
Everything You Need to Know About Tri-Cities In One Essential Guide
Here's everything you need to know about Tri-Cities, Washington.
Whether you're looking for some hidden gems you have yet to discover, just moved to Tri-Cities, or are eager to tell me how wrong I am; this post has what you need.
Photo by Gabriel Sanchez on Unsplash
Tri-Cities is one of the fastest-growing communities in the entire nation, with an expected 40,000 more people expected to move to Pasco in the next decade. Tri-Cities' growth means more businesses both big and small are opening up, which in turn brings more people into town to work those new jobs. It's so cyclical, it bears resemblance to the chicken and the egg conundrum. So, which came first - Pasco or Kennewick? Well, Ainsworth was first but when Pasco was officially incorporated in 1891, Pasco gradually gobbled up Ainsworth until there was no more. Pasco has the unique claim of hosting the Lewis and Clark Expedition, as they camped out in modern-day Sacajewa Park.

For years, Kennewick has been the business and social hub in the Tri-Cities. The mall is in Kennewick as is the Toyota Center, and most of Tri-Cities' oldest businesses are in Kennewick. While not as old as Pasco, Kennewick has some history. Incorporated in 1904, Kennewick has uniquely flourished during historically bad times across the country. Kennewick experienced growth during the Great Depression and Hanford kept people employed during the Great Recession. Historic downtown Kennewick and Clover Island are must-visit spots for locals and visitors alike.
By Unknown author - Washington State Localities Photographs, Public Domain
Kennewick continues to be the largest town in Tri-Cities, and one of the biggest in the entire state. But its stranglehold on the local food and business scene is starting to give way.
World War II led to a surge in population in Tri-Cities.
While Richland was formally incorporated in 1910, it wasn't much more than a small farm town for the first three decades of its existence. Until the start of WWII, Richland's population was about 300. The construction of the Hanford Nuclear Reservation saw an influx of government workers needing temporary housing while they worked on the Manhattan Project. If you worked at Hanford during the war, the government planted trees in your yard and gave you free lightbulbs. By the end of the war, Richland's population had ballooned to 25,000 people and the temporary alphabet homes that were meant to be torn down, well uh, never got torn down. If you want to buy one, they're being sold for about $250,000 now, which is wild. Richland's Uptown Shopping Center is a popular social hub for people that want to shop at unique stores, take in some music, or drink with friends.
What things are there to do in Tri-Cities?
So, now that you know the basic history of the Tri-Cities, let's take a dive into the culture. One of the best parts about living here is the food, and the food trucks in Tri-Cities are legit.
25 Tri-Cities Food Trucks You Have To Try Before You Die!
Local business is an integral part of our community, so which local businesses do the locals love the most?
Best Business Reviews in the Tri-Cities
Are you an outdoors person? Try these campsites near Tri-Cities.
5 Amazing Private Campsites Near Tri-Cities
For the hikers, these are the best trails around Tri-Cities.
Here's 3 Cool Hikes Near Tri-Cities
If you're trying to make breakfast plans, here are some places that might not be on your radar yet.
15 Hole in the Wall Breakfast Places in the Tri-Cities You Simply Must Try
One great thing about Tri-Cities is the selection of Chinese food.
10 Best Chinese Restaurants in Tri-Cities, WA
How's the dating scene in Tri-Cities?
Real Tri-Cities Craigslist Missed Connections
It can get downright steamy!
Kinky and Creepy Missed Connections on Tri-Cities Craigslist Right Now
As Tri-Cities continues to grow, however, maneuvering the streets and highways can get a bit complicated.
These are the Worst Areas to Drive in Tri-Cities, Washington
What's the weather like in Tri-Cities?
Things That Can Blow Away in a Tri-Cities, Washington Windstorm
Tri-Cities can get pretty hot, too.
Hottest 10 Days in Tri-Cities History
Maybe you need to preserve your sanity by getting out of Tri-Cities for a little bit. While you're on the road, make sure you give these attractions a look!
Seven Roadside Attractions Near Tri-Cities Worth Checking Out!
These are the local favorites for grabbing a bite to eat.
Tri-Cities Eats and Sweets We Can't Live Without
But old school Tri-Cities residents still wish these spots were open.
10 Popular Tri-Cities Places That Are Now Gone
What do you do when you're craving a milkshake? You visit one of these places!
9 Places in the Tri-Cities That Have the Best Milkshakes!
There's always a chance you run into a celebrity out and about in Tri-Cities.
12 Celebrities You Could Bump Into In The Tri-Cities
You want to know how you get on a Tri-Cities resident's bad side?
8 Things People in Tri-Cities are Sick of Hearing
Did you know Tri-Cities is a popular topic on Jeopardy!?
Every Time Jeopardy! Asked a Question About Tri-Cities
What kind of gifts should you buy for someone that lives in Tri-Cities?
12 Fantastical Gift Ideas Only People in Tri-Cities Would Understand
If you need to get your kids out of the house, these are the best tubing spots.
10 "Secret" Tri-Cities Tubing Spots Kids Will Love!
All towns love poking fun at themselves and Tri-Cities is certainly no stranger to that.
50 Tri-Cities Memes That's Make You LOL
If you're feeling generous, these are the areas in Tri-Cities where you can free your loose change.
The Top 11 Hottest Spots in Tri-Cities For Panhandlers
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