get around, public transportation is available through the Ben Franklin Transit bus service. For regional travel, the Tri-Cities Airport is 4.5 miles north. For international travel, the Portland International Airport is 210 miles southwest.
I-82 provides fast commutes to and from Kennewick.
Kennewick is located near several highways offering commuters easy access.
1/2
Northwest Kennewick's extensive shopping
Major retailers can be found all over town, and most residents are within a short drive of a nearby supermarket and shopping center. However, when Tri-City residents talk about going shopping in Kennewick, they’re almost certainly referring to the impressive concentration of retailers found in the northwest corner of town. The area is home to a variety of big box stores as well as the Columbia Center shopping mall, which features over 100 stores. Downtown Kennewick offers a different experience, with boutique shops and a growing selection of locally owned cafes and eateries.
Kennewick has a couple large shopping centers within a short drive.
Kennewick has lots of locally owned businesses that drive the local economy.
1/2
Crime and dust storms
Over the last 5 years, Kennewick’s property and violent crime rates have remained slightly above state and national averages, according to the FBI’s crime data.
Due to its desert valley landscape, Benton County is sometimes subject to dust storms. These storms occur mainly in summer and fall due to the combination of high winds, dry weather and the uncovered fields of the Columbia Plateau. Summers in Kennewick can be hot and muggy, while winters can be chilly with occasional snow.
Kennewick has multiple hospitals to take care of the community.
Wildlife is plentiful around the city of Kennewick.
On average, homes in Kennewick, WA sell after 53 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Kennewick, WA over the last 12 months is $430,000, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
**Jennifer Craig** *Experienced Realtor | Dedicated to Helping You Achieve Your Real Estate Goals*
Born and raised in the Tri-Cities, WA, I have a deep connection to this vibrant community and a thorough understanding of the local real estate market. With over 11 years of experience as a Realtor, I have helped more than 525 individuals and families build, buy, or sell their homes and land.
My goal is to provide exceptional service and personalized guidance throughout every step of the real estate process, ensuring that each client feels informed and confident in their decisions. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, a seasoned seller, or looking for investment opportunities, I'm here to help make your real estate journey as smooth and successful as possible.
I would love the opportunity to assist you in navigating the home buying or selling process. Let's work together to make your real estate dreams a reality!
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
