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.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Wenatchee, WA sell after 57 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Wenatchee, WA over the last 12 months is $720,000, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to the Shelby at Skyridge, an alley-load home in a desirable master planned community. Step up to the inviting front porch and into a bright, open great room that flows effortlessly into a chef-inspired kitchen, featuring a spacious center island and a cozy dining area. The main floor also includes a versatile study and a covered patio, perfect for enjoying those indoor-outdoor moments.
Welcome to the Darby at Skyridge. You’ll find an inviting open-concept layout, showcasing a great room, a dining area with direct access to a covered patio. A well-equipped kitchen, boasting a spacious center island and a sizable walk-in pantry. Additional main-level highlights include a versatile den off the foyer, a half bathroom, a valet entry off the garage, and an additional covered patio.
Tastefully renovated and beautifully maintained, this upper-level condo offers effortless living in a peaceful, tucked-away setting. With 3 bedrooms and 1.75 bathrooms (3x5 shower), the home is thoughtfully designed. The light filled layout features travertine tile, LVP flooring, fresh interior paint and newer appliances adding to the move-in-ready appeal. The cozy fireplace sets the tone of
You’ll fall in love with the exquisite Shelby at Skyridge. As you enter the home from a generous front porch, you’ll find a wide-open great room and a well-equipped kitchen—boasting an adjacent dining area and a spacious center island. Other main-floor highlights include a covered patio and a versatile study. Upstairs, you'll find two gracious secondary bedrooms—sharing a full hall bath—plus an
Welcome to Springwater Townhomes! Experience modern, convenient living in the heart of beautiful Wenatchee. Townhome A3 offers light-filled living spaces with an open great room, patio access, and a bright kitchen featuring white quartz countertops, a walk-in pantry, and stainless-steel appliances. This spacious home includes two expansive bedrooms, 2.25 bathrooms, and an attached garage. Enjoy
Welcome to Springwater Townhomes! Discover modern, convenient living in the heart of beautiful Wenatchee. Unit H1, an end-unit Townhome, offers a private feel with a light-filled, open great room that flows seamlessly onto a lovely patio. The bright kitchen shines with white quartz countertops, a walk-in pantry, and sleek stainless-steel appliances. Enjoy stunning views of the Wenatchee &
The Darby at Skyridge showcases two thoughtfully designed stories of utility and comfort. As you enter the home from the inviting front porch, you’ll find an inviting open-concept layout, showcasing a wide-open great room, a dining area with direct access to a covered patio and a well-equipped kitchen—boasting a spacious center island and sizable walk-pantry. Additional main-level highlights
The expansive Emma floor plan at Skyridge is a stylish, spacious gem! On the main floor, you’ll find an open kitchen with an island and a walk-in pantry, overlooking an airy great room and a dining area leading to a covered patio. A cozy den and a powder bath sit toward the front of the home. A serene primary suite on the second level offers a walk-in closet and a private deluxe bath with a
Welcome to Springwater Townhomes! Experience modern convenient living in the heart of beautiful Wenatchee. Enjoy an open great room with patio access, a bright kitchen featuring white quartz countertops, a walk-in pantry, and stainless appliances. Unit D2 offers two primary suites with private bathrooms, an additional powder room, and an attached garage. Relax on your back patio with morning
Hard to find North Wenatchee Business District (NWBD). .73 acres level land for multi-family or commercial in city limits. To date the property is a single family residence. 6 beds/2.25 baths. Nestled in amongst commercial businesses on three sides. Remodel the home to multi-family or tear it down and start from scratch. See the City's District Use Chart Chapter 10.10 for a full list of
Welcome to the desirable Sunnyslope! Build your dream home on this .42 Acre lot on Burch Hollow Lane! This amazing location offers great views of the Valley. Minutes from Downtown Wenatchee and easy access for enjoying outdoor activities at Lake Chelan, skiing at Mission Ridge and hiking in Leavenworth! Power and Water are available in Street for easy hookup.
Winter WonderLAND Sale! Purchase a lot and close before January 31th and receive a $5000 credit towards closings costs or loan buydowns. View Lots now Available in Broadview on the Canal! Don't miss a chance to own one of these view properties in the prestigious Broadview on the Canal, a gated 55+ community. Enjoy panoramic 180-degree views of the Wenatchee Valley and the Columbia River. The HOA
Welcome to Maple Terrace gated community for low maintenance living. Step inside to find open design living spaces with 10' ceilings, natural cherry floors that flow gracefully through dining room, spacious kitchen, with newer appliances and living room with gas fireplace plus a versatile family room/office or doubles as bedroom with custom built-in Murphy bed flanked by bookshelves and French
Views, views, views from this Burch Mountain Estates lot in Sunnyslope! Buy this .69 acre parcel and start building your dream home right away! Septic design by Tower Designs and permitting complete; Geological Evaluation complete; Includes plans for 2,892 sq ft Lopez Design one-level house, building permitting is complete - all this is a $34,000 value! Lot is in a cul-de-sac and is adjacent to
Welcome to the Shelby at Skyridge, an alley-load home in a desirable master planned community. Step up to the inviting front porch and into a bright, open great room that flows effortlessly into a chef-inspired kitchen, featuring a spacious center island and a cozy dining area. The main floor also includes a versatile study and a covered patio, perfect for enjoying those indoor-outdoor moments.
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
Commercial Ag & flex storage space in Chelan County’s RR5 zoning, ideal for ag-operations, warehousing, & mixed uses serving North Central Washington. Strategically located off US Hwy 2, property offers excellent exposure & efficient access to regional distribution corridors/service routes. Building totals ~15,563SF, with ~6,500SF currently available, including 6,019SF of open floor/warehouse
Welcome home to The Landing at Saddlerock! Our brand-new apartments for rent in Wenatchee allow you to live in comfort and sophistication while exploring the unique and dynamic culture of Wenatchee Valley. Exceptional amenities, desirable services, and a well-connected address allow you to indulge in all the urban conveniences you want without giving up on the peace and quiet you deserve.
Class A Office Space- Prime opportunity to lease in the heart of downtown Wenatchee! Strategically located adjacent to Memorial Park & Wenatchee Public Library, this property offers excellent multi-street access & exceptional visibility in the bustling downtown core with strong traffic counts. Recently operated as a veterinary practice "Animal Hospital of Wenatchee", the versatile floor plan
WELCOME to Park View Apartments!Park View Apartments is a peaceful community right across the street from Lewis and Clark Park. Enjoy being surrounded by lush landscaping and scenic views. Located just a couple of miles from downtown Wenatchee, within walking distance to major shopping and dining, and three minutes to Wenatchee Valley College, this is an ideal location.Our spacious one, two, and
Professional Office Space in the Heart of Wenatchee! Elevate your business presence at 325 N Chelan Suite A, a meticulously designed office suite strategically located between Mission & Chelan Avenues with over 14,000 daily traffic counts. Enjoy exceptional highway visibility and ample parking, ensuring easy access for clients and employees. Suite features 3,982 sqft, 8 bright exterior offices, 6
BRAND NEW 1, 2 & 3 BEDROOM APARTMENTS IN WENATCHEE, WASHINGTONDeer Havens beautiful, light-filled apartment homes in West Wenatchee offer a variety of pet-friendly one, two, and three bedroom floor plans that you can make your own. If you love to cook, the contemporary kitchen will be your happy place with its sleek quartz countertops, energy efficient stainless steel appliances, and kitchen
Welcome to Courtyard 465 Apartment Homes, your new Wenatchee, Washington apartment community. Courtyard 465 Apartment Homes is conveniently located on the Link Transportation Line at the intersection of North Stella Ave and McKittrick.At Courtyard 465 Apartment Homes, we are dedicated to ensuring your comfort. Our attentive staff is here to ensure your home is always in excellent shape,
Welcome to Sagecrest Apartments, where modern living meets the natural beauty of Central Washington. These apartments in Wenatchee offer an elevated lifestyle thats anything but ordinary, where vineyards, apple orchards, and breathtaking views surround you. With brand-new construction and contemporary finishes, our two-bedroom layouts blend quality with comfort in a location thats as inspiring as
Special: Pay $0 in Rent until February for a limited time on select 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
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