This Tri-Cities area community was ranked 2nd-best U.S. small town to live in
In recent years, numerous studies have shown Americans are leaving big city life for smaller cities and towns.
Young people are opting for cities with populations under a million, according to a March 2025 article from the New York Post, compared to a decade ago when young adults accounted for the majority of major metropolitan area growth. And a Bloomberg article from last year shows small towns and cities are growing while metropolitan areas have taken the loss.
While the Tri-Cities as a whole is growing as a metropolitan area, it features a unique combination of bigger city elements with small city living. Richland, Kennewick and Pasco have all seen consistent growth through the 2020s.
But West Richland has been steadily growing, too. According to the World Population Review, the city’s population has increased more than 21% since 2020.
The city was recently named as one of the top 10 best small towns to live in across the United States in a Travel + Leisure article.
Top 10 best small towns
The article picked 10 small towns and cities across the country as the best to live in. They focused on health and education access, cultural activities, green spaces and affordable housing. Real estate experts were consulted about each location.
The top 10 in order:
Phoenixville, Pa.
West Richland, Washington
Belmont, N.C.
Lambertville, N.J.
Frisco, Colo.
Penngrove, Calif.
Maplewood, Miss.
Lewes, Del.
Campton Hills, Ill.
Dunedin, Fla.
West Richland top small city
The article quotes Tri-Cities-area Realtor Cari McGee on West Richland’s appeal. She mentioned the city’s development, with new schools, restaurants and shopping opportunities popping up. The Herald also contacted McGee, a nationally ranked real estate agent who has served the area as a Realtor for over two decades.
McGee told the Herald that she has been a proud resident of West Richland since 1998.
“It’s a tidy little town where you can find groceries, restaurants, and other services you might need,” McGee said in an email to the Herald. “But it’s certainly not loud and bustling.”
Additionally, West Richland is named one of the safest cities in Washington by SafeWise and received a B grade in Crime and Safety from Niche.
Compared to the west side of the state, West Richland has more amenable weather and significantly cheaper homes. The median sale price for a home in all of King County is $875,000, according to Redfin. In West Richland, it’s less than $500,000.
Whether you’re looking to rent or buy, McGee says there are options in West Richland. There are not many traditional rental units, but many houses available for rent. She also said all household types can find a home in West Richland, whether it’s a young, single individual, a large family with multiple children or a retired couple.
“We have a lot of single-family homes here. A small amount of duplexes,” McGee said about the common properties in West Richland. “As far as style is concerned - you can find large homes on acreage by the Yakima River, or smaller 3 bed/2 bath homes with a 2-car garage on a cul-de-sac. There isn’t one or two particular styles that you’ll find.”
The Realtor says the construction is drawing people in, and with more move-ins, that construction only increases.
“Growth begets growth and that’s often pretty exciting, so the excitement draws people, too,” McGee said.