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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GreatSchools:
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MLS# 296566 Location, character, and opportunity come together at 525 SE Side St. Positioned directly across from Kruegel Park. This all-brick home offers an exceptional setting in one of Pullman's established neighborhoods. Kruegel Park features pickleball and tennis courts, a large playground, sports fields, a picnic shelter with BBQ area, mature shade trees, and restrooms, creating a wonderful
MLS# 295388 Prominent downtown Pullman mixed-use opportunity featuring street-level commercial space and three remodeled luxury apartments above. Formerly home of Alex’s Restaurant, the upper level retains original wood floors, high ceilings, and distinctive character in the 3 apartment units. All leases run till 2027. The apartments offer spacious living areas, custom wood cabinetry,
Unobstructed views of the Moscow Mountains and surrounding fields add to the appeal of this well-maintained townhouse. A bright living room offers plenty of windows, and the thoughtfully arranged kitchen opens to a private patio and fully fenced backyard with new landscaping. The spacious primary suite features two closets and a private ensuite bath, while generously sized bedrooms and ample
MLS# 294480 Discover the freedom of country living just minutes from Pullman. Set on approximately 3 beautiful acres, this meticulously maintained 4-bed, 2-bath home offers over 2,400 square feet of thoughtfully designed single-level living with the perfect blend of privacy, functionality, and convenience. Located in the county outside Pullman city limits, you’ll enjoy the flexibility of country
MLS# 292647 Move-in ready and just minutes from Washington State University, this 2-bedroom, 2-bath home delivers the kind of simplicity and comfort that just works—whether you're buying your first place, investing, or looking for a low-maintenance setup close to campus. Inside, the split-bedroom layout creates a natural sense of privacy, while the main living space opens up in a way that feels
MLS# 293827 Location! Location! The Ultimate College Hill Location! Rare opportunity to own a home at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac on College Hill, sharing a property line with WSU. Enjoy the convenience of walking to campus, classes, sporting events, and university activities while still enjoying the privacy of a well-established residential setting. This mid-century modern home has been
MLS# 292961 This delightful 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home perfectly blends privacy and comfortable living. Situated on a serene end lot, it features a bright, open floor plan. The eat-in kitchen with a breakfast bar flows seamlessly into the living room, making it ideal for entertaining. The spacious primary suite, complete with a full bathroom and a large garden tub, is located on one end of the
MLS# 287989 Check out this 4-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# 294157 A rare opportunity to own one of Pullman’s most unique in-town properties. Situated on an approximately 0.44-acre double lot surrounded by mature trees, terraced gardens, expansive lawn areas, and exceptional landscaping, this beautifully maintained residence offers a level of privacy, outdoor space, and flexibility that is seldom found within city limits. Designed for comfortable
MLS# 295135 Seller financing with 5% interest rate with a 10 year term available with large downpayment. Ideally situated just steps from the Washington State University Student Recreation Center and within easy walking distance to both to the Beasley Coliseum and the football stadium, this mid-century home with a brand NEW ROOF offers a rare combination of location, space, and versatility. Built
MLS# 293113 A brand new roof and brand new deck set the tone for this warm and inviting split-level home, offering space, flexibility, and room to truly make it your own. With 5 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms across approximately 1,800 square feet, the layout offers comfort and versatility for a variety of lifestyles—whether you need room to gather, work from home, host guests, or simply spread out.
This duplex located in the desirable Pioneer Hill neighborhood near parks and schools, offers a fantastic opportunity for owner-occupancy with rental income potential. The main-level unit, accessed from Taylor Street, features two bedrooms, one bathroom, and a large kitchen with nice appliances. The lower-level daylight basement apartment, with its own entrance off Rocky Way, is very cute and
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
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
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
Cougar Ridge offers Students at Washington State University an inclusive housing opportunity in the heart of Pullman. Living at Cougar Ridge puts you in walking distance of many of Pullman’s greatest attractions such as Palouse Ridge Golf Course, the student recreation center, as well as the ZZU Club and Grub. Located just off campus, living at Cougar Ridge means only a quick walk to the Valley
Located less than one mile from Washington State University, we offer on-site amenities like a 24-hour fitness center, a resort-style pool, a tavern-style game room, and a computer lab with free printing. You can start your day at our clubhouse coffee bistro, walk or ride to campus, and come home for a meal with friends at our outdoor grill or host a group study session in our clubhouse. This is
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
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, Neill’s Coffee & Ice cream, Etsi Bravo, Paradise Creek
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
Everything youre looking for in Pullman, Northwood Manor has to offer! The affordable home you've been searching for in a quiet area northwest of downtown Pullman, Washington, just minutes from Washington State University. With a wide range of pet-friendly two, three, and four bedroom apartments to choose from, you can spread out in total comfort. Bring your roomies, your pets, and all your gear
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.
$485 - $1,500 per month
College Crest - Historical Access
3 Beds
1 Bath
1,064 Sq Ft
Looking for student apartments in Pullman near Washington State University? College Crest has you covered. Our pet-friendly community features studio, two-, and three-bedroom apartments designed with WSU students in mind. Whether you prefer furnished or unfurnished options, you'll enjoy upgraded kitchens, hardwood-style floors, and plenty of space. With a bus stop right outside, getting to WSU
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