Tech and healthcare meet agriculture and recreation in central Washington
With a population of about 35,000, Wenatchee is the largest city in central Washington’s Chelan County. It’s in a remote location 150 miles from the nearest metro area, Seattle, but homebuyers are drawn to the area for its recreation, job opportunities and low cost of living. Utility bills are cheaper in Wenatchee than almost anywhere else in the U.S., thanks to the hydroelectric dams on the Columbia River; low power costs attracted tech companies like Microsoft and Amazon to the area. Wenatchee is known as the Apple Capital of the World, but local orchards also grow peaches, cherries and apricots. “We have the only two hospitals in northcentral Washington, so a lot of doctors are interested in the area, too,” says Kim Miller, managing broker at Nick McLean Real Estate Group, based in Wenatchee. This access to medical care contributed to Wenatchee’s inclusion on Forbes magazine’s list of the 25 best places to retire in 2019.
But most of all, what brings folks to Wenatchee is “for sure the recreation,” Miller says. “We have year-round four-season recreation, including boating on the river, hunting, fishing and skiing.” Despite the vacation home potential, friendly atmosphere, local events and slow-paced lifestyle, “It’s not touristy,” Miller says.
Wenatchee offers great medical care and was listed in Forbes Magazine as a top 25 best places to retire.
Wenatchee offers some of the cheapest utilities in the U.S.A. due to the hydroelectric dams along the Columbia River.
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Pros and cons of living between the Columbia River and Wenatchee Mountains
Wenatchee’s four seasons include dry, sunny summers and cold winters. The city is located where the Wenatchee and Columbia rivers meet, so tubing and rafting are popular summer pastimes. Areas along the Columbia Riverbank, like the parks and train station, are at risk for flooding, and cyclists, joggers and snowshoers can utilize the Apple Capital Recreation Loop Trail along the Columbia River. The 10-mile path passes through Wenatchee Confluence State Park on its way north to Lincoln Rock State Park. Twelve miles southwest of the city, Mission Ridge Ski & Board Resort is nestled in the Wenatchee Mountains. There is an increased fire risk in the mountains, and wildfire smoke occasionally impacts air quality.
Wenatchee locals run, walk and bike the Apple Capital Recreation Loop along the Columbia River.
Wenatchee is where Columbia and Wenatchee rivers meet and offers lots of water recreation in summer.
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The Washington State Apple Blossom Festival
Wenatchee is home to the state’s oldest major festival. Every May, the Washington State Apple Blossom Festival attracts crowds for its springtime parade and food fair. For more insight into local history, the Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center has exhibits ranging from the modern-day apple industry to the area’s Ice Age inhabitants. About 23 miles away, the Bavarian-styled mountain village of Leavenworth has a reindeer farm, authentic German cuisine and various monthly festivities, making it a popular day trip destination.
Homes around $500,000
The median single-family home price is $515,000, higher than the national median. Luxury homes at the top of the market are clustered in the western part of the city, while cottages that sell under $400,000 might need repairs. Also on the market are manufactured homes and condos; homeowners with properties in Wenatchee’s rural outskirts may encounter rattlesnakes.
Wenatchee offers luxury homes along quiet residential streets in the heart of the city.
Find your next cottage near Downtown Wenatchee, close to the Columbia River.
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Shopping by the river at Pybus Public Market
Shoppers can find big box retailers and the Valley North Shopping Center off State Route 285. Restaurants serving a variety of international cuisines line Wenatchee Avenue. Pybus Public Market is an open-air market by the Columbia River selling locally made goods, gifts and food.
Wenatchee Avenue offers lots of great shops and restaurants to find great cuisine.
Come to Pybus Market in Wenatchee and find local produce and great spots to eat.
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Traveling by car, bus, train and plane
State Route 285 stretches through the city, crossing the Columbia River into East Wenatchee and the Wenatchee River to the north. Link Transit has a fleet of electric buses transporting passengers throughout the county and shuttling skiers and snowboarders to Mission Ridge. Amtrak trains and intercity buses stop at Wenatchee Station. Pangborn Memorial Airport is 5 miles away; limited routes include flights to Seattle.
Wenatchee School District features a nationally recognized mariachi program
Students may attend Wenatchee School District, rated B on Niche. The district has one high school, Wenatchee High, which offers some classes online. The high school’s mariachi program has performed at the U.S. Capitol and was featured in a public access documentary.
Wenatchee High School welcomes students each year and has a recognized Mariachi program.
Wenatchee schools are rated B on Niche and prepares students for the future.
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Wenatchee versus Washington crime levels
According to the state of Washington, property crime rates across the state and county for those between ages 18 and 39 rose from 2019 to 2022 and dropped from 2022 to 2023. Meanwhile, personal crime peaked in 2018 and fluctuated from 2018 to 2023. According to WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Wenatchee crime scores are higher along the Columbia riverbank, gradually lowering to 1 on the city’s western outskirts.
Experience and Knowledge Morgan began his real estate career in November of 1984. In 1988 he obtained a managing brokers license and with a partner purchased an existing real estate office. As the housing industry has changed, Morgan has continued to obtain further education to remain an expert in the field. For nearly 34 years, Morgan has worked primarily in the Lake Chelan area, having sold many properties more than once. Being involved in many land use and zoning issues over the years has kept him abreast of city, county and state issues that affect private property rights and value.
Creating Value Starting real estate developments in 1995 for his own account and project management for clients, Morgan has an extensive background in residential and recreational projects. The ability to bring a project from concept to closing is both creative and challenging and requires both expertise and patience. Through development, his clients have created both equity and cash flow. Morgan has helped clients subdivide land, build, and convert condominiums, change zoning/comprehensive plans, text amendments to allow certain land uses and a variety of other activities to create value. Determining the highest and best use is always the starting point and understanding the process and all the challenges is what sets Morgan apart from the rest.
Community Service Morgan is a member of the Lake Chelan Rotary Club and Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce. He served the community as a 20-year volunteer firefighter and as Commissioner in the Manson Fire Department. He served on the Chelan County Board of Adjustment, Chelan EMTs, Jaycees, Manson Community Council, numerous school groups, as a park league soccer coach and as a Chelan County Football official.
It's All About Relationships Morgan and Kathleen Picton have been married for 39 years. They have raised 3 sons and are blessed with six grandchildren. They appreciate the importance of a family home and how it provides security and builds equity. Working as an expert in the real estate industry allows Morgan to help his clients with the biggest asset many of them will ever own.
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.
