I've been here for 19 years and With a population of 84,389, Kennewick is a smaller city. Average temperature is around 57--F, so the weather is moderate. Household incomes average around $72,867 in Kennewick. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Has anyone dealt with this? Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The suburbs are where most families end up.
24 upvotes
7 Replies
Isabelle Lopez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 37, moved here 8 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Oak Park and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The safety situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for families. tough vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Boston, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $40K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
36 upvotes
Grace Turner
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want community vibe, then yeah this place is great. But if dating scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
33 upvotes
Angel Gonzalez
As someone who grew up here, it exceeded my expectations. A lot has changed in the past few years though. weather used to be much manageable but now it's underrated.
29 upvotes
William Cruz
thanks for sharing
16 upvotes
Kinsley R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 35, moved here 13 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in The Heights and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The safety situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for retirees. tough vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Atlanta, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
11 upvotes
Benjamin White
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 28, moved here 13 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Eastside and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Limited shopping options
3. The community vibe situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for retirees. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Seattle, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $90K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
4 upvotes
Grace Bailey
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Tampa about 9 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Strong job market in several industries
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Can feel isolated
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are stable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
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