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.
Written By
Laura Copan
Photography Contributed By
Howard Snyder
Video By
Taylor Gilbert
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Joyce Fry,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Wenatchee, WA sell after 42 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Wenatchee, WA over the last 12 months is $715,000, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Discover this stunning Cherry Lane condo, a stylish and artsy patio home with incredible river and mountain views. Featuring privacy and elegance, the home boasts a beautifully appointed living room with classic built-ins and a cozy gas fireplace. The charming kitchen offers a spacious island, floating shelves, and sleek Corian countertops, perfect for cooking and entertaining. The spacious
Exquisite Sunnyslope home with breathtaking views of Columbia River & Enchantments. Fully remodeled in 2021 & enhanced with a showpiece 2024 addition by BOA Construction. This stunning home combines timeless design with modern comfort. Living room features exposed beams, designer fixtures, & expansive windows framing picture perfect scenery. Chef’s kitchen offers leathered granite counters, gas
Step into this beautiful 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home, located in the sought-after Sunnyslope area. With breathtaking views of the mountains, city, and river, this home offers the perfect blend of comfort and luxury. The spacious, open-concept living, dining, and kitchen area is bathed in natural light, featuring high-end finishes like granite countertops, hardwood floors, and vaulted ceilings.
Enjoy farm living in this beautifully appointed country home on just under 4 irrigated acres near Mission Ridge Ski Resort. This property boasts a 50 year roof, newer HVAC, a 2 stall barn with attached paddocks, fully fenced with cross-fenced pastures, loafing shed, 1728 sqft insulated shop with vehicle and equipment space, several heated and cooled rooms currently housing a hobby dog
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With a stunning 180* river view and 2.47 acres of property, this 2,893 square foot 4br, 2 bath home offers the ideal combination of privacy and location just 2 miles from town. The beautiful main level kitchen w/updated flooring and quartz island is ideal for gathering family/friends and easily flows onto the spacious patio. Soaring wood ceiling in the living room, 3 wood stoves, additional
BRAND NEW RIVER-FACING UNITS AVAILABLEWelcome to Riverfront Village! Now Move in Ready!This stunning new community is conveniently located, neighboring the scenic Riverfront Park. Walking trails along the Columbia River are just steps from your door! Less than half a mile away, you will find local farm goods, artisanal foods, restaurants & specialty shops at the Pybus Public
FOR LEASE: Great space to make your own in this prominent downtown building at the corner of Orondo and S Mission. With lots of windows, architectural details, and secure parking - this is a unique and rare opportunity. Approx 3600 SF available on the main level, with additional space upstairs available if needed. Main floor space offers flexibility for open concept office and ability to add
$1000 0ff Select Apartment Homes!Welcome To Cedarwood! Nestled in a charming neighborhood next to Lewis and Clark Park, Cedarwood offers spacious two and four-bedroom apartment homes. With close to 1,000-2,000 square feet of living space, the propertys two-bedroom layouts feature well-designed floor plans and beautiful interior finishes. Each home has an in-unit washer and dryer and an oversized
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