📍 About PSC & the Tri-Cities
Tri-Cities Airport (PSC) in Pasco, WA serves the growing communities of Pasco, Kennewick, and Richland. The region offers a high quality of life, outdoor recreation, a strong economy, and no state income tax. PSC Tower handles regional commercial, general aviation, and charter operations in a scenic desert climate.
🏡 Where to Live
Best for Singles & Young Couples
- Downtown Kennewick – Riverwalk access, restaurants, art scene
- Richland – Popular with young professionals, near wineries and parks
- West Pasco – Quiet, newer homes, growing dining/shopping
Best for Families
- South Richland – Excellent schools, clean suburban neighborhoods
- West Pasco – Newer subdivisions, parks, and schools
- Southridge (Kennewick) – Newer developments, shopping, dining
🚗 Commute Times to PSC
- 5–15 min: West Pasco, North Kennewick
- 15–25 min: Richland, Southridge, Downtown Kennewick
- 30–40 min: Finley, Benton City, Badger Mountain area
🎓 Top School Districts
- Richland School District – A-rated academics and STEM focus
- Kennewick School District – Strong extracurriculars and growing facilities
- Pasco School District – Diverse community with modern campuses
🧳 Things to Do – Within 2 Hours, Year-Round
🌲 Outdoor & Recreation
- Columbia River Trails: Biking, walking, and kayaking
- Badger Mountain: Popular local hike with great views
- Howard Amon Park: Richland waterfront park, events, and concerts
- Ski Bluewood: Skiing/snowboarding ~1.5 hrs southeast
🎭 Entertainment & Wine
- Wine tasting: Dozens of local vineyards in Tri-Cities, Red Mountain, Walla Walla
- Toyota Center: Concerts, hockey (Tri-City Americans), events
- Farmers Markets: Seasonal fresh produce in all 3 cities
✈️ Nearby Airports
- PSC – Tri-Cities Airport: On-site, regional commercial service
- GEG – Spokane International: ~2 hours north, larger commercial airport
- YKM – Yakima Air Terminal: ~1.5 hours northwest
🧭 Helpful Resources for Newcomers
🛡️ Crime & Safety + Town Websites
- Safest areas: South Richland, West Pasco, Southridge (Kennewick)
- Neighborhood checks: Use SpotCrime or NeighborhoodScout for block-level data
🔗 Town Websites
💰 Cost of Living
- Rent: 1BR apartment ~$1,200/month; 2BR ~$1,500/month
- Home prices: Median ~$360,000 in the Tri-Cities
- Utilities: ~$150–$220/month average
- Groceries & gas: Slightly below national average
- No state income tax in Washington
🌆 Neighborhood Highlights
- West Pasco: Family-oriented, new construction, highly rated schools
- Richland: River views, walkable areas, science jobs hub
- Downtown Kennewick: Historic charm and growth
- Southridge: Popular suburb near shopping and new schools
☀️ Seasonal Weather
- Winter: Cold but relatively dry with light snow
- Spring: Mild, breezy, perfect for outdoor activity
- Summer: Hot and dry — 90s+ with low humidity
- Fall: Cool, beautiful sunsets, grape harvest season
🚇 Public Transportation & Traffic
- Ben Franklin Transit: Local bus system across the Tri-Cities
- Driving: Most residents drive — easy commutes, light traffic
- Highways: US-395, I-182, and WA-240 all intersect the region
🏥 Healthcare & Urgent Care
- Kadlec Regional Medical Center: Major hospital in Richland
- Lourdes Medical Center: Located in Pasco
- Trios Health: Hospital and clinics throughout Kennewick
- Walk-in Care: Indigo Urgent Care, AFC, and multiple urgent centers
🫂 Social Life & Community
- Wine events: Tasting rooms and vineyards host socials year-round
- Festivals: Art in the Park, River of Fire, Benton-Franklin Fair
- Gyms & groups: CrossFit, Gold's, local running clubs, paddle boarding meetups
🍽️ Dining & Food Scene
- Pasco: Tacos La Esperanza, Isla Bonita
- Richland: LU LU Craft Bar, Frost Me Sweet
- Kennewick: Twigs Bistro, Atomic Ale, Graze
🛫 ATC-Specific Tips
- Airspace: Moderate complexity — mix of regional jets and GA
- Shifts: Rotate mids/early/swing — many live within 10–20 min of the tower
- Community: Close-knit crew — local meetups and support system
📦 Moving Tips
- Climate gear: Get AC for summer, layers for cold mornings
- U-Haul & Penske: Easy to rent locally, especially near freeway
- Home hunting: Spring and late summer best for rental and resale availability
❓ FAQs
- Is Pasco affordable?
Yes — lower cost of living than most West Coast cities - Can I live in one city and work in another?
Absolutely — the Tri-Cities are well connected - How’s the air quality?
Generally good, with brief haze from summer wildfires possible