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Kennewick, Washington | City Guide for Travel Healthcare Pros

  • Writer: noordinarypath
    noordinarypath
  • Jul 24
  • 3 min read
kennewick

Welcome to Kennewick, WA

Located in the heart of Washington’s Tri-Cities region, Kennewick offers a sunny escape in the Pacific Northwest. With a high desert climate, vibrant parks, and access to the Columbia River, it’s a friendly and affordable spot for travel nurses. Whether you’re hiking the Badger Mountain trails or sipping wine in nearby vineyards, Kennewick combines nature and comfort in just the right balance.


💼 Jobs

Travel nurse opportunities in Kennewick primarily center around Trios Health and Kadlec Regional Medical Center (in nearby Richland). Common specialties include MedSurg, ICU, PCU, ED, and OR, with occasional needs for L&D and Tele. The area supports strong traveler communities and good extension potential.


jobs

💰 Cost of Living

Cost of Living Index: Around 95, making it slightly below the national average and more affordable than Seattle or Portland.

  • Average Rent: ~$1,200–$1,600/month for a one-bedroom

  • Utilities: ~$140/month, with seasonal heating/cooling variation



🌤️ Weather by Month

Kennewick enjoys a dry, sunny climate with hot summers and cold, crisp winters. It’s one of the sunniest cities in Washington—ideal for those who want the Pacific Northwest without the constant rain.

Month

Avg High

Avg Low

Description

January

40°F

27°F

❄️ Cold and dry with little snow

February

47°F

30°F

🌤 Sunny with cool breezes

March

56°F

35°F

🌷 Early spring and thawing out

April

64°F

41°F

🌼 Mild and dry

May

73°F

49°F

☀️ Warm and comfortable

June

81°F

56°F

🌞 Summer arrives with sunshine

July

90°F

62°F

🔥 Hot, dry days

August

89°F

60°F

🌤 Still hot, clear skies

September

80°F

52°F

🍂 Cooling down, pleasant nights

October

66°F

42°F

🎃 Colorful and crisp

November

50°F

33°F

🌬 Cold and dry

December

40°F

27°F

❄️ Frosty, festive, and quiet


🛏️ Furnished Housing Options

🛋 1-Bedroom Options

🛏 2-Bedroom Options



🏨 Extended Stay Hotels

  • SpringHill Suites by Marriott Kennewick/Tri-Cities – Spacious suites, breakfast included

  • Extended Stay America – Richland – Close to both hospitals, includes kitchenettes

  • Best Western Kennewick Tri-Cities Center – Great long-term discounts


housing

🚐 RV Parks

  • Columbia Sun RV Resort – Resort-style amenities, full hookups, and traveler-friendly

  • Suntides RV Park – Monthly rates, quiet, centrally located

  • Horns Rapids RV Resort (Richland) – Scenic and well-maintained with extended stay options



🎉 Fun Things to Do in Kennewick

  • Columbia Park – Miles of riverfront trails, picnic areas, and boating access

  • Badger Mountain Trail – Popular local hike with panoramic Tri-Cities views

  • Downtown Kennewick – Antique shops, breweries, and weekend markets

  • REACH Museum – Discover regional history, geology, and Hanford Legacy

  • Tri-Cities Wine Country – Wineries galore in nearby Benton City and Prosser



🧳 Nearby Weekend Trips

  • Walla Walla (~1.5 hrs): Quaint wine town with charming downtown

  • Leavenworth (~3 hrs): Bavarian-themed mountain village

  • Spokane (~2.5 hrs): Urban fun, riverfront parks, and food scene

  • Mount Rainier National Park (~3.5 hrs): Hikes, wildlife, and jaw-dropping views




🕒 Summary


Kennewick offers sunny skies, lower cost of living, and access to both urban convenience and outdoor exploration. With strong hospital systems and plenty of traveler-friendly housing, it’s a practical and scenic place to take your next assignment.


✅ Consistent demand in multiple hospital systems

✅ High desert sunshine and low humidity

✅ Great local hikes and weekend winery escapes

✅ Budget-friendly living and RV park availability


Looking for sunshine in Washington? Kennewick is calling. ☀️🍷🩺


kristin

Comments


Kristin Farnsworth
Kristin

As a seasoned travel nurse recruiter, educator, and creator of No Ordinary Path, I help travel nurses confidently navigate their careers and embrace the adventure. What started as a family journey has grown into a mission to support your journey with real tools, honest advice, and personal connection at every step.

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