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
Lynn & Dwight Stoddard,
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Wenatchee, WA sell after 55 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Wenatchee, WA over the last 12 months is $749,000, up 11% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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 bedroom off the foyer, a bathroom with a walk in shower, a valet entry off the garage, and an
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 bedroom off the foyer, a bathroom with walk in shower, a valet entry off the garage, and an
Welcome to Emma at Skyridge, an alley-loaded home in a desirable master-planned community. 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 bedroom and a bathroom with a walk in shower sit toward the front of the home. A serene primary suite on the second level offers a WIC and 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 E2 offers two primary suites with private bathrooms, an additional powder room, and an attached garage. Relax on your back patio that has 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
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! 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
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
Elegant custom home on 1.25 acres with spectacular mountain views! This 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath property offers the perfect blend of luxury, privacy, and outdoor recreation. Features include private canal ownership, spacious living areas, and a peaceful setting just 10 minutes from town. Enjoy your own piece of mountain paradise, with plenty of room for camping, entertaining, and outdoor fun. Rare
NCW Homebuilder's 2007' Tour of Homes winner! This NW Contemporary will take your breath away with unobstructed views of the Columbia River from every room. Open floor plan w/main floor living designed for comfort and entertaining, featuring heated floors throughout main level, an expansive deck, a chef’s kitchen equipped with Wolf appliances, and cozy propane fireplace. Luxurious primary suite
This beautiful home is located in the gated community of Heritage Haven. The curb appeal of this darling home is outstanding. The manicured landscaping lends to a park like setting. Very private back yard surrounds the covered back patio. The master bedroom has a full ensuite while the other two bedrooms share a full bathroom at the other end of the home. Vaulted ceilings provide for light filled
Stunning Craftsman Retreat nestled in the peaceful and desirable Sunny Slope area, this exceptional home offers the perfect blend of tranquility and convenience. The thoughtfully designed main level features a luxurious primary suite with a spa-inspired bathroom, your private retreat. Upstairs, you’ll find three additional spacious bedrooms, all with large walk-in closets, including a private
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 permitted
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
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
1 & 2 BEDROOM APARTMENTS IN WENATCHEE, WASHINGTONCourtyard 465 beautiful, light-filled apartment homes in West Wenatchee offer a variety of pet-friendly one and two 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 islands available in
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
Welcome to Saddlerock Apartments in Wenatchee, WA Discover our luxurious, 5-star Google-rated apartment community in Wenatchee, WA. Nestled close to mountains and rivers, this peaceful community offers mountain views and abundant outdoor opportunities for a healthy lifestyle. Enjoy wonderful restaurants, wineries, local boutique stores, large retailers, and essential services
Up to 1 Month Free! Available on select homes for a limited time. 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
Up to 1 Month Free 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 in-unit washer and
FOR LEASE: This 990SF basement office is currently set up as a dance studio with a wood floor and mirrors surrounding the suite and one traditional office space. Located on the Apple Capital Loop Trail with ample parking, this suite is ready for it's next tenant.
FOR LEASE: Main level, front corner office suite centrally located at the end of 5th St, in the professional Riverfront Center building. Suite 110 is 2037 SF with lots of windows. Currently has an open floor plan with 1 private office, meeting room, and staff break room. Riverfront Center provides a professional tenant mix and in-building cafe. Parking available and enjoy being close to great
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
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
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