Walla Walla is the seat of its namesake county in Southeast Washington, where the local culture is built on agriculture. The town is surrounded by large industrial farms like FirstFruits Farms, as well as smaller operations. Major exports include wheat, onions and wine, which locals can taste at one of several nearby wineries. The farm fresh taste extends to local restaurants, including the cluster of eateries in downtown Walla Walla, where there's also a burgeoning art scene including the Walla Walla Symphony and lots of annual events. Walla Walla’s small-town vibe and low cost of living have attracted new residents in recent years, but the community still maintains its farming roots.
There are lots of jobs in the agriculture industry in Walla Walla.
Welcome Table Farm provides locally produced produce direct to consumers near Walla Walla.
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Lower home prices compared to Washington state median
As of early 2025, the median home price in Walla Walla is about $430,000, higher than the national median of roughly $406,000. Home prices have risen recently, but the median remains lower than the statewide median of about $626,000. Near the center of town are historic Craftsman homes and American Foursquares from the early 20th century. Midcentury Modern ranch-style homes are more common throughout the southeast part of town, and some New Traditional properties from the 21st century are also available around the edges. Aside from single-family homes, there’s a cluster of manufactured homes in the Rancho Villa senior living community.
Homes in Walla Walla on average fall below national pricing averages.
Craftsman homes make up a large portion of older homes in Walla Walla's community.
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Mountain biking, fishing and golfing in the Walla Walla Valley
Cycling is very prominent in Walla Walla, with many paved paths within the community and gravel paths in the foothills of the Blue Mountains. Bennington Lake, just east of town, is a central hangout spot. “It’s the go-to spot for a walk with your dog or a mountain bike ride,” says Cara Jacobson, Marketing Director for Visit Walla Walla. “Folks kayak in the summer or do a little fishing. It’s common for people to get together and say, ‘Let’s meet at Bennington.’” The city's public amenities include the Veterans Memorial Pool, a seasonal facility that opened in 2017 and serves over a thousand people a day. In August, the town’s rural sensibilities are displayed for the 5-day Walla Walla Fair & Frontier Days, hosted at the local fairgrounds. For golfers, there are two 18-hole courses: the public Veterans Memorial Golf Course and the private Walla Walla Country Club. Locals travel 53 miles into the Blue Mountains for day trips, winter skiing and summer hiking.
The Walla Walla Parks & Recreation Department is always working to improve the community. The ongoing Street Trees Program improves streetscapes by planting new mature foliage along sidewalks. City officials are in the design stage to rebuild the playground at Pioneer Park, making it accessible for all abilities, with an expected 2026 completion date.
Walla Walla features a couple golf courses nearby.
Walla Walla has lots of trails that locals enjoy bringing their horses on.
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Farm fresh eateries and historic theaters in downtown Walla Walla
Walla Walla’s downtown district is home to dozens of craft breweries and restaurants focusing on farm-to-table ingredients. Walawála Plaza and Heritage Square are the main gathering and event spaces, the latter hosting a free Summer Concert Series from July until September. There are over 130 wineries outside the city, including Abeja; the Kitchen at Abeja is an on-site fine dining restaurant serving Tuscan-inspired cuisine made by James Beard Award-nominated Chef Mike Eaton.
In addition to fine dining, Walla Walla has a lively performing arts scene. Downtown, Gesa Power House Theatre hosts performances in a historic 120-year-old building, and the Walla Walla Symphony is the oldest continuously running symphony west of the Mississippi River. In January, the Walla Walla Chamber Music Festival celebrates classical music with numerous ticketed and free concerts, while in March, the Walla Walla Guitar Festival brings four days of rock and blues music.
Downtown Walla Walla provides lots of local restaurants to enjoy.
Walla Walla provides lots of dining options near the heart of downtown.
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Connecting to other farm towns on Highways 12 and 125
Walla Walla is 153 miles from Spokane, the nearest major city. Highway 12 connects locals with other small towns in Walla Walla Valley, including Waitsburg, 22 miles away, and Dayton, 32 miles away. Milton-Freewater is 10 miles south on Highway 125. Valley Transit operates nine bus routes throughout the city. Though train tracks run through town, they’re used for industrial rails rather than passenger routes. Providence Saint Mary Medical Center is the only major hospital in town, though veterans can seek care at Jonathan M. Wainwright Memorial VA Medical Center. Walla Walla Regional Airport is located on the town’s north edge, with limited flights to destinations like Seattle.
highway 12 connects Walla Walla to nearby cities like Richland and Pasco.
Walla Walla regional airport connects residents to larger cities like Seattle and Portland.
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Attending Walla Walla Public Schools
Walla Walla Public Schools serves over 5,000 students at 16 schools and earns a B-plus from Niche. The district offers a Dual Immersion Program that teaches English and Spanish, as well as numerous Career and Technical Education pathways in fields like agricultural education. There are three local options for higher education. Whitman College is a small liberal arts school offering 53 majors. Walla Walla Community College offers two-year degrees, while Walla Walla University is a private Adventist institution.
Walla Walla public schools sit close to the downtown corridor.
Students from Walla Walla often go to one of the nearby colleges in Walla Walla
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Declining property crime rates according to local police
According to FBI statistics, violent crime rates in 2022 and 2023 typically fell below statewide and national rates, while property crime rates were higher than national and lower than statewide figures. According to Walla Walla Police Department's annual report, burglary reports decreased by 32% from 2022 to 2023, and motor vehicle thefts decreased slightly in the same period.
Four seasons and some risk of flooding
The climate in Walla Walla includes four seasons with cold, snowy winters and pleasant summers. “Outsiders need to know that Washington is a large state,” Jacobson says. “We’re in Southeast Washington, so it’s not as rainy as Seattle.” There is some flood risk along Yellowhawk Creek, and homeowners in that area may be mandated to purchase flood insurance depending on the property’s hazard designation, as set forward by FEMA flood maps.
Bennington Lake provides scenic views over the outdoors around Walla Walla.
Walla Walla is very prone to wildfires in the summer months.
Nichole moved to the Walla Walla valley from Moscow, Idaho where she studied Marketing, Communication, and Mediation at the University of Idaho. She has worked in marketing in the biotech, environmental, and in the Walla Walla wine industries. Buying and selling real estate has been a lifelong hobby so, the move to Kelly Right Real Estate was a natural progression.
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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.