Things People Don’t Tell You Before You Move to Tri-Cities
I've been living in the Tri-Cities for the past twenty years. I didn't get a say in it, but I learned to become a Tri-Citian and started raising a family here. If someone were to think about moving to Tri-Cities, I'd gladly tell them the things I love about living here as I have numerous times on this website. But I think in fairness, it's important to also lay out some scenarios that may not be as bubbly.
I think I can be fair about this. No community is flawless, and Tri-Cities has had less than savory moments. Here's what people should know before they move here.
In the summer, it's gonna get really hot.
Let's get the obvious one out of the way. It seems Tri-Cities has a heat wave every summer. The first few times, we were told this would pass. It passed alright and then it came back every year. The winters are a little iffy and hard to nail down.
Peddling seems to be on the rise.
When everything started to shut down and re-open in 2020, I started noticing more and more peddlers in the parking lots of grocery stores and shopping strips. I used to get all bent out of shape about it and then I just let it go. It's the new normal and I've kinda just accepted it. Last week I saw someone actually give a peddler change and I felt slightly bad about myself.
The drug-related madness is getting out of hand.
It's been pretty well-established that Tri-Cities has a drug problem. Not only does a city-wide drug problem become apparent with visible drug-related weirdness in public, but the crime becomes worse as well. I understand that times are really hard right now and I hope these folks can get the help they need. In the meantime, I'll enjoy the free show I guess? Time will tell if efforts to curb the drug problem, such as the dismantling of the Thunderbird Motel, will help.
Most local businesses seem to be closed on Sundays.
My wife and I have two young children and if you've ever had two young children, you'll feel me on this next one here. After five days of being cooped up with your kids, not only do you want to stretch your legs out but you want to tire your children as well. Saturdays are great for this. But sometimes we spend Saturdays at home. When we go out Sunday, you can guarantee most stores will be closed in Downtown Kennewick or the Uptown Shopping Center in Richland. As a non-religious person myself, I can respect it even if it bums me out.
Living in Tri-Cities requires a lot of gas.
What makes Tri-Cities so vibrant and unique has also been a hindrance in the days of $5 gasoline. Here's my life right now. I live in Kennewick, work in Pasco, and have my dental appointments in Richland. That's not counting the friends and family that I visit throughout the week, either. Just something to consider. Thankfully, for those who do not drive, Tri-Cities has a robust public transit system.
What are some things you wish you knew about Tri-Cities before you moved here?