Found in north-central Washington, the city of Wenatchee is a wonder made possible by its natural fertility as well as its man-made improvements.
Situated on the west side of the Columbia River close to where it meets the Wenatchee River in the foothills of the Cascade Range, it has always been a sight to see.
However, it was not until the completion of the Highline Canal as well as the Columbia River Irrigation Project that its surroundings became capable of supporting orchards that encompass more than 170,000 acres of land. Something that has secured the city of Wenatchee a rather enviable reputation as the Apple Capital of the World.
With that said, it is important to note that the city of Wenatchee is more than its orchards. Besides its beautiful landscape, it combines a fascinating culture with choice of sports and an outstanding education system, thus ensuring that its residents will have no shortage of opportunities for education and entertainment.
Considering that the city can also boast of a warm and welcoming atmosphere, its status as a serious contender to be the best city in the state is well-deserved.
Here are some of the reasons that Wenatchee is, quite possibly, the best city in the state of Washington:
An Unbelievably Beautiful Landscape
As mentioned, Wenatchee is surrounded by orchards, which are a sight that cannot be summed up using mere words when their trees bloom at the same time. However, just like how there is more to the city than its orchards, there is more to its beautiful landscape than the same.
For example, the mountains of the Cascade Range are a refreshing change from Wenatchee’s surroundings, thus enhancing a person’s appreciation for both settings via the subtle power of contrast. Each one is a challenge for the climber, which serves to make its cold and austere beauty that much more rewarding when seen up close and in person.
Better still, the region boasts what is called a semi-arid climate, meaning that it has hot summers and cold winters. As a result, the mountains of the Cascade Range transform into a winter wonderland for a few months out of each year, serving as home to numerous ski resorts that provide their visitors with plentiful opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and other wintertime pursuits.
With that said, the rest of Wenatchee’s natural beauties are no less excellent. Its rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water are popular choices for people who like to boat, fish, and swim, while their forested surroundings are popular with those who like to hunt in between camping instead.
Needless to say, these locations are also prime locations for some rest and relaxation, which can come as a welcome relief from the hecticness of the cities for those who seek them.
Finally, it is worth mentioning Wenatchee’s system of parks, which exist for the pleasures of its residents. Those parks that can be found within its boundaries come with all of the amenities that their visitors need to indulge themselves while surrounded by well-maintained greenery. Those parks have been carefully managed so that they can support human use of their lands without actually ruining the natural feel of the experience.
Combined with the orchards, which provide their own opportunities for rest and relaxation as well as education and entertainment, it is fair to say that Wenatchee’s beautiful landscape is something that none of its visitors should miss out on. Something that is particularly true because of the sheer range of experiences situated within convenient reach of each other.
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I live there and totally agree!
I lived there for 10 years and although it IS a good place to live and raise kids, the oldtimers who have lived there “forever” look down on those who move there. AND I haven’t lived there for almost 18 years now so I don’t know if the government still acts like a much smaller town than Wenatchee truly is.
Obviously this was written by an outsider. Having cruising drunks come into my back yard and urinate on my house every Apple Blossom is not a highlight but is a persistent memory
Things have changed. I moved here 12 years ago from the Eastside and haven’t experienced any of this…but have heard the stories from the old days!
Uh yeah, I grew up there, and it’s awful. You conveniently left out the drug and gang activity, the lack of career opportunity and aspiration in Wenatchee’s millenials, the lack of diversity (there are really only two ethnicities that exist in that town), and the racism that stems from it.
The landscapes are beautiful for like a few weeks out of the year. The rest is just desert beige. And the photo used for the landscape is closer to Leavenworth than Wenatchee.
Apple blossom is awful too. All it does is bring traffic and a lot of drunk drivers to a town that is never prepared for it.
Moved away as soon as I could and only visit when I have to. I advise anyone else to do the same.
I live in Seattle but have a house in Wenatchee. The place is amazing, there is so much recreation. There is plenty of restaurants and other entertainment for a smaller city. I would love to move over there if my wife would be interested. Yes, they have some of the same problems that all cities have.
I think it is the best place in Washington to raise a family as people are more friendly and have alot more family activities going on.
I moved to Wenatchee in 2006, and absolutely LOVE it here! I don’t think this article does Wenatchee justice. The Wenatchee Valley is beautiful year-around! For anyone who is willing to get off the couch and get outside, there are endless activities, whether you choose muscle power or motor power. Right out our back door is incredible mountain biking, hiking and trail running (with more trails coming thanks to Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance). The rivers and lakes are amazing for boating, SUP, kayaking, rafting, or just leisurely floating. The winter brings great skiing (alpine and Nordic), snow shoeing and snowmobiling.
Having grown up in Louisville KY, and having gone to the KY Derby infield a few times and to the INDY 500 a few times, I can tell you the Apple Blossom Festival is tame and a family friendly affair. I have heard the stories of the old days, and it’s nothing like that now.
Maybe Jesse hasn’t lived in very many places, but I have, and there are drugs and gangs no matter where you live in the world. I have lived in cities of varying sizes (Chicago being the largest), and I plan on living in the Wenatchee Valley the rest of my life (and I hope it’s a long one)! 🙂
Wenatchee area became my home for over 40 years. I am so thankful for having my time there.