15 Washington Cities You Should Never Buy Property In
Washington State has natural beauty, a tech industry, and diverse communities. The Evergreen State isn’t all prime real estate. Some cities glow with opportunity, while others struggle with poor housing markets, bad infrastructure, or an economy that refuses to grow. So, if you are wondering about your first home or even real estate as an investment, you need to be informed.
Here is a list of Washington cities that might make you think twice about taking up roots. Every place has its charm however, these are the factors that will make you hesitate.
Aberdeen
Aberdeen, which is said to be the ‘Gateway to the Olympic Peninsula’ could have you hooked with its lush greenery and its Kurt Cobain connection. The reality is almost always not as good as you expect, though. This has always been a struggling economy with high unemployment. Adding to the mix is its frequent rainfall and a shrinking job market.
Centralia, Pennsylvania
This place has the charm of small town life and the housing market can be tricky here. A combination of aging properties and a slow economy make it a less appealing place for long-term investments. However, the city has also had its share of flooding troubles, which has kept prospective buyers nervous. This isn’t the type of system to go for if you’re not the type of person who likes to roll up their sleeves and constantly fix things.
Tacoma
Tacoma has made some progress lately, after years of dealing with crime and buckling property values, some neighborhoods have begun to thrive, however, there are still many neighborhoods with high crime rates. So if you are looking to buy here, research is crucial as some parts of the city will be more trouble than they are worth.
Bremerton
Bremerton is tempting with such a pretty waterfront and proximity to Seattle, but here’s the catch: It’s a grueling ferry commute and a local job market that doesn’t always offset the cost of living. Combine that with Bremerton’s pockets of older housing that don’t get much love and Bremerton feels like an unsafe bet.
Yakima
It’s quite appealing and Yakima is famous for its orchards and wine country. Yet this is a different story. Crime rates are higher than the state average and economic growth hasn’t matched the rest of Washington. Although this area enjoys more sunshine than much of the state, it’s not enough to brighten the struggling property market.
Spokane
In Spokane, it’s often a feeling of two cities. In one area growth and revitalization go hand in hand with stagnation and decline in another. Property prices may be attractive, but the real reason they are low is because of crime and aging infrastructure. If you are looking at Spokane, do your homework and tread lightly.
Longview
Longview’s industrial roots are still very much in place, and while that’s not necessarily bad, it doesn’t inspire a booming housing market. The local economy is subject to the fortunes of the paper and timber industries — and thus property values are uncertain. The city’s development isn’t necessarily the best option for investors looking for a quick return on their investment.
Pasco
In recent years the Tri-Cities, of which Pasco is a part, has experienced pockets of growth. However, its housing market is not without problems. Some neighborhoods have had higher crime rates and it’s an area prone to extreme weather which could add up in expenses.
Port Angeles
Port Angeles isn’t exactly a bustling metropolis, but the jaw-dropping views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca might keep the local economy stagnant. Its remote location makes it less attractive to people looking for good job opportunities. The area properties need a lot of upkeep, and your dream home could become a money pit fast.
Wenatchee
Agriculturally, Wenatchee, the so-called ‘Apple Capital of the World,’ is a pretty good town. Real estate is tricky in the market. Property prices are out of proportion to local wages, and there is a seasonal economy that makes it difficult to predict long-term trends. If you don’t have some deep connection to the region, you probably shouldn’t buy property here.
Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon’s Skagit Valley and tulip fields are charming, but the real estate scene isn’t all rosy. Here, properties are expensive relative to the other areas, and there are few commutable options to the main employment nodes. It’s Charming, but it’s certainly pricey.
Ellensburg
Ellensburg has a strong student presence due to Central Washington University. While it adds energy to the area, many homes are geared toward short-term rentals rather than buyers looking to settle down. Housing is limited, and the market is unpredictable.
Hoquiam
Like its neighbor Aberdeen, Hoquiam is an economically challenged town that is less appealing for property investment. It has an aging housing market and slow local economic growth. While the coastal charm may draw you in, the reality is a tough uphill battle.
Moses Lake
Moses Lake, with its sunny weather and abundance of outdoor activities, might be fun for a vacation, but it suffers from a slower local economy and water availability problems. It’s a great spot to visit, but buying a home here might leave you high and dry.
Shelton
Shelton is a small town with limited job opportunities and an older housing stock, so buying property here can be risky. Shelton’s stunning forests and mountains provide a scenic backdrop, but its sluggish economy can leave you feeling stuck.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
Affordable Home Entertainment: 11 Must-Have Finds For Enhancing Your Family Movie Nights
Affordable Home Entertainment: 11 Must-Have Finds For Enhancing Your Family Movie Nights
How to Clean Your Smoker Grill Combo Like a Pro
How to Clean Your Smoker Grill Combo Like a Pro
10 Best African Photo Safaris You Must Experience
Even if you’ve been on a safari in the past, an African photo safari is something you want to experience or at the very list add to the top of your bucket list.
But first, what is a photo safari? The phrase “photo safari” is not a common sentence structure but its meaning can be deduced easily. An African photo safari in general context means going on an adventure with the sole purpose of taking high-quality pictures.
10 Best African Photo Safaris You Must Experience
