Living in Kennewick, WA: A Local’s Guide
Kennewick is the largest of the Tri-Cities, sitting on the south bank of the Columbia River across from Pasco and next door to Richland. It’s where much of the area’s shopping, dining, and entertainment is concentrated, and it offers a wide range of housing, from established older neighborhoods near downtown to newer developments in the south hills. If you’re considering a move to the Tri-Cities, Kennewick is often the first place people look.
Kennewick at a glance
- Population: about 87,790 (Washington OFM estimate)
- Median home price: around $439,000 as of May 2026 (prices change monthly)
- County: Benton County
- School district: Kennewick School District
- Nearest airport: Tri-Cities Airport (PSC) in Pasco, about 15 minutes away
- State income tax: none, which is true across Washington
Kennewick on the map
Get your bearings: Kennewick sits south of the Columbia River, with Pasco to the north across the bridges and Richland to the northwest.
Neighborhoods
Kennewick has something for most budgets and lifestyles. Click any neighborhood to see it on Google Maps.
- SouthridgeNewer homes and views in the south hills, popular with families.
- Canyon LakesAn established neighborhood built around a golf course.
- Creekstone
- Hansen Park
- Panoramic Heights
- Meadow Springs
- Horse Heaven Hills
- Historic Downtown KennewickOlder homes, local shops, and easy access to the waterfront.
Housing
Compared to the Seattle area, Portland, or California, Kennewick offers much more home for the money. Kennewick’s prices have stayed fairly steady since mid-2022, after rising sharply during the pandemic, and it has historically been at or near the most affordable of the four largest Tri-Cities. That makes it a strong option for first-time buyers and families who want space without stretching their budget.
Schools
Kennewick is served by the Kennewick School District. Families should check school boundaries for any specific home, since they don’t always follow neighborhood lines.
- Kennewick High School
- Kamiakin High School
- Southridge High School
Getting around
Most residents drive, and commutes are short by big-city standards. The major employers at the Hanford Site and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory are in Richland, a typical 15 to 30 minute drive from most Kennewick neighborhoods. The Cable Bridge and the Blue Bridge connect Kennewick to Pasco across the Columbia River.
Things to do
- Columbia ParkRiverfront trails, picnic areas, a boat launch, and a golf course. A local favorite year-round.
- Clover IslandA lighthouse, riverfront walks, and restaurants.
- Toyota CenterHome of the Tri-City Americans hockey team, plus concerts and events.
- Three Rivers Convention CenterTrade shows, conferences, and community events throughout the year.
- Columbia Center MallThe retail hub of the region, surrounded by restaurants and shops.
- Historic Downtown KennewickLocal shops, cafes, and restaurants near the river.
- Nearby wineriesDozens of wineries are within an easy drive, and weekends in wine country are part of local life.
Pros and cons of living in Kennewick
Pros: affordable compared to the West Coast, lots of sunshine, short commutes, no state income tax, and plenty of shopping and amenities.
Cons: summers get very hot, it can be windy, public transit is limited, and it’s a long drive to Seattle or Portland (about 3.5 hours).
Thinking about moving to Kennewick?
Whether you’re just exploring or ready to start looking at homes, our partner real estate expert can answer your questions about neighborhoods, prices, and the buying process, free and with no pressure.
Get connected with a local expert Your information will be shared with our partner broker, [Broker Name], [Brokerage Name].