Colleen's (and occasionally, Joe's) Blog

When one speaks of Richland and its must see sights, one of the first institutions to strike is the Hanford Reach Interpretive Center (popularly termed The Reach). This is a new center being constructed to attract tourists and celebrate the American Indian legacy while educating people about the native and socio cultural ethos of the Hanford Reach in Columbia.

Conceived in 2000 The Reach was basically a concept geared to providing inputs about the region. Building on an idea like this from scratch required not just time but also money and collective experience of a whole lot of people from different walks of life. The Reach has come a long way since then. Today the second phase of development is witness to erection of infrastructure at the Columbia Point South.

The Reach is situated at the Columbia Point South located in Richland, Washington. For years together this point at the confluence of the rivers Yakima and Columbia , has been the node of activity. The apt location of The Reach embodies the coming together and union of not just the waters of the rivers but also of different communities, cultures, species, and ideologies.

The Reach is gradually taking the shape of an all encompassing Northwest institution which will impact the present and future generations with all the knowledge it holds about the country, geography and cultures…things which have molded the history of the land and which will mould the future.

The Reach spans 61,000-square-feet of land in area and offers panoramic vistas of the Yakima and Columbia rivers and adjacent hills. The Seattle based architectural firm Jones & Jones, has drawn from its vast experience in landscape architecture to focus on nature, the native inhabitants, and biological regions for this project. A beautiful and functional layout has been designed to meet the requirements of the Tri-Cities. Hilferty & Associates, from Ohio is working with the research teams to breathe new life into the stories they plan to exhibit at the center.

The Reach will have a Permanent gallery displaying the Hanford Project and its details. The end stages of the Columbia river with its spawning areas of the Chinook salmon will be showcased here on projectors with special effects and surround sound theatre ambience.

The White Bluffs Theater will showcase this emotionally exuberant clip for visitors. Alongside there will be 4 primary displays named: The Land Takes from, The Living Land, The Land Transformed and Saving The Reach. These will entail details of the geological mutations over the years, the flora and fauna and the tribes who have inhabited these regions, will show how WWII transformed the region from an agrarian base to a research center for nuclear technology down to the final and current chapter detailing environmental politicking.

All this will be showcased with special theater effects not just on the screen but also below the audience, transforming the theatre and bringing the events to life across time. It is an endeavor to sensitize people to their nation and history.

Kennewick is one of the largest cities in the "Tri-Cities" of South east Washington . The city is recognized for being the Washington's most developed and progressive city. It falls in an important area of the Washington's wine producing region. With Columbia River touching its boundaries, Kennewick is a fantastic place to enjoy a peaceful and calm life.

The Past

As the history goes Kennewick was founded in 1883-1884 by worker employed by the rail road company.  This city would have been a dead city for want of water, however the Northern Pacific Railroad built an irrigation canal that revived the city. Kennewick was also the first home to the Chemnapum Indians meaning "Winter Haven," an proper label as the tribe got together  in the gentle weather to trade, fish and look after their horses. Also the city is known for the old skeleton called the "Kennewick Man" which is presumed to be 9,200 year old unearthed in Kennewick's Columbia Park. The discovery was noted as an international event and commented world over.

As It is Now

Kennewick is now the biggest of the three cities and light industry and retail to support is the main reason for its thriving economy. The city is also the trade focal point of south eastern Washington and north eastern Oregon, with plentiful of shopping places in the western side  specially in Columbia Center mall and in the eastern side in the momentous Shopping District.

Sports & Recreation
Kennewick city hosts the Western Hockey League and the Arena Football League's Tri-Cities Fever. Here the sporting events are fast, mad and filled with fun for all the age groups.

The leisure activities proliferate all round the year in Kennewick . Open-air enthusiasts can spend almost all the year in sunshine and enjoy their favourite activity or sport. In the summer season, each year, a unique racing event – the hydroplane racing is held on the River Columbia. Citizens from all of south eastern Washington visit Kennewick for shopping in the city's business locality, the focus point of which is the Columbia Center Mall. There are large parks for children where they can enjoy the free air with lots of fun. Also appealing is the multi-car train ride which can be enjoyed in the open air by a complete family. As the fishing season begins, children are looking forward to drop a line into the Fishing Pond.  Amongst other activities, one can enjoy the walk  along the Audubon Nature Trail which is full of natural beauty, slow and steady bicycling and an enjoyable walk to the duck pond. As the locals says – that there is something for every one in Kennewick -  A place in paradise.

Pasco is known for its stance on eco tourism, an idea it promotes through the Lewis & Clark Overlook and the American Indian Heritage attractions detailed below.

The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center Overlook is situated at the junction of the Columbia Center and Columbia Park and it overlooks the River Columbia near the Bateman Island which is how it gets its name. A concrete avenue comprising of a pergola with two panels and a map of the Lewis-Clark Trail engraved into it is on display. Additionally, there is a wall of stone and some amount of landscaping done.

In the Northwest, the first Federal Highway was the Columbia Drive. Comprising of a concretized dual lane road, it competes with the Columbia River. A commemorative interpretive sign indicating this is situated at the junction of  Columbia Drive and Edison Street. This highway takes the path earlier taken by Lewis and Clark during their explorations up the river.

The Sacajawea State Park & Interpretive Center is named after Sacajawea, the Indian wife of the expedition member Charbonneau who was also the spokesperson for the Lewis and Clark expedition. Run and managed by the state, this center displays her story and the travels of Lewis & Clark against the backdrop of American Native history.

Directions to the Sacajawea Park are situated at the junction of Highway 12 and road leading to the Park in Pasco. This celebrates the American Indian who also stood for peace.

Another marker commemorating Lewis and Clark stands at the gate of the Hood Park which is on the Snake River in the city of Pasco. It was erected by the Daughters of the American Revolution celebrating the Expedition's travels in the Tri Cities region.

Franklin County Museum is the most famous institution in the region. Situated in the erstwhile Carnegie Library, it finds a place of pride in the National Historic Register. Exhibits on the American Indians, the pioneers, aviators, and railroads being constructed in the area impart tremendous knowledge about the region. Among other things, there are many battle scarred memorabilia and an archive housing the works of famed Hollywood Director of Cinematography James W. Howe.

Additionally, some of the other not to be missed site is the Marmes Rockshelter, Lyons Ferry State Park and Fish Hatchery. This is situated in the east of  Washington at the point where the Snake and Palouse Rivers merge together. In 1968 human bones were found here by the researchers of Washington State University. These were deemed approximately 10,000 years old and probably belonged to one of the earliest habitations in North America. This came to be termed the Marmes Rockshelter. Dam building work on the river has deluged the actual site, which is why the graves were transferred to a hill in proximity to the original site which can be reached on traveling three miles. The Lyons Ferry Hatchery is hosts tours through its compound showcasing excellent hatchery conditions and fish culturing.

Is the home you are selling in need of a little help? Are you willing to do a few Mr. Fix-It projects to get fabulous returns on the value of your house? These five home improvement projects are the most profitable. Buyers value them. They increase the value of the home significantly and are recommended highly buy Realtors and brokers.

#1 ~ Cleanup The Yard

The landscaping of your Kennewick Wa home is the first thing a potential Kennewick Wa Real Estate buyer sees when they approach your home.  Take some time to clear out all of the personal items and debris like lawn clippings and fallen leaves.  In the spring and summer, hire a professional landscaper or gardener.  The lush texture and precise appearance of a professionally maintained yard present the home you are selling like a well-wrapped present.   Likewise, let a professional see to your trees, edging plants, flowers and shrubs.  A few dots of colorful flowers or a crisp line of hedges will give your home more curb appeal and a distinctive look that will bring buyers of Kennewick Wa Real Estate by in flocks.

If you are selling in the winter, keep your walkways clear of snow and ice for appearance, convenience and safety.  Many landscapers take care of snow removal in the winter, if your aren’t up to the heavy chore of shoveling and salting the sidewalk every few days.  If you have children, confine their snow games to the back yard to preserve the look of fresh even snow from the curb.  

#2 ~ Update the Bathroom

The cost of remodeling an out-of-date bathroom is frequently too high for a seller’s project, but the look of a bathroom can be updated with much smaller projects.  New fixtures on sinks, tubs, and showers are an inexpensive way to change the look of and older room.  Fresh, neutral paint will make the room seem newer, and a stylish shower curtain can hide a multitude of tub troubles.  If your tub, toilet, or sink is chipped, take the time to repair the porcelain.  These repair kits can be found in the paint or fixture departments at your local hardware store and rarely cost more that fifteen dollars.  Make sure you choose the right color, because ivory repair color on a white bathroom sink really will stand out...[for the remaining three, click here]

Related Home Improvement Resources:

• Fix Your Fixer Upper
• Home Repair Projects
• Pick The Right Contractor
• Fixer Upper Math
• Cut The Contractor Loose
• The Perfect Roof

Kennewick Homes For Sale | Kennewick Real Estate Blog | Contact Us

There is a mystery in the mountains that can be viewed in the Richland Washington area. The historians Gary Lentz and Dave Nicandri, in collaboration with Rob Stratton a surveyor, have collaborated to find an answer to the intriguing mystery of the Lewis and Clark story in Washington:

Who saw the conical mountain bearing southwest?
This question appears to be of some importance to historians, who have pursued documents to determine the facts; Clark wrote about the mountain in his diary; he appear to have time to write about it; and he was a healthy and fit man to be able to visit the mountain. This has begged the question: Why didn’t Clark mention that he climbed the mountain?

It is possible that Captain Meriwether Lewis saw the mountain first. Although he has not made a journal entry of it, it was widely acknowledged that he often went on walks alone. It is also known that Lewis spent a few days in camp whilst Clark was exploring, and historians have often wondered: What was he doing?

The Richland Wa area is full of other mysteries in its surrounding mountains. Stay tuned to this blog for more insights into the mysteries of this gorgeous Columbian Basin area, and the puzzles its presents from ages of ago.

Related Resources:

• Kennewick Wa Real Estate News
• Washington Real Estate
• Eastern Washington

The history of the Kennewick Wa area includes the fascinating ~Kennewick Man~, a skeleton that has been dated as being 9, 200. This cultural artefact was unearthed in Columbia Park, July 28, 1996, and has received large amounts of international attention. Of intense interest is that the fossil appears to have Caucasian features, despite being labelled an indigenous dweller thought to have lived over 9,000 years ago.

The Kennewick find is still a matter of controversy as to who actually has ownership rights. Its discovery was an accident brought about by observers at the annual hydroplane race who spotted the skull whilst the races were on.

The current Kennewick Man debate is in regards to the relationship of American Indian religious obligations and the science of archaeology. At present, the Native American Graves and Protection and Repatriation Act has enabled 5 American Indian groups to claim the remains (the Nez Perce, Umatilla, Yakama, Wannapum, and Colville). Each tribe claims that the remains are theirs, and that they require burial by traditional means.

The United States Court of Appeals ruled that a cultural link could not be established in February of 2004. As such, more scientific research has been called upon, although it remains unclear as to how the cultural elements of the debate are being included. The Kennewick Man remains can be viewed at the Burke Museum at the University of Washington.

Related Kennewick Washington Resources:

• Kennewick Columbia Park ~ Kennewick Wa
• Kennewick Man ~ Kennewick Wa
• Arts & Culture ~ Kennewick Wa
• Rivers in Kennewick ~ Kennewick Wa
• Kennewick Washington News
• Kennewick Wa Real Estate

Pasco Washington has some truly stupendous wonders only a little while up the road. This 80-mile gorgeous piece of natures wonderland is the Columbia River Gorge, forms a natural boarder between north Oregon and southern Washington. Created by glacial flooding thousands upon thousands of years ago, the 1,200-mile-long river course is the solitary sea-level passage bridging the Cascade Mountains.

Imagine waking up in a part of North America that has such a rich treasure in its own backyard, and this is the case for Pasco Wa area. Snake River is just one of the Columbia River and Gorge tributaries.

Related Pasco Resources:

• History ~ Pasco Wa
• Overview ~ Pasco Wa
• Recreation ~ Pasco Wa
• Economy ~ Pasco Wa
• Pasco Wa Real Estate

State Motto: “Alki,” meaning “by and by” in Chinook was used by early Euro-American traders and Native Americans. This is also present in the original Territorial Seal.
State Seal: The official State Seal encompasses a likeness of President George Washington adapted in 1967 with the words “Great Seal of the State of Washington 1889”.
State Flag: The State Seal on a green background adopted in 1923.
State Nickname: “The Evergreen State” license plates.
State Song: “Washington, My Home,” penned by Helen Davis.
State Folk Song: Woody Guthrie’s “Roll On Columbia, Roll On”.
State Dance: The quadrille.
State Mammal: The mountain beaver.
State Marine Mammal: The orca.
State Bird: The American goldfinch.
State Insect: The green darner dragonfly.
State Fish: The Steelhead trout.
State Mollusk: The banana slug (unofficial).
State Flower: The Coast Rhododendron.
State Tree: The western hemlock.
State Fruit: The apple.
State Grass: The bluebunch wheatgrass.
State Fossil: The Columbian Mammoth.
State Gem: Petrified wood.
State Ship: The container ship President Washington.
State Tartan: A grid of intersecting bands of color on a solid background based on traditional Gaelic weaves in red, white, blue, yellow, and green pattern.

Washington State – Facts and Figures

Here are some facts and figures about Washington State and answers to some frequently asked questions:

The Washington State lies in the far northwestern corner of the continent of Northern America. Its area is more than 66,500 square miles. In the north, it shares its borders with Canada and in the south with Oregon. Area wise, it is USA’s 20th largest state and has diverse natural environments for its eastern and western halves.

About 6 million people reside here and the economy boasts of sectors like software and technology; aviation; agriculture primarily wheat, apples, and beans; fishing and forest products. It is the largest exporter of raw materials, foodstuffs, manufactured goods and hydroelectricity. It is also known for its exotic travel locations. Ethnically and culturally it is a fusion since Native American tribes Europeans and Asians not to mention some Latinos form the population here.

In the 19th century the warring British and the Americans jointly controlled the region but eventually the former ceded the Pacific Northwest to the U.S and two years later the U.S. created Oregon. Washington as a separate entity was separated from Oregon in 1853, and achieved statehood on November 11, 1889. Olympia has been its capital since 1853 and Seattle is its most populous city followed by Spokane, Tacoma, Bellevue, Vancouver and Everett.

Washington has a bicameral Legislature with 49 Legislative Districts which elect one Senator each to a term of four years and two Representatives to terms of two years. The Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General, Auditor, Treasurer, Commissioner of Public Lands, Superintendent of Public Instruction, and Insurance Commissioner enjoy four-year terms. The nine members of the State Supreme Court are appointed for six-year terms.
Washington comprises 39 counties, and many incorporated cities and special districts looking into local governance. Members of Congress and 2 US senators are also elected by voters.

Welcome to Benton County/Franklin County

Over two-thirds of the residents in Western Washington area are married (70%). This bustling city has a large average household and so is ideal for the growing family. Schools and playgrounds abound, and the topic of conversation over a cup of coffee tends to be about “the kids”. Although the burgeoning number of college students and graduates may soon change that!

Richland Washington Real Estate district, like Central Washington, had a median family income of $61, 813 in 2000. This is definitely a community of financial security with many of the residents being placed in the “middle-class” bracket.

A benefit of living in the area is its low crime rate, and community orientation. And almost 88% of the houses and apartments in the Benton City Washington Real Estate area are owner occupied. And it interesting to not that many of the properties located in West Richland Wa Real Estate tend to be newer as compared to other cities.

The US Postal Service reports that West Richland Washington Real Estate and or its surrounding areas may sometimes also be called Hanford Works.

The Lane Real Estate Team also services Burbank Washington & Finley Washington & Prosser Washington & Kennewick Washington

Related Resources:

• Recreation ~ West Richland Wa
• Overview ~ West Richland Wa
• History ~ West Richland Wa
• Climate ~ West Richland Wa

Welcome Tri City Washington Investors ~ Playground of Dreams ~ As a local or a resident of Tri City Washington area you should know about how to explore and discover the wonderful South East of Washington State. The Columbia Basin, and in particular the city of Pasco, provide a great opportunity for fun family entertainment.

Just across the Columbia River of the Tri City Washington area is Columbia Park – 37 acres of trees and open spaces trailing along a riverside. It is a place for the whole family to enjoy; playing in the Playground of Dreams; rambling along the walking trails; feeding the ducks or dropping a line in the Family Fishing Pond; launch a boat in the designated area; enjoy some music at the Band Shell stage; or lunch at one of the numerous gazebos and shelters. And for that special event, areas of the park are available for lease or rent.

Related Resources:

• Relaxed Living ~ Tri City Wa
• History ~ Tri City Wa
• Recreation ~ Tri City Wa
• Nature ~ Tri City Wa
• Kennewick Wa Real Estate News

There are gymnastics classes designed for girls and boys in Pasco Washington. The classes have been developed for the age group 3-11 years. Each class will present instructions for beginners of gymnastics, to learn the basic skills of tumbling, using the beam, vault and trampoline.

The classes place a great emphasis on discipline, as well as encouraging students of the Pasco area to develop a sense of self-awareness and coordination, and to be creative and have fun. To be included into the available programs all young children must be potty trained, and all students must be able to communicate their needs and to move independently. The classes are sponsored through the collaboration of the Pasco Recreation Services and Desert Gymnastics. All classes are held at LifeQuest health club in Pasco, 4215 Convention Place ([509] 545-5191).

A gymnastic program can be a safe and rewarding experience for your child, and is great preparation for other sporting activities such as ballet, martial arts and diving. A positive, creative and fun environment enables children to explore a graceful and skilled approach to physical fitness, leadership while developing confidence in their abilities. Give the gift of fitness and skill and enroll your child today! When considering Pasco real estate, please consider The Lane Real Estate Team of Joe and Colleen Lane.

Building permits drawn through May, 2007

Tri-Cities Washington in the News

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Tri Cities Chosen as Top Metro for Scientists and Engineers in the U.S.

Washington State’s renowned Tri Cities area—comprising the cities of Richland, Kennewick, and Pasco—was officially selected as the number one place for scientists and engineers to live and work in the U.S., according to the fifth annual “Knowledge Worker Quotient” recently released by ExpansionManagement.com.

According to the site, the Quotient provides “a roadmap for where to find the best educated workforce in America,” focusing on scientists, engineers, medical doctors, other professionals with PhDs, as well as those with graduate degrees and post-graduate degrees. Three hundred and sixty-two metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) were judged and then ranked according to “their ability to provide the depth of talent and innovative environment upon which thrive”...[more]

No Housing Slowdown in Washington State Markets

Washington state has one of the highest rate of residential appreciation in the nation during the first three months of this year compared to the same period in 2006, the U.S. Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight reports...[more]

Tri-Cities Washington closings through May, 2007.

Washington State, The Fastest Growing Housing Market in the Nation

Forecasters at Fiserv Lending Solutions and Moody's Economy.com predict a radical shift in the top 10 list of fastest growers for the 12 months beginning in June; only one California city, El Centro, will be represented. Instead, Washington State will dominate, with five of the top 10 cities...[more]

Hunting is an activity as old as the hills in Pasco Washington, and Southeast Wa in general. A summary of hunting season dates can be found at http://wdfw.wa.gov/wlm/game/seasons.htm for deer, elk, birds and other animals that are legally able to be hunted in Washington State. A hunting license can be purchased online from https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov/ Information on permits, hunting reports, catch records and links to other hunting information sites are also available.

All Tri-Cities hunting activities must abide by Washington state law, and this requires all individuals born after January 1st, 1972 to have proof of undertaking basic hunting education and training to be able to purchase a license of any type. A Hunting Education class is a program that emphasizes three general topic areas; 1) outdoor safety and use of firearms; 2) wildlife management; and 3) the responsibilities of the Hunter. The course in Pasco is a comprehensive program with instruction that focuses on the correct use of firearms, personal safety in the outdoors, sportsmanship and the critical need for conservation. Hunters safety classes are commonly held in Pasco's Griggs Department Store.

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Please consider the Lane Real Estate team
for all Pasco Wa real estate needs.

Kennewick Schools ~ One of the first things a buyer in the real estate market might look for in a potential home is the quality of the school district it lies in. That line of thinking goes hand in hand with preparing for a family, ensuring that any children that grow up in the home are given both a great education and opportunities to explore whatever passions they might have. The Kennewick School District 17 accomplishes just that, affording children throughout the Kennewick area the opportunity to attend a world-class educational facility that has produced countless children prepared for the next step in their educational lives.

The Kennewick School District 17 contains 13 elementary schools, four middle schools, three high schools and countless dedicated teachers that have helped the district become among the most respected in the state. The foundation of the curriculum involves reading and reading comprehension, ensuring that children both grasp the ability to read by 3rd grade and then apply that capability to a higher level of comprehension later on.

Beyond The Three “Rs”

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The district has also been progressive in its approach to technology, adopting a policy of teach commonly-used programs like Microsoft Word and Excel to prepare students for what is an increasingly digital world. While traditional subjects such as math and science will forever be cornerstones of education, the flexibility of the Kennewick School District to incorporate new and different ideas into the district curriculum give students the benefit of a more modern, more practical educational experience. The inclusion of computer education is only one example of that tenet.

Of course, the commitment to excellence the district has made comes only with the active participation of parents in the process and many steps are taken to get parents further involved in Kennewick School District activities. Attendance, grades and confidence all go up for a student when his or her parent is actively involved and achieving that is a key goal for Kennewick School District staff. Schooling extends home and without that extra added emphasis on parent involvement, the message can sometimes get lost when the child walks out of the school’s front doors.

Balance Current Needs And Future Possibilities

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Whether you currently have children or not, it is always a good idea to look into the educational opportunities provided in different areas. In Kennewick, those opportunities are ample and those that look closely at the track record and commitment of the Kennewick School District come away with an incredibly favorable impression. Children are truly taken care of through the Kennewick School District and emerge from the system ready to tackle the next great challenge in their lives. That should play no small role in selecting a home for your current or potential family.

The Lane Real Estate Team of Joe and Colleen Lane can take that to heart and show you the diversity of real estate available in the Kennewick School District. No matter what your budget, desired amenities or location preferences, Joe and Colleen Lane can find the home that best fits you. With over 20 years of combined experience serving Kennewick and the surrounding Tri-Cities area, Joe and Colleen Lane have seen it all and can help you find just what you’re looking for.

Contact the Lane Real Estate Team today to get started on finding the right Kennewick Wa home for you and your family.  Joe and Colleen Lane also service Pasco real estate and Richland real estate needs as well.  A simple email or phone call can set you on the path towards a stress-free home purchase. Don’t let the process get so bogged down that you miss the excitement of a new home purchase. Instead, let Joe and Colleen Lane work for you in order to deliver you the right home, the right school district and the right real estate transaction for you.

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For more Kennewick real estate news, and other relevant Tri-Cities news, please visit our Kennewick Wa real estate news and views blog.

The cost of living in a particular real estate area can dramatically affect a decision to purchase a home. It is clear the cost of living varies diversely across suburbs and neighborhoods, and between cities and towns. Many factors effect living costs, the main one being geographical location – such as rural, urban or metropolitan areas.  Wikipedia writes:

"A cost-of-living index measures the cost of maintaining a certain standard of living over time. Price indexes, such as the United States Consumer Price Index, use cost-of-living as their conceptual basis."

The cost-of-living index has been developed to determine the minimum costs in North America to maintain a household in terms of sustenance and their income purchasing power. To work out the likely cost of living in an area you need to consider several factors. For example, in the long-term, what are the likely costs of goods and services in the area? and What are the price indexes? The US Consumer Price Index is a great resource to start with to answer these questions. Next, what are the price changes of goods and services? as well as inflation? The Governments decisions that directly affect the economy will also affect the quality of goods and services available, and so modify the cost-of-living index.

Other factors to look at for cost of living are employment rates, the average salary, rental and housing costs, and of course the health of the real estate market. When considering Richland real estate, try the website at Salary.com for local cost of living information.

The Tri-Cities Wa region is holding its 2007 Tri-Cities Great Golf in Wine Country Getaway offers right now! “Stay and play” as they say – with up to thirteen different packages to choose from. Each package incorporates one of the best public golf courses in the Columbia Basin; Canyon Lakes, Columbia Point, Horn Rapids Golf and Country Club, to name a few.

Each package includes a one night stay for two people, as well as 18-holes of golf for two complete with a golf buggy. Upgrading can get you a full breakfast with tee time confirmation and a shuttle service.

The rates are excellent, starting at just $155. Individual rates are available on request as well. However, there is a cancellation policy, so take note! When you make your reservations for a package don’t forget to ask about additional rounds of play, extra nights accommodation, and wine tours. The prices advertised are for two people and are subject to availability. Choosing to pay in advance with the booking is required; and a minimum of 48 hours cancellation notice must be given. A cancellation fee will be applied to cancellations not made within the 48 hour time frame.

For more information, visit the Tri Cities Visitors and Convention Bureau. When in Tri Cities Washington please consider the Lane Real Estate Team for all Tri Cities real estate needs.

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Related Tri Cities Wine and Golf Resources:

• More Washington Golf and Wine Getaways
• More Fun Things in Tri Cities Washington
• Tri City Country Club
• WSU Wine Education Seminars

Tri-Cities Named Top Engineer/Scientist Haven

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The Tri-Cities area of southeastern Washington has long been a prime example of a fast growing, modern, attractive area and it seems that engineers and scientists can particularly feel at home amidst the growth. The labor force in an area is of course a great indication of the kind of economic vitality and education opportunities the area might have and Richland, Kennewick and Pasco can be proud as they have been named the top metro area for scientists and engineers in the United States by Expansion Management.

That magazine put out a study called the Knowledge Worker Quotient, an annual exercise for the magazine that ranks metro areas around the United States in terms of their ability to retain and provide new companies with a sophisticated, highly skilled workforce. The Tri-Cities area of Kennewick, Richland and Pasco can offer just that in the way of scientists and engineers to a company looking at the area for potential expansion. As the U.S. economy continues to trend toward a knowledge- and information-based marketplace, the Tri-Cities will be well suited to take advantage of that shift.

A Testament To Education

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The ranking of the Tri-Cities area as a prime pool of scientists and engineers is a testament to the area’s ability to educate and retain highly skilled workers. As with other cities and metro areas cited by Expansion Management, the Tri-Cities can call itself one of the backbone cities in the country providing support to an ever-growing pool of technology-related jobs and knowledge economy companies. Residents have flocked to the Kennewick, Richland and Pasco areas to bask in the beautiful surroundings but have also done so in recognition of the multitude of opportunities available as well.

Those looking to expand technology-based businesses do so with a keen eye for a workforce that can supply the highly-skilled, hard-working employees any endeavor needs to succeed. As Expansion Management has found, the cities of Kennewick, Richland and Pasco can all offer that kind of workforce, eager to tackle the continuously expanding field of technology-based business and provide southeastern Washington with a vital foothold in the tech sector.

From Farm to Factory to the Future

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The distinction of the Tri-Cities as a strong haven for scientists and engineers comes on a foundation of an agricultural economy that has since developed into a diverse environment ripe for the kind of highly-skilled work scientists and engineers specialize in. Pasco in particular has had a storied agricultural history but over the past two decades has diversified its economy and as such has been Washington’s fastest growing city for many years. That is just one indication of the way the Tri-Cities has followed trends in the economy to stay current and relevant to new residents.

Richland in fact holds the Hanford Site, once a processing facility for plutonium during World War II and the Cold War, now a nuclear material cleanup facility that employees a great amount of scientists and engineers. The Hanford Site and other businesses work in the tech sector to not only better the Washington area, but more importantly to contribute to a growing trend in the American economy to specialize in information- and knowledge-based fields. That trend bodes well for the Tri-Cities area, as Expansion Management was quick to find out when examining those metropolitan areas best suited for the future.

A Strong, Bustling Environment

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As indications like the Expansion Management study show, the Tri-Cities area is growing both in population and in stature. The real estate market in the area reflects that and is now a vast, diverse repository of property ranging from starter homes to large commercial properties. Because of the sustained, healthy growth of Pasco, Richland and Kennewick, that real estate market and the rest of the area itself is well positioned to tackle the future and the new information- and knowledge-based challenges it may present.