Not a bad place
-
4/16/2012
I lived in West Pasco since 2005 and before that in North Richland since 2002. All of that time has been spent with my wife and two daughters which are quickly growing into pre-teen girls. Overall I would rate the Tri-Cities as a "good" place to be. I can't complain about my work as a I have a stable professional career for the premier local DOE contractor. Also, the cost of living is low relative to Portland or Seattle, though home prices have been steadily rising over the years.
The local elementary school my children attend in Pasco is fantastic. I can't say enough for Ruth Livingston staff. I understand that our elementary school is somewhat unique in the state. They've got a good thing going.
I have only a few major complaints about the Tri-Cities. First and foremost, it isn't pretty. There is a beautiful river running down the middle, but everything else is sage brush and farms as far as the eye can see. Trees don't grow here naturally, at all. The mountains are a two hour drive East or West. The ocean is a good five to six hours away.
Second, the Tri-Cities is "it" for the area. You are in an island (of sagebrush). There's no zoo or museum to visit, or trails to hike (Badger Mountain doesn't count), or sites to see. There are nice parks, but the good national forests or even logging roads of the "west side" (Western Washington) just aren't here. Anything interesting is going to require a trip of 2 or more hours one way. It's a major downer on the weekend.
Third, doctors and medical. If you or your family require specialist care you may have a difficult time finding the care you need. The area is severely underserved. Even worse is the situation for a low income family that is insure through the state. Very few doctors in the area accept the state sponsored insurance. This was an issue for my family when I was attending college.
The weather here is decent. It's mostly a desert climate with extremes in the Winter and Summer, although those extremes seem to have smoothed out the last few years. We get about 200 days of sun a year, which is about as good as it gets for anywhere in the Northwest. For a place that gets so little rain (7 inches), we have to endure quite a bit of needless cloud cover during the Winter and Spring months.
Really, I wish our area resembled Spokane more in climate and attractions, because I have a great job and stable life. If attractions and scenery aren't important to you, Tri-Cities might suit you fine.
Nate | Pasco, WA