The Tri-Cities - comprised mainly of Pasco, Richland and Kennewick - is a fast growing region in southeast Washington. Boasting 300 days of sunshine and named one of the top places in the country to raise children, it’s no wonder that people are moving here from across the country. Today we’re going to take a look at 11 reasons living in the Tri-Cities is awesome. It’ll reaffirm those of you who live here about why it’s a great place to be, and it’ll help inform those of you who may be considering a move! It also reminds of us of why we chose the Tri-Cities as our home base to start AJ, and why we love building family homes here!

1. The Tri-Cities is growing fast!

People are discovering all of the charms that the Tri-Cities have to offer! We’re a hub for scientific research, we have a huge farming base, and a quickly growing wine-making industry. Schools are booming, and new restaurants and stores are being built all the time. There’s plenty of opportunity for good jobs here - and good times!

2. The Tri-Cities top the lists that matter

Kiplinger rated the Tri-Cities among the top 10 places in the entire nation to raise a family, and MSN pegged the towns as one of the top 10 places to start over. It’s also a fun place to be for adults and kids alike! You can find plenty of indoor and outdoor activities to please anybody, including hiking, boating, wine tasting, numerous kid-approved open gyms and play centers, splash parks, pools, farmer’s markets and way, way more.

3. This is the sunbelt of the Pacific Northwest

We’re tucked in the rain shadow of the Cascade range, so we get a mere 7 inches of annual rainfall and 300 days of sunshine a year. Our winters are (usually) mild, leaving plenty of time for outdoor fun!

4. People from the Tri-Cities know the farmers who grew their veggies

The Tri-Cities are teeming with farmer’s markets, roadside veggie stands, and friendly neighbors who love giving away their garden surplus. We even have vegetable home delivery from local farms with companies like Local Pumpkin. Plants grow like crazy in the Tri-Cities, and there’s nothing like fresh, local veggies!

5. Tri-Cities people love their dogs

Most trails and parks are dog-friendly in the Tri-Cities, and many community members are actively committed to finding stray dogs loving homes. Through local programs like Mikey’s Chance, people provide foster care for dogs while they find homes for them throughout the Pacific Northwest.

6. We have three rivers

Not one, not two, but three rivers meet in the Tri-Cities, with miles of parks and trails along them. The “Mighty Columbia,” the Snake River, and the Yakima River are all local rivers and well-loved for different reasons. You can find many people boating, floating, swimming, walking, running, playing or hanging out at any of these rivers. Our personal favorite? The Snake - it’s slightly warmer and calmer than the Columbia!

7. Two words: hydroplane races

Each July, The Tri-Cities hosts The Columbia Cup Water Follies, where thousands gather to watch the hydroplane races and air show. People come from all across the PNW for this weekend, and it’s fun to gather with most of Tri-Cities on the riverbanks to check it out!

8. It’s the home of the genius

With the Technology Research District, a lot of really smart and highly educated people have gathered here. Even Forbes Magazine took notice of the Tri-Cities and designated it as the 11th geekiest community in America.

9. Hot yoga

While Hot Yoga may not be everyone’s cup of tea, we have it on our list because it shows that even though the Tri-Cities is technically a “small” city, we have big-city amenities with plenty of things to do!

10. Drink up at the many local wineries

We share the same latitude with the Burgundy and Bordeaux regions of France, so this is the perfect wine growing country. Our region boasts more than 200 wineries within a 50 mile radius, many different blends, and plenty of beautiful vineyards to sip your local wines at.

11. Bike riding is kind of a big deal here

Only three miles from town, the State Patrol Mountain Biking trails are a hot spot for mountain biking enthusiasts and offer an exhilarating ride through some great hills. There are also miles and miles of bike trails along the rivers - some locals have been known to bike to work along the river and pretty much everyone has a bike, because with so many beautiful places to ride and 300 days of sunshine, why wouldn’t you?

If those 11 reasons aren’t enough for you to fall (or re-fall) in love with our region, all you have to do is take one look at a sunset over here to realize just how beautiful it is. With the rolling hills and brightly colored skies, we’re thankful everyday that we get to call this place home, and build many beautiful homes for other locals! No matter where in the Tri-Cities you want to settle, whether it’s on top of a hill for sweeping views, by the river for easy-access to the water, or in the heart of town for quick shopping and friendly neighbors, we’ve got you covered with a house that meets your needs.