Richland, Washington

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Home to beautiful houses, great schools, and breathtaking scenery, the city of Richland is a popular choice amongst families and investors alike.

Richland’s History

Embedded in rich American history, the area of Richland really developed around the Second World War. The army bought nearby land to house personnel, pushing the population from a mere 300 to more than 2500. As the years went by, and the Second World War came to an end and the Cold War began, Richland again experienced a boom in both the population and the economy. The impact that this time had on the city can still be seen today, with street names, and even school logos reflecting the community’s rich history.

What is the City Like?

The city of Richland is home to a growing population. Bordering the Columbia River, the city of Richland offers residents a plethora of outdoor activities such as biking, kayaking, fishing, boating, trails, outdoor concerts, and greenspace. Home to more than 51,000 people the city of Richland is also home to a number of well-known events and things to do around the Tri-Cities area. Some of the most popular include: wine tastings at the Goose Ridge Estate Winery, attend a show put on by the Allied Arts Association or attend a show at the Mid-Columbia Ballet and Symphony.

Real Estate in Richland

One of the reasons that the city of Richland has become so popular is the fact that the houses in the area are not only beautiful family homes but affordable as well. Thanks to the well-priced houses, the city has become home to a growing number of families and real estate investors alike. Made up of a mix of traditional two story family homes, split level bungalow style houses, modern apartment style condominiums and townhomes, Richland is considered to be a wonderful, safe, and affordable place to raise a family.

The Richland School District

The Richland school district has become well known for both the excellent academics and extracurricular activities that the schools offer. Throughout the district, there are close to ten elementary schools, three middle schools, and two high schools. In addition, Washington State University also has a well-known campus there, which houses programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Programs at the Richland campus include Earth and Environmental Science, Nursing, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Viticulture, and Wine Business Management.

The Economy in Richland

In 2010 Kiplinger rated Richland #2 in the Top 10 Best Places to Raise a Family, this rating was supported by CNN/Money’s rating of Richland as one of the Top 10 Best Bets for Gains in Housing Value. Unlike other locations, Richland has an economy that is built on wine production, medical and nuclear research, government, and of course farming. Having an economy built on such diverse, yet successful industries have created a stable economy in the community and attracted even more potential residents. Two of the largest employers in the area are the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and The Department of Energy.

Hanford Commute Time

If you work out at the area, Richland should be a consideration for you. Using George Washington Way, you can avoid a good majority of the Hanford traffic in the evening. Average commute time from North Richland to the Hanford gate is 20-30 minutes. Commute times to South Richland are about another 5-10 minutes.