The city of Pullman is known as “the Pulse of the Palouse” and for good reason. Its topography was carved by prehistoric glacial floods, creating its incredible display of sloping hills. It’s set in a remote and rural location that hugs the eastern border of Washington, but along with residents, many students and faculty from Washington State University call this city home. In addition to its beauty, Pullman is the largest city in Whitman County and has a population of over 34,000 residents. The city’s industry includes a significant engineering presence, with Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories being its largest employer. In the coming years, Pullman hopes to improve its technology, education and overall quality of life but it faces certain challenges among its contemporaries. “We’re the largest city in the state that’s not in a major metropolitan area, so we’re like the biggest player at the kid’s table at Thanksgiving. We try to be with the big guys, even though we have different needs,” says RJ Lott, resident and Community Development Director.
Highway 195 connects Pullman to other cities like Spokane and Coeur D'Alene.
Pullman is a small town that is supported by the local university.
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Public schools and Washington State University
Pullman Public Schools serve the city, with a population of over 2,700 students. The district receives an A-rating from Niche and is also named the no. 1 school district in Whitman County. The city is also quite well-known for Washington State University (WSU), one of the oldest land-grant campuses in the West and whose Cougar football games are a beloved pastime. “We’re a friendly town and we’re open to different perspectives. The university plays a big role in that,” Lott says. “We’re also probably one of the only cities in the state that’s quiet and peaceful in the summer because where other parts of Washington get flooded with tourists, the students go home.”
Washington State University is one of the largest attractions in Pullman.
Pullman High School sits tucked away in a residential neighborhood in Pullman.
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Shopping and dining in both Pullman and Moscow, ID
Downtown Pullman has lots of restaurants, bars, breweries and specialty shops. The nightlife is quite active at places like Rico's Pub, a local restaurant that's been around since 1909 and hosts live performers and the city's longest running trivia series. Wheatland Shopping Center includes several spots to browse and Lott says that residents often make the short drive across the state border to access Moscow’s amenities as well.
Pullman has several nearby specialty shops like B&L Bicycles.
Porch Light Pizza is a local favorite place in Pullman for a slice of pizza.
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Pullman's exciting events
Because the larger Palouse region is rural, it suits the residents to celebrate its rich agricultural roots. Enter the National Lentil Festival, when Pullman celebrates every year with a 5k fun run, sports tournaments, live music and lentil chili. The Pullman Winter Farmers Market runs from January to April, and supplies the community with fresh produce, baked treats and gardening items. The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art features rotating exhibitions. There's also the Palouse Discovery Science Center, and the Chinook Village Community Center for more events throughout the year.
The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art offers a free place to view and enjoy art in Pullman.
Martin Stadium hosts WSU football games that attract lots of people to WSU.
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Pullman's parks
Each of Pullman’s parks provide a unique opportunity for recreation. Kamiak Butte County Park gives stunning views of the landscape. Bill Chipman Palouse Trail’s 7 miles connect Pullman to the nearby city of Moscow. Reaney Park has a lap pool, splash pad and playground. Kruegel Park encourages outdoor play and relaxation with its soccer and baseball fields as well as its picnic shelter. Palouse Ridge Golf Club’s offers stunning views along its 18-hole championship course.
Pullman has lots of outdoor recreation a short drive from the city.
Locals can ski in local parks when there is enough snow in the city.
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Simple homes and the city's housing goals
Homes are typically built with simple, unassuming styles, be it condos, ranch-styles or Craftsmans. The average price is $525,000 and average home values have been steadily increasing since 2020 and are currently plateauing at $450,000. It takes about 64 days for a home to sell, compared to the national average of 44 days. As for the city’s plans for housing, Lott says the number one goal at city hall is to build new units. “We’re open to any, whether that’s single-family homes, apartments, duplexes or townhomes. We’re dealing with what I like to call the three challenges outside of the scope of what we do at city hall. There’s the availability of raw land to build upon, the availability of building materials and availability of talent to assemble those materials into a home. Those aren’t items that city staff can easily rectify but we’re working on it,” Lott says.
New construction communities are becoming more prevalent in Pullman.
Craftsman Bungalows like this make up a majority of the homes in Pullman.
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Interstates and airports near Pullman
The steep hills in Pullman can make it hard to walk around the city, so cars are ultimately the best travel option for everyone. State Route 27 at N Grand and Route 270 at E Main Street overlap and wind throughout the city. The city sits about 70 miles from Interstate 90, the longest interstate highway in the United States. Pullman Transit buses provide public transportation. The city lies just near the Washington state border, right across from Moscow. Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport and Lewiston-Nez Perce County Airport both provide airline connections.
Locals can use highway 195 to commute to and from Pullman.
The Pullman Moscow regional airport provides flights to and from Seattle from Pullman.
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Crime and climate trends for Pullman
According to FBI data reported by the Pullman Police Department, violent crime experienced a 22% decrease and property crime saw a10% increase. Conversely, violent crime offences are lower than the national rates while property crimes are about the same. Data from First Street suggests that Pullman is at a moderate risk for floods, wildfires and heat, as well as a severe risk for air quality.
Written By
Julia Concepcion
Photography Contributed By
Brandon Wong
Video By
Christine Tranchina
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MLS# 291389 Remodeled kitchen, fenced backyard, and truly move-in ready—this is the kind of home that just feels easy the moment you step inside. This 2-bedroom, 1-bath manufactured home has been thoughtfully updated with new flooring throughout and a fresh, comfortable feel that makes everyday living simple and enjoyable. The kitchen has been completely remodeled, offering a clean, modern space
MLS# 290111 BEST VALUE IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD! This striking single-level home with a versatile bonus room above the two car garage is now being offered at a new price. The main level showcases upscale finishes, including Acacia hardwood floors, soaring vaulted ceilings in the great room, and a custom gas log fireplace. The space is pre-plumbed for a future wet bar, adding flexibility for
Perched on the edge of rolling hills, this spacious home offers peaceful views, privacy, and unforgettable sunsets. Located at the end of a quiet street, the setting provides wide-open views and a sense of space rarely found in town. Inside, you will find nearly 3,500 sq ft with 9-foot ceilings throughout and a thoughtful layout featuring two living areas, including a comfortable family room
MLS# 287017 There’s something special about a home that simply feels right the moment you arrive. Tucked into a peaceful NW Pullman neighborhood, 750 NW Charlotte offers comfort, warmth, and a sense of ease that makes everyday living feel just a little sweeter.Step inside and you’re greeted by sunlight pouring across beautiful hardwood floors, creating a bright and welcoming living space —
MLS# 289848 Experience the perfect blend of comfort and convenience in this well maintained, move-in-ready home. Featuring a popular split-bedroom floor plan, this 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom residence offers a layout designed for privacy and flow. The heart of the home opens up to a spacious living area, while the primary suite serves as a quiet retreat with its own generous en-suite bath. Situated on
MLS# 287989 Check out this 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom house located on College Hill, right next to Greek row, and within walking distance to the WSU campus. This two-story home offers a fantastic opportunity for investors looking to capitalize on the steady demand for student housing in the area. With its prime location and proximity to campus, this property is perfect for parents with a student
MLS# 288039 This property offers a fantastic opportunity for someone looking to take on a project in one of Pullman’s most sought-after neighborhoods. Situated on two separate lots, this home was originally designed as a duplex, the home features a charming exterior with a two-car garage and wood floors, and sits directly across the street from McGee Park on College Hill. Inside, there are three
MLS# 284063 Checkout this 4 bedroom 3 bathroom turn key home located on beautiful Sunnyside hill. The home is updated with fresh paint and updated bathrooms with new vanities, light fixtures and tile floors. On the main floor the living room is an open concept to the dining room with hardwood floors and lots of natural lighting. The dining room is an open concept to the kitchen and leads out to
MLS# 287699 Charming 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home with plenty of character! Recently updated with plank flooring, a refreshed bathroom, split AC, new windows, and gutters. At just the right size—around 1,000 sq. ft.—this home is easy to maintain yet offers great living space. Enjoy the outdoors from the front gazebo, or take advantage of the dog run and the 20x20 shop for projects and storage. Full
MLS# 287621 Rare opportunity to own six income-producing units in a prime Pullman location next to Reaney Park and the Washington State University campus. This property combines the stability of four leased 1-bedroom units with the flexibility of a 3-bedroom/1-bath and 2-bedroom/1-bath home, which can be used as a single-family residence or duplex. Excellent rental history, modern updates, and
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MLS# 288364 This impressive home features vaulted cedar ceilings, abundant natural light, and thoughtful upgrades throughout. The layout includes two full kitchens, spacious living and dining rooms, and a solarium off the lower-level dining area. Outside, you’ll find a beautiful stone pond and meticulously landscaped grounds with full sprinkler irrigation. A detached two-car garage offers
MLS# 290721 Located in the heart of Greek Row on the WSU campus, this duplex offers a rare opportunity as either a strong investment property or an owner-occupied income property. Live in one unit and rent the other, or lease both in this consistently high-demand rental location. The property features an easy-maintenance brick exterior and shared off-street parking in the back. The upper unit
MLS# 291389 Remodeled kitchen, fenced backyard, and truly move-in ready—this is the kind of home that just feels easy the moment you step inside. This 2-bedroom, 1-bath manufactured home has been thoughtfully updated with new flooring throughout and a fresh, comfortable feel that makes everyday living simple and enjoyable. The kitchen has been completely remodeled, offering a clean, modern space
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Discover premium student housing in Pullman! Our spacious 2-bedroom, 3-bedroom, 4-bedroom, and 5-bedroom apartments are designed for WSU Pullman students, offering convenience, comfort, and top-tier amenities. Perfect for your college lifestyle-reserve your spot today!
Tired of paying by the room? Our prices are for the ENTIRE UNIT. Our Boulder Creek complex is located less than 1 mile from the award winning WSU Student Rec center and a short walk to SEL. Apartments come with complete kitchens, including microwave, refrigerator, and dishwasher; patio or deck; spacious living and separate dining room. 3 bedroom units have master bedroom with personal master
Welcome to the premier student housing community in Pullman, tailored specifically for WSU students. Our 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, 3-bedroom, and 4-bedroom apartments offer the perfect mix of comfort, convenience, and modern amenities. Just minutes from campus and located on the WSU bus route, each apartment features private bedrooms, in-unit laundry, a dishwasher, and inclusive internet. Enjoy
The Hills, named by the students of WSU, is a brand new, ultimate student living community located only a short, private shuttle ride away from campus. The property includes one, two, three, four, five, and six bedroom houses and boasts over 10,000 square feet of customized amenity space developed specifically with the WSU student in mind.At The Hills on Grand we understand that a
Conveniently located within a 5 minute walk to campus and greek row, with quick access to Starbucks, Taco Bell and Rosauers. Property is well maintained and includes reserved off-street parking for each of your vehicles.Offered by Highland Property Management. Please visit our website for more information or to apply.
2bed/2bath ensuite style unit. Living room comes with a balcony and slicer. The kitchen is a spacious u shaped design with lots of cupboards and a pantry, even room for a small butcher block. The bedrooms have their own private baths. Location is ideal. Located in the middle of Pullman, across the street from the WSU entrance. Call/text for fast response.
This building is tucked away on a non-thru street, across from Reaney Park where they host concerts of locals, farm to table markets, play ground, frisky playing with the dog and just chill’in. Sitting on the edge of campus you are within a 5 minute walk to the WSU campus and 5 minute walk to downtown Pullman for some Porch Light Pizza, Thomas Hammer Coffee, Neill’s Coffee & Ice cream, Etsi
Cougar Crest is located on the beautiful hills of Pullman, Washington and we are proud to be serving you.We offer spacious 3-bedroom and 4-bedroom units with various amenities. Our complex rests on the crest of a hill which overlooks most of Pullman and hosts an array of beautiful sunsets. All our units are a spacious 1, 260sq feet with larger bedrooms than comparable apartments in town. All
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Brand-New Student Living, just opened in August 2023! Two additional apartment buildings completed in January 2024 at #WSU Pullman! Located in the heart of campus, just steps away from class. Now Leasing - Hurry, remaining accommodations are LIMITED!
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Settle into everyday comfort and convenience with the thoughtful amenities provided by Outlook Apartments. In your spacious two or three-bedroom apartments, enjoy an in-home washer and dryer, plus a fully equipped kitchen including a dishwasher. Step outside and make use of the ample parking and on-site playground. Pet owners will love being right next to the Grand Avenue Greenway
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