Michael Alvarez, Broker/REALTOR®, Premier Service Certified

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Kennewick Real Estate

Summary of Kennewick , Washington

Located in the southeastern part of Washington , Kennewick is one of three adjacent cities commonly referred to as the Tri-Cities.  Kennewick borders the southwest portion of the great Columbia River near its confluence with the Snake River .   The even-tempered seasons coupled with various types of entertainment and cultural experiences makes this area a popular destination for all ages.

Kennewick Real Estate - City History

It is believed that the name Kennewick was derived from the Native American term meaning “Winter Paradise”.   Until the late 1880s, this semi-arid territory was occupied by the Native American tribes of the Chemnapums, Yakamas, Umatillas, Klickitats and Wallulas.  Kennewick attracted many settlers due to the mildness of the climate and available resources.  The soil was fertile and there was an ample supply of deer and elk for food and pelts. The rivers within the region yielded salmon and steelhead and were vital to the area for crop irrigation.

Following the Indian Wars in the 1850s, the area tribes retreated to designated reservations while the settlers from the south and east poured in for the 1858 gold rush in British Columbia .  During the late 1800s Kennewick became a shipping hub for the railroad and steamboats.  The Northern Pacific Railroad built a bridge over the Columbia River from Kennewick to Pasco .  The area’s population flourished as the territory produced crops and expanded the railroad.  At last, Kennewick was incorporated February 5, 1904.

Kennewick Real Estate - Area Attractions

Whether you are a sports enthusiast, an outdoorsman or your interest is in the arts Kennewick offers an abundance of activities.  Home to the annual Gold Cup Unlimited Hydroplane Races held in the last week of July, Kennewick is a popular choice for summer vacation.  Kennewick ’s Toyota Center hosts their NIFL AF2 arena football team, the Tri-City Fever, which won the 2005 National Indoor Football League Championship.  In addition, they host The Tri-City Americans, a WHL junior ice hockey team, which has been a local icon since 1988.

Kennewick has over 300 sunny days annually making outdoor sports participation possible for most of the year.  Golf is one of the most popular sports with 10 courses throughout the Tri-Cities.   From the novice to the pro, Kennewick has 3 courses to choose from.  Canyon Lakes Golf Club is ranked as one of the top 10 public courses in the Pacific Northwest.  The Tri-City Country Club is a semi-private course that is open to the public and Columbia Park Golf Club is a beautiful Par-3 course bordered by the Columbia River .  Last, but not least, Kennewick has 3 miniature golf courses for those not quite ready to tackle the bigger courses.

Kennewick is a popular place for boating and fishing on the Columbia and Snake Rivers .  Columbia Park has a wonderful area for young children to play commonly known as the Playground of Dreams.  There is a water feature that rains down cool water on those hot summer days and there are plenty of picnic areas to enjoy.  There is a bike path that runs along the bank of the Columbia River through the park.  Kennewick has several parks throughout the various neighborhoods that accommodate soccer, softball, baseball, basketball, walking/biking paths and a public pool.  The choices are endless.  Kennewick is only a few hours away from popular ski slopes and camping retreats in the Blue Mountains to the east and the Cascade Mountains to the west.  Hunters abound in these areas as well.

Shopping is another pastime for shoppers from all around the region of southeastern Washington and northeastern Oregon .  Kennewick is the location of one of the areas largest malls, the Columbia Center Mall.  Surrounding the mall is the area’s great array of department stores, home furnishing galleries and specialty boutiques.

Kennewick is also part of the Mid-Columbia region that produces award-winning wine.  Connoisseurs from all over the nation visit our area to sample vintages from over 100 wineries within a 50 mile radius.  These fine wines are easily found on many local restaurant menus.  Kennewick offers many choices in cuisine from tender Angus beef, authentic Chinese, Italian and Mexican dishes to those hearty country styled buffets.  A visit to the symphony, a play or music by a live band is a great follow up to any meal.

Kennewick Real Estate - Demographics

Kennewick has a diverse community.   According to city data compiled in July 2005 the ethnic breakdown was reported as follows:

• White Non-Hispanic (78.1%)
• Hispanic (15.5%)
• Other race (9.4%)
• Two or more races (3.4%)
• American Indian (1.7%)
• Black (1.1%)

(Total can be greater than 100% because Hispanics could be counted in other races)

The population in Kennewick has been estimated to be approximately 60,410.  The average household earnings were $59,546 while average annual expenditures were $43,476.  

Kennewick has 3 public high schools, 4 middle schools and 13 elementary schools.  There are 3 private elementary schools and 2 private pre-schools.