The city of Walla Walla, Washington lies in the southeastern quadrant of the state, near the borders of both Oregon and Idaho. Geographically, this makes Walla Walla the hub of the Pacific Northwest, a very nice claim to have! This means that Walla Walla has a naturally beautiful backdrop, with the Blue Mountains beginning their ascent here. Its central location also makes it a very attractive place to do business, so residents here benefit from a strong local economy.

The city's fun-to-say name derives from a Native American dialect that means "many waters". Quality of life is high here, so much so that several prestigious organizations and publications have recognized Walla Walla for its standard of living. The National Trust for Historic Preservation bestowed its "Great American Main Street Award" upon the town. The venerable Sunset Magazine, considered by many to be the bible of western living, concurred, naming the town "The Best Main Street in the West".

There are currently around 29,686 residents living in Walla Walla, with a median age of thirty four years old. Of the city's working-age population, over thirty six percent are employed in a professional or managerial capacity. Some thirty percent are employed in the service industry, while an additional fifteen percent work in an administrative capacity. The average household income in Walla Walla is currently $33,983 per year.

Walla Walla was once strictly farmland, and newcomers will still find evidence of this industry's importance surrounding the town proper. Prominent agriculture in this region includes wheat, grape vineyards and those famous Washington State apples. Within the city of Walla Walla, dominant employers include the Army Corps of Engineers, the town's several hospitals and two local colleges, including Whitman College and Walla Walla Community College.

Potential home buyers in this area will find an enviable array of options from which to choose. Walla Walla has a great combination of single-family detached homes and multi-family housing to offer. Within the city limits, about half of homes are detached, while the remainder are a mix of condominiums, town homes and duplexes. There is a strong rate of ownership in Walla Walla, with about sixty percent of residents choosing to own rather than rent. The town's affordable cost of living means that home ownership is within reach of most people here, and buyers will be able to find something that suits nearly every taste and budget. Recent real estate reports indicate that the average purchase price of a home in Walla Walla is currently $98,550, making it one of the most affordable home markets in America.

Outdoor activities are incredibly popular in this region, and you will find activities that range from relaxing to extreme. Within the city, there are dozens of public parks in which to relax. More rugged options include taking to the miles of hiking trails to be found in the area, some of which offer the opportunity for a casual stroll through old-growth forests, while others give thrill seekers the chance to get their adrenaline pumping. Boating and canoing are popular activities in Walla Walla, as is fishing, mountain biking and camping. The winter months make it possible to take to the mountains for excellent snowboarding, skiing and snowmobiling.

Other ways to spend your free time in Walla Walla include the Summer Sounds on the Plaza concert series and the popular Farmers Market, each an opportunity to meet up with your neighbors. The Walla Walla Valley is home to dozens of prestigious wineries, producing top-level wines such as Syrah, Cabernet, and Merlot. Spending an afternoon in one or more of the valley's tasting rooms is a wonderfully relaxing way to have a mini-vacation at home, while supporting local businesses at the same time.

Walla Walla is an equally ideal place for singles, seniors and families alike. The town's backdrop of breathtaking natural beauty sets a relaxed tone, offering residents the opportunity to slow their daily pace just a bit. The town offers all of the amenities and services that residents could need or want, while maintaining the safe and peaceful environment of a small town. If you are thinking about moving, consider the many benefits of living in Walla Walla, Washington! To learn more about this great community, simply request our free relocation packet today.