📍 About MWH & Moses Lake
Grant County International Airport (MWH) in Moses Lake, WA is known for its massive runways and former military history, making it a key training and cargo airport. Moses Lake offers a low-cost, quiet lifestyle with access to outdoor activities and a small-town community feel.
🏡 Where to Live
Singles & Couples
- Downtown Moses Lake – Small businesses, restaurants, walkable community
- Pelican Point – Lakeside living with a mix of homes and condos
- Lars Lane Area – Quiet neighborhoods close to amenities
Families
- Cascade Valley – Suburban area with larger lots and family-friendly feel
- Samaritan Hills – Affordable and residential
- Stratford Road Area – Near shopping and schools
🚗 Commute Times to MWH
- 5–10 min: Downtown Moses Lake, Stratford Road
- 10–15 min: Cascade Valley, Pelican Point
- 15–20 min: Outlying residential areas
🎓 Top School Districts
- Moses Lake School District: Main public district with elementary, middle, and high schools
- Columbia Basin Technical Skills Center: Vocational high school programs
- Private Schools: Moses Lake Christian Academy, ML Seventh-day Adventist School
🧳 Things to Do – Within 2 Hours, Year-Round
- Surf 'n Slide Water Park: Great for families and summer fun
- Columbia National Wildlife Refuge: Hiking, photography, birdwatching
- Wenatchee: 1.5 hours for shopping, wineries, and hiking
- Soap Lake: Known for its mineral waters and lakefront relaxation
- Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park: Stunning scenery, camping, and kayaking
✈️ Nearby Airports
- MWH: Grant County International Airport (on-site)
- GEG: Spokane International Airport (~1.5 hours)
- SEA: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (~3 hours)
🧭 Helpful Resources for Newcomers
🛡️ Crime & Safety + Town Websites
- Overall: Low to moderate crime; peaceful neighborhoods in Cascade Valley and Pelican Point
- Moses Lake Police Department
💰 Cost of Living
- Median home price: ~$290,000
- 1-bedroom rent: ~$900–$1,200
- Utilities: ~$180/month
- Taxes: No state income tax in Washington
🌆 Neighborhood Highlights
- Cascade Valley: Suburban, spacious, family-oriented
- Pelican Point: Lakeside views, outdoor access
- Downtown: Affordable and walkable
- Samaritan Hills: Quiet and community-focused
☀️ Seasonal Weather
- Winter: Cold with occasional snow (20s–30s°F)
- Spring: Mild (50s–70s°F)
- Summer: Hot and dry (80s–100°F)
- Fall: Cool and crisp (50s–70s°F)
- Note: MWH experiences a semi-arid climate with low humidity
🚇 Public Transportation & Traffic
- Bus: Grant Transit Authority serves Moses Lake and surrounding areas
- Driving: Fast local access; very little traffic congestion
- Parking: Plentiful and free around most areas including the airport
🏥 Healthcare & Urgent Care
- Samaritan Hospital: Full-service hospital in Moses Lake
- Confluence Health: Clinics and specialists in nearby areas
- Walk-in Clinics: Multiple urgent care options in town
🫂 Social Life & Community
- Community Events: Spring Festival, Grant County Fair
- Outdoor Life: Fishing, boating, hiking, and golf
- Volunteer Opportunities: Food banks, civic organizations, animal shelters
🍽️ Dining & Food Scene
- Michael’s Market & Bistro: American and upscale casual
- J’s Teriyaki: Local favorite for Asian takeout
- Porterhouse Steakhouse: Great for date nights and steak lovers
- Taqueria La Herradura: Authentic and popular Mexican cuisine
🛫 ATC-Specific Tips
- Runways: 4 major runways, including a 13,500 ft strip used by NASA
- Traffic: Military training, test flights, GA, and occasional commercial cargo
- Airspace: Large Class D, coordination with Seattle Center
- Weather: Dry conditions, occasional fog and winter snow
📦 Moving Tips
- Best time to move: Spring or Fall for mild weather
- Utilities: Grant PUD (electric/water), Ziply or Spectrum for internet
- Storage: Affordable and available across town
❓ FAQs
- How rural is Moses Lake?
It’s a small but growing town with big infrastructure - Do I need 4WD in winter?
Helpful but not required unless living in outer areas - Are housing costs low?
Yes – much cheaper than western WA cities