Washington Real Estate & Relocation Guide

Walla Walla, Washington

Population: 29,686

Located in Walla Walla County

The name Walla Walla is of Indian origin and means " many waters". The Walla Walla area has been known historically for its agricultural based economy; however, the influence of three hospitals, three colleges, the United States Army Corps of Engineers, the Washington State Penitentiary and urbanites fleeing the "big city" for a better quality of life have help stabilize the valley's overall economy.

Agriculture is the dominant industry in the county. Wheat is the number one crop. Within Walla Walla County are two of the world's largest farms. The Snake River Vineyard has the distinction of being the largest Concord grape vineyard and Broetje Orchards is the largest apple orchard. These help provide the large diversity in the crops grown in the county.

Providing a stunning backdrop, the Blue Mountains frame a valley that is home to more than 40 wineries and as many vineyards. Excellent examples of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah have earned the Walla Walla Valley national and international acclaim. Other grape varieties such as Chardonnay, Semillon, Cabernet Franc and Sangiovese are also produced in the valley.

The town of Walla Walla won a "Great American Main Street Award" from the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Then Sunset Magazine as its "Best Main Street in the West" selected it. It's no surprise that the lucky people who live in Walla Walla find themselves making the most of this historically significant and highly restored neighborhood.

Visiting the town of Walla Walla you'll find an exciting downtown with a variety of shopping options, including a major department store and dozens of specialty outlets, plus outdoor cafes, public art, wine tasting rooms, art galleries, and coffee shops set against a backdrop of some of Washington State's oldest buildings.

A variety of special events including a Farmers Market and the Summer Sounds on the Plaza concert series add to the vitality of downtown and provide frequent opportunities for residents and visitors to share all that Walla Walla has to offer.

In this setting, it's easy to find just the right outdoor experience for each individual and every family. If you want to stay close to civilization, Walla Walla has 17 public city parks and facilities that encompass some 600 acres of grass and trees, with playgrounds, pools, and walkways.

For those seeking a more rural encounter with nature, hiking trails wind through miles of unspoiled forests. Scenic overlooks along quaint country back roads offer breathtaking views of the valley. And tranquil lakes provide the perfect setting for a late summer afternoon picnic.

The choices for outdoor adventures include fishing, hunting, hiking, and horseback riding, boating, canoeing, and camping. For the young and the young at heart, there's BMX racing, disc golf, and skateboarding at Fort Walla Walla Park. And the fun extends throughout the winter, too, with downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling.

The Walla Walla Valley is a rainbow of scenic beauty - golden hillsides melting into broad expanses of crimson fields. Lush evergreens cast shadows over the back country trails during noonday sun. And the many waters, which give the region its name, sparkle as they flow to the mighty Snake and Columbia rivers.

Walla Walla valley has so much offer residents and visitors alike, with many incorporated cities, as well as smaller towns, offering an urban or rural lifestyle - choice is the order of the day here, why not come and choose Walla Walla County?