Kennewick, Washington Real Estate: What You Need to Know

Kennewick, Washington, is the largest city of the Tri-Cities in terms of population. Geographically, it sprawls east to west, is bordered on the north by the Columbia river, and the southern border kind of loops around a portion of south Richland.

Sit back in your chairs, folks ... here comes a LOT of information about Kennewick, WA!

At the western edge of Kennewick sits the largest commercial project in the area (fanfare please) ... The Columbia Center Mall. It's large, and has been the number one shopping destination since it was built in 1968. Columbia Center Boulevard is lined with restaurants and smaller shopping areas, as is the west end of Canal St., which ends at Columbia Center Blvd.

Fantastic real estate deals can be found in an area behind the mall called Kennewick Park. Most homes in Kennewick Park were built in the '70's and '80's, and a small portion was built in the early '90's. Despite the age of the houses, the value of the homes has risen steadily, and it may be a good place for first-timers to start out without breaking the bank (almost all the homes in the area are priced under $200,000).

Still in the western part of the city, but further south, beyond Clearwater Ave. (one of the major east-west arteries in Kennewick) is a new subdivision called Hansen Park. The Hansen Park area is HUGE and includes a 25-acre park with a man-made lake! The homes in Hansen Park are built by some of the area's most prestigious builders. But, there are very few remaining lots in what is considered the more affordable section (mostly under $300,000). Most new construction has begun to take place across 4th Ave., in the more expensive section (generally between $300,000 and $600,000). If I were going to live in Kennewick, I'd like to live in Hansen Park.

Elsewhere in Kennewick, there's an established area of older homes south of 10th Ave. (another major east-west route). It's a long-standing neighborhood with mature landscaping, and that's part of the appeal of the neighborhood.

Immediately to the east is a master-planned community called Creekstone. Recently, a lifelong resident of Richland was contemplating moving to either West Pasco or Creekstone. We were discussing the merits of both and he said, "You know, I hate Kennewick, but I don't think of Creekstone as Kennewick." (He really only hates Kennewick because he's always lived in Richland, and people who grew up here tend to have very strong feelings about the cities!) But, he has a point: Creekstone feels almost alien to the city. In an area of larger lots and widely disparate house styles, you find this planned community governed by CC&Rs (covenants, conditions and restrictions). There are many different home builders and different options, but once your option has been set, don't try to change things! In the early days, the rumor was that the rules at Creekstone were so strict that they dictated the color of your front room. The covenants have relaxed since then, and I never found out if that was actually true, but I know it's not now. There are lovely parks and play areas and a locked lot for the RV's so they don't clutter up the otherwise pristine landscape. It's certainly the right community for some people and absolutely wrong for others.

Further south in Kennewick is Panoramic Heights. Panoramic Heights was once the premiere community in Kennewick. Custom homes on roomy lots are the norm. You can find a modern next to a colonial next to a Cape Cod. The newest high school in Kennewick is nearby, Southridge High School. It was recently announced that the entire Southridge area will experience a residential and commercial boom. VERY exciting times are ahead for Kennewick!

Across Hwy. 395, we'll find Kennewick's venerable Canyon Lakes Development. Canyon Lakes is a golf course community. There is a strange phenomenon in Canyon Lakes. Without rhyme or reason, Canyon Lakes will either be the hottest ticket in town, or you'll be unable to give a house away. It doesn't follow season or any particular market factor. It's just plain strange!

Northeast of Canyon Lakes you can find historic downtown Kennewick. Turn-of-the-last-century Craftsmans and Victorians line Kennewick Ave. There's a thriving business hub downtown, with antique shops, sports bars, a hair salon, and department stores. It's pretty eclectic.

The eastern edge of Kennewick, WA, borders the community of Finley. There's a wide range of housing, manufactured homes on small lots or massive acres. Older farm houses on an acre surrounded by smaller homes on city lots. In addition, there are wonderful areas of lovely homes on gorgeous, manicured ACRES with views all the way to the rivers in east Kennewick, but they're few and far between.

Kennewick, Washington, is a great city, and genuinely offers something for everyone.

Looking to buy or sell a home in Kennewick, WA? Call me today for personal service! 509-430-5342