Walla Walla : Washington
Living a Small town Lifestyle in Walla Walla, Washington
With just under 31,000 residents, this small town is a reasonable size and growing steadily. Walla Walla is the county seat of Walla Walla County in southeastern Washington. It is home to one of the top small private colleges in the country, Whitman College.
The Walla Walla area, infamous for an Indian massacre of white settlers in frontier days, now boasts wineries and the world famous Walla Walla onions. The charming downtown is being restored with bookstores, cute shops and restaurants. The main street is like that of Salt Lake City, wide enough to turn a wagon around in. Quiet residential streets and multiple parks give this small city a very livable quality. It is being called by some as the Napa of the North.
Where to Retire in Walla Walla and Home Prices
Active adults 55+ are attracted to Walla Walla because of its relatively mild weather, parks, ample housing opportunities, and beautiful environment. There is at least one 55+ development in the area. Home prices are in a great range, depending on location and type. Property values are still reasonable by Washingon State standards. Zillow.com reports the median home value in Walla Walla was $417,302 in mid-2022.
What Is Special about Walla Walla
• Beautiful setting – a desert surrounded by hills and mountains • College town atmosphere • Proximity to the Columbia River and great scenery • Its wineries bring lots of tourists to the area • Livable downtown and small town feel.
What Is Not Special about Walla Walla
• It is far from anything • Could become a small world unless you like living in small town.
Climate and Physical Environment
Walla Walla is situated in the golden rolling hills of southeastern Washington. The Columbia River valley passes nearby. Being in eastern Washington, Walla Walla has quite a different climate than Seattle. It is colder in winter and much drier, summers are warmer. Average Jan. temperature is in mid 30's, average July temperature is in low 70s.
Restaurants & Cultural Scene
Whitman College provides a continuous cultural background for the community. In addition the town offers a variety of festivals. There are bookstores and art galleries. There are 6 libraries within the area. The Whitman Mission historical site is interesting. The Walla Walla Valley supports a number of fine and performing arts institutions including the Walla Walla Valley Bands, Walla Walla Symphony, Walla Walla Choral Society and The Little Theater.
The area is now famous for its wineries and many of them, such as Valdemar, have excellent restaurants.Crime
The Walla Walla crime rate is average.
Medical Facilities
Providence Saint Mary Hospital, Walla Walla General Hospital, and the Walla Walla VA Hospital provide service to Walla Walla and the area.
Transportation
Walla Walla Regional Airport is just outside of town and very convenient.
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