Affordable Places to Live in Washington State for Families in 2023

Places to live in washington state for families : Washington truly is a paradise for nature lovers. Known as the Evergreen State, it boasts majestic scenery that includes mountains, forests, rivers, and waterfalls. So, if you’re dreaming of calling the Pacific Northwest home while keeping your rent payments low, there are plenty of options to explore.

With a cost of living slightly higher than the national average, it can be a challenge to find budget-friendly cities.

Remember, finding an affordable place to live involves considering not only housing costs but also factors such as job opportunities, amenities, and quality of life. Be sure to research each city on the list and consider your personal preferences and circumstances before making a decision. Happy house hunting in beautiful Washington State !

Spokane

Located in Eastern Washington, Spokane is a fun city for families to settle in. Spokane boasts a lower cost of living than other state cities and plenty of outdoor activities for all ages and interests, from hiking and boating to skiing and birding. The city has a lively brewery scene and a bustling Downtown area full of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

Spokane provides various housing options, ranging from single-family homes and condos to luxury homes in safe neighborhoods, with a median listing home price of $383,000 and rental options averaging $1,300 . Although Spokane’s housing market can be competitive, with most homes spending around 7 weeks on the market, home prices were down 2.5% compared to the previous year as of February 2023, making it an excellent choice for those seeking an active lifestyle, affordability, and job opportunities.

Spokane, US 9:13 am, August 11, 2023 20°C L: 18° H: 21° Feels like 19.46 °C clear sky Wind gusts: 0 m/s SSE UV Index: 0 Precipitation: 0 inch Visibility: 10 km Sunrise: 5:39 am Sunset: 8:09 pm Humidity 49 % Pressure 1015 mb Wind 4 m/s Weather from OpenWeatherMap

Spokane’s diverse economy and job market, which relies on industries like manufacturing, retail, education, research, and aerospace, provide young professionals and families with plenty of job opportunities for full-time and part-time positions.

Yakima

Yakima, located in south-central Washington, is a city celebrated for its stunning landscapes, flourishing economy, and thriving community. Its city life offers a diverse range of amenities and activities, with a strong sense of camaraderie amongst its inhabitants. Compared to the national average, Yakima has 8% lower housing expenses and 17% lower utility prices, although transportation expenses are slightly higher at 16% above the national average.

Yakima is renowned for its affordable housing options, with a median home price of approximately $250,000 . Additionally, the average rent for an apartment in Yakima is around $950 per month, which is also below the statewide average. The city’s diverse economy creates opportunities in various sectors, including agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing, and retail, with a low unemployment rate that makes finding work more accessible.

Yakima offers top-rated schools and several higher education institutions, making it an excellent location for families. The city provides a distinctive blend of urban and rural living, with a lively downtown area brimming with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. Yakima is one of affordable places to live in washington state for families in 2023.

Yakima, US 9:13 am, August 11, 2023 21°C L: 21° H: 23° Feels like 20.94 °C clear sky Wind gusts: 0 m/s NNW UV Index: 0 Precipitation: 0 inch Visibility: 10 km Sunrise: 5:55 am Sunset: 8:19 pm Humidity 52 % Pressure 1015 mb Wind 3 m/s Weather from OpenWeatherMap

Auburn

Auburn, situated between Seattle and Tacoma, is an affordable and convenient location for families. The city offers quick access to both metropolitan areas, making it a transportation hub and an ideal location for commuters. It’s also known as the “Gateway to Mt. Rainier” due to its proximity to the mountain, and it features a variety of attractions like biking paths, golf courses, fishing spots, and hiking trails.

Despite having slightly higher home prices and rental rates, Auburn remains among the cheapest places to live in Washington. The city boasts a median home price of $495,200 , while the average rent is around $1,740 per month.

It’s also a transportation hub, with major roadways and the Transit Center connecting residents to the Sounder train, light rail, and bus service in the Puget Sound region. Auburn has many recreational activities to offer, including thoroughbred racing at Emerald Downs, golf, and performing arts events.

Auburn, US 9:13 am, August 11, 2023 17°C L: 16° H: 19° Feels like 17.22 °C broken clouds Wind gusts: 1 m/s WSW UV Index: 0 Precipitation: 0 inch Visibility: 10 km Sunrise: 6:00 am Sunset: 8:28 pm Humidity 80 % Pressure 1019 mb Wind 0 m/s Weather from OpenWeatherMap

Auburn offers a range of job opportunities across industries and a variety of schooling options, including public schools and private institutions.

Westport

Westport is a coastal town in Washington State, situated in Grays Harbor County. It’s one of the cheapest places in the state for families, primarily because of its lower cost of living compared to other cities in the region. Compared to both the national average and many other cities in Washington State, Westport has about a 15% lower cost of living. Housing costs, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and other miscellaneous goods and services are generally less expensive in Westport.

Westport’s median home price is around $230,000 and rental rates in the town are relatively low, with the average rent being around $1,050 per month. These factors make Westport an attractive option for families who are looking for affordable housing options.

Westport’s coastal location offers numerous recreational opportunities for families, such as enjoying some of the best beaches in the state, renting boats to go fishing, crabbing, or whale watching, and exploring nearby parks and hiking trails.

Westport’s education system and schools have received a “B” rating, with high graduation rates, favorable enrollment, teacher-to-student ratio, and additional programs.

Westport, US 12:13 pm, August 11, 2023 26°C L: 24° H: 29° Feels like 26.14 °C clear sky Wind gusts: 11 m/s SW UV Index: 0 Precipitation: 0 inch Visibility: 10 km Sunrise: 5:58 am Sunset: 7:58 pm Humidity 63 % Pressure 1007 mb Wind 7 m/s Weather from OpenWeatherMap

Davenport

Davenport, located in the wheat fields of Eastern Washington, is a great choice for those seeking a small, safe town with excellent schools and outdoor recreational opportunities. With reasonably-priced real estate and a suburban-rural mix feel, Davenport has an above-average livability score, considering education, cost of living, and residents’ overall happiness.

Homeownership is also high in Davenport, with 72% of the population owning their homes. The average cost of a single-family home in Davenport is $362,306 and with the average rent being around $1,200 per month for a small family.

Davenport, US 11:13 am, August 11, 2023 24°C L: 24° H: 25° Feels like 24.83 °C broken clouds Wind gusts: 9 m/s S UV Index: 0 Precipitation: 0 inch Visibility: 10 km Sunrise: 6:06 am Sunset: 8:08 pm Humidity 72 % Pressure 1008 mb Wind 6 m/s Weather from OpenWeatherMap

Davenport has excellent public schools that offer students a high-quality education with a good graduation rate, teacher-to-student ratio, and additional programs that provide students with a well-rounded education. Job opportunities available in areas such as education, healthcare, and agriculture, as well as some small businesses.

Davenport offers a range of outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, and hiking.

Spokane, the nearest city, is approximately an hour’s drive away and provides additional options for shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Bothell

Bothell is a town located in Washington state that is known for being an affordable place to live with plenty of things to do. One of the best things about Bothell is its affordable housing. Bothell is a culturally rich town that hosts various town festivals  and entertainment options. The town’s Freedom Festival, which takes place every Fourth of July, is a grand celebration enjoyed by many residents.

With a median home price of $720,000 , it offers a great housing cost-to-income ratio. Bothell has an average rent for an apartment of $2,180 . It’s impressive that despite being so close to Seattle and offering so many entertainment options, Bothell remains an affordable place to live. All these features make it an attractive option for those who want to live in a culturally rich town without breaking the bank.

Bothell is known for its strong academic programs and extracurricular activities, offering students a well-rounded education. Bothell also has a diverse economy, with many job opportunities in different sectors.

Bothell, US 9:13 am, August 11, 2023 18°C L: 16° H: 19° Feels like 17.56 °C overcast clouds Wind gusts: 1 m/s UV Index: 0 Precipitation: 0 inch Visibility: 10 km Sunrise: 5:58 am Sunset: 8:29 pm Humidity 78 % Pressure 1017 mb Wind 1 m/s Weather from OpenWeatherMap

Quincy

Quincy is a town in central Washington that offers an affordable cost of living, making it an excellent option for those on a budget.

The town is located seven miles from the Columbia River and boasts many natural attractions, including Ancient Lakes, which is a popular hiking spot for residents.

Quincy provides residents with essential daily living amenities, including grocery stores, medical facilities, restaurants, and recreational opportunities.

The town is known for its low housing costs, with a median home price of $460,000 , making it one of the most affordable places to live in Washington state. Quincy also has low rental costs the average rent for an apartment is $1,200 , with renters making up almost 38% of the population.

Quincy, US 12:13 pm, August 11, 2023 26°C L: 24° H: 28° Feels like 25.75 °C scattered clouds Wind gusts: 12 m/s W UV Index: 0 Precipitation: 0 inch Visibility: 10 km Sunrise: 5:46 am Sunset: 7:51 pm Humidity 56 % Pressure 1005 mb Wind 8 m/s Weather from OpenWeatherMap

Quincy offers employment opportunities, with a strong agricultural sector, a data center, and other businesses with a diverse range of job options for residents. The public schools in the town are also committed to providing students with quality education, and the community college offers an accessible pathway to higher education.

Walla Walla

Walla Walla, located in the southwestern corner of Washington State, is both affordable and beautiful, making it one of the cheapest and most attractive places to live in the state.

Walla Walla, US 9:13 am, August 11, 2023 22°C L: 21° H: 24° Feels like 21.65 °C clear sky Wind gusts: 5 m/s SSE UV Index: 0 Precipitation: 0 inch Visibility: 10 km Sunrise: 5:47 am Sunset: 8:09 pm Humidity 47 % Pressure 1015 mb Wind 2 m/s Weather from OpenWeatherMap

Residents can enjoy the area’s beautiful vineyards, rolling hills, and outdoor activities like hiking and running. The historic downtown district is bustling with boutiques, cafes, restaurants, and live music. The city is also known for its excellent culinary scene, making it a food lover’s paradise.

The average cost of a house in Walla Walla is $418,000 , which is relatively low in Washington. The average cost of an apartment in Walla Walla is approximately $1250 per month, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious people.

Walla Walla offers a range of employment opportunities in diverse industries, such as healthcare, education, wine production, and tourism. The Walla Walla Public Schools district serves the majority of the city’s students, offering nine elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school. In addition, there are several private schools in the area.

Moses Lake

Moses Lake, located in east-central Washington, is known for being the second most affordable city to live in. This hidden gem offers an affordable waterfront living experience, attracting those who appreciate the beauty of lakeside living. Moses Lake also offers cultural and artistic experiences.

The affordable cost of living and the presence of businesses in different sectors make Moses Lake an attractive place for families. The median home price in Moses Lake stands at $354,750 , which is relatively affordable compared to other areas in Washington State.

The average rent for an apartment in the Moses Lake Micro metro area is $1,200 . While this average is slightly higher than the national average, it’s important to note that it considers both metropolitan and suburban areas within Moses Lake.

Moses Lake provides a range of schooling options, including public schools and private institutions, catering to the educational needs of its residents. Job opportunities in the city are diverse, with various industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, and retail contributing to the local economy.

Moses Lake, US 9:13 am, August 11, 2023 20°C L: 20° H: 22° Feels like 19.74 °C clear sky Wind gusts: 0 m/s UV Index: 0 Precipitation: 0 inch Visibility: 10 km Sunrise: 5:48 am Sunset: 8:16 pm Humidity 56 % Pressure 1015 mb Wind 0 m/s Weather from OpenWeatherMap

Pasco

Pasco is located in the southeastern part of Washington State. It is part of the Tri-Cities metropolitan area, which also includes the neighboring cities of Kennewick and Richland. Pasco is a rapidly growing city in Washington State that offers affordability and a vibrant community. Pasco benefits from over 300 days of sunshine each year, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Residents can enjoy activities like hiking, soccer, baseball, and swimming.

The average cost of a single-family home in 2022 was $365,000 , which is relatively low compared to other parts of the country. Renting is also an affordable option in Pasco, with the average rent for the family apartment is $1100 per month.

Pasco provides a range of schooling options for its residents, including public schools and private institutions. The Pasco School District serves the city, offering a variety of educational programs and opportunities for students. In terms of job options, Pasco’s status as a major trade and produce center in Washington State contributes to a diverse and thriving economy.

Pasco, US 12:13 pm, August 11, 2023 34°C L: 32° H: 36° Feels like 40.88 °C few clouds Wind gusts: 3 m/s WNW UV Index: 0 Precipitation: 0 inch Visibility: 10 km Sunrise: 6:57 am Sunset: 8:12 pm Humidity 63 % Pressure 1015 mb Wind 3 m/s Weather from OpenWeatherMap

Closing Notes: Affordable places to live in washington state for families

Washington State offers a range of affordable cities to call home, despite the slightly higher cost of living compared to the national average. From the bustling tech hubs to the picturesque landscapes, this state has something for everyone.

While Seattle may come with a hefty price tag, numerous other cities provide beauty, culture, and affordable rent. So go ahead and embark on your journey to find an affordable and fulfilling life in the Evergreen State.

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