Newcomer guide
Moving to the Tri-Cities: start here
Which city, which school district, which utility, and what to do in your first 30 days — a practical path for new neighbors in Benton and Franklin counties.
Your first 30 days
- Get a Washington driver license within 30 days of moving, then register your vehicles (also within 30 days). You need the WA license first. WA DOL: Moving to Washington
- Register to vote (or update your address) at VoteWA.gov — ballots arrive by mail.
- Set up electricity with the utility that serves your address (see below), plus water, sewer and garbage through your city.
- Enroll kids in school through your district — have proof of address and immunization records ready.
- Get a library card — Mid-Columbia Libraries, or Richland Public Library if you live in Richland.
- Sign up for alerts: bookmark our homepage for NWS weather warnings and local updates.
Compare the cities
| City | County | Known for | Electric utility | Main school district |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Richland | Benton | Hanford/PNNL jobs, riverfront parks, Uptown, WSU Tri-Cities | City of Richland Energy Services | Richland SD |
| Kennewick | Benton | Retail hub, Columbia Park, historic downtown, varied housing | Benton PUD | Kennewick SD |
| Pasco | Franklin | Fast growth in west Pasco, bilingual downtown, CBC, airport | Franklin PUD | Pasco SD |
| West Richland | Benton | Newer subdivisions, Yakima River, more space | Mostly Benton REA (check your address) | Richland SD |
| Benton City | Benton | Small town at the foot of Red Mountain wine country | Benton PUD | Kiona-Benton City SD |
| Prosser | Benton | County seat, Vintner’s Village, Yakima Valley farm town | Benton PUD | Prosser SD |
| Connell | Franklin | Wheat country in northern Franklin County | Franklin PUD | North Franklin SD |
Still deciding? Read Which Tri-City should I live in?
Utilities
- Electricity depends on your address: Richland — City of Richland Energy Services; Kennewick, Finley, Benton City and Prosser — Benton PUD; Pasco, Connell and most of Franklin County — Franklin PUD; much of West Richland and rural Benton County — Benton REA. Confirm with the utility before move-in.
- Water, sewer and garbage are billed by your city (or your water district if you live outside city limits).
- Irrigation water for yards is a separate system in many neighborhoods (for example, Kennewick Irrigation District) — ask your seller or landlord.
Civic how-tos for each city — permits, bills, reporting a problem — are in City services.
Schools
Public schools are run by districts whose boundaries don’t always match city lines. Enroll directly with the district; bring proof of address, the child’s birth certificate and immunization records.
- Kennewick School District
- Pasco School District
- Richland School District (Richland and West Richland)
- Kiona-Benton City, Prosser, Finley and North Franklin (Connell) school districts
Higher education: Columbia Basin College (Pasco) and WSU Tri-Cities (Richland).
Getting around
- Driving is how most people get around; three main bridges link Kennewick and Pasco (the Cable Bridge, the Blue Bridge and I-182).
- Ben Franklin Transit runs buses, Dial-A-Ride and on-demand service across both counties.
- Tri-Cities Airport (PSC) is in Pasco; Amtrak’s Empire Builder stops at the Pasco station.
- Biking: the Sacagawea Heritage Trail loops along both sides of the Columbia.
Climate
High desert: hot, dry summers that often pass 100°F, cool winters with stretches of fog or inversion, little snow, and windy spring days that can kick up dust. Sun and low humidity are the norm; plan landscaping for water efficiency.
Health care
BestMed Urgent Care – Kennewick
Urgent care clinic on Plaza Way in Kennewick.
BestMed Urgent Care – Richland
Urgent care clinic on George Washington Way in Richland.
CBHA Connell Clinic
Medical clinic on S Columbia Ave in Connell.
Health First Urgent Care (Kennewick)
Urgent care clinic on W Clearwater Ave in Kennewick.
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