Thinking about a move to Southridge in Kennewick’s 99338 ZIP? You want space, newer homes, and easy access across the Tri-Cities without giving up everyday convenience. This guide shows you what life feels like here, from housing and schools to parks, commutes, and local amenities. By the end, you will know how Southridge fits your lifestyle and how to plan your next steps. Let’s dive in.
Southridge at a glance
Southridge sits in the southwestern part of Kennewick within the broader Tri-Cities region. It is largely suburban, with newer subdivisions, pocket parks, and greenbelts that spread across rolling ridges. Many buyers here are mid-career professionals and households who commute within the Tri-Cities or to regional employers. Neighborhood names and school zones vary by street, so use city GIS maps and the MLS to confirm details for any address.
Housing and neighborhoods
Southridge is known for single-family homes on small to medium lots. You will see a mix of one- and two-story floor plans, contemporary suburban styles, and a few townhome or patio-home pockets in newer phases. Construction dates often range from the 1990s to very recent builds, which means you can choose between established streets and brand-new options.
Home types and styles
- Single-family detached homes with fenced yards suitable for pets or play.
- Modern suburban architecture, open-concept living areas, and multi-car garages.
- Occasional townhomes and low-maintenance patio homes in select phases.
New construction vs. resale
New construction continues in parts of 99338 alongside resale listings. With newer builds, you can prioritize features like energy-efficient systems and modern finishes. Resale homes can offer mature landscaping, established streets, and potential value if you plan cosmetic updates. Compare HOA rules and fees across subdivisions since these can vary.
Market expectations
Homes here range from move-in ready to properties that benefit from light refreshes. Inventory and days on market shift with seasonality and broader economic trends. If a specific floor plan or lot size is a must-have, be ready to act quickly when the right home appears. For a clear pricing picture, review recent comparable sales and ask for current months-of-supply and price-per-square-foot trends for 99338.
Schools and childcare
Much of Kennewick is served by the Kennewick School District. Attendance boundaries can change, so always confirm the current school assignment for the exact property address using the district’s official boundary maps. For academic and program information, review state report cards and school profiles from the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. This helps you evaluate distance, bus eligibility, and extracurricular options.
Childcare and enrichment
You can find preschools, childcare centers, and before or after-school programs across Kennewick and neighboring cities. Youth sports, arts programs, and seasonal activities are available through local parks and recreation departments and community organizations. For adult learning and workforce ties, regional institutions like Washington State University Tri-Cities in Richland and Columbia Basin College in Pasco are within a reasonable drive.
Parks and outdoor life
Southridge includes neighborhood parks, play areas, and walkable greenbelts woven into subdivisions. Many residents enjoy evening strolls, bike rides with kids, and weekend meetups at community playfields. The broader Tri-Cities adds riverfront parks and long, scenic trails along the Columbia River for jogging, boating, and picnics.
Regional recreation
- Access to hiking and mountain biking on nearby ridges and open spaces.
- Public golf courses and sports complexes that host leagues and tournaments.
- Seasonal festivals and farmers markets across the Tri-Cities.
Climate and seasons
The area has a semi-arid climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. Many landscapes rely on irrigation, and summer cooling is a common planning factor for homes and outdoor routines. Spring and fall are popular times for outdoor events and home projects.
Everyday essentials
You will find grocery stores, drugstores, banks, and neighborhood services within a short drive of most Southridge streets. Dining includes a mix of local eateries and popular national options. Retail corridors in Kennewick and nearby Pasco offer big-box shopping, specialty stores, and weekend conveniences.
Healthcare and services
The Tri-Cities region supports multiple hospital systems and urgent care locations. You can access primary care, specialty clinics, and emergency services within a short drive from Southridge. Public health services are coordinated through the Benton-Franklin Health District.
Getting around
Southridge provides direct access to regional arterials and interstates that connect you to Kennewick, Richland, and Pasco. Most day-to-day travel is by personal vehicle. Peak traffic tends to align with commute hours and school schedules, and construction can affect cross-valley routes.
Commute times
- Southridge to downtown Kennewick often runs about 10 to 20 minutes.
- Southridge to Richland job centers, hospitals, and colleges is often about 10 to 20 minutes.
- Southridge to Pasco and Tri-Cities Airport is often about 20 to 35 minutes depending on traffic.
Transit options
Ben Franklin Transit operates routes across Kennewick and the broader Tri-Cities. Park-and-ride or vanpool options may be available for select employers, including Hanford and PNNL commuter patterns. If transit is important to you, review route maps and schedules to see which streets are served near the home you are considering.
Local economy and employment
Major employers influence housing demand across the Tri-Cities. Key sectors include Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, the Hanford Site and its contractors, regional hospitals and healthcare networks, education institutions, and agriculture or food processing. Hiring cycles and large contracts can shift demand and pricing, so watch for local development news and infrastructure updates that can affect commute times or neighborhood appeal.
Lifestyle pros and tradeoffs
What many residents value:
- Newer homes and modern floor plans with flexible living spaces.
- Neighborhood parks, greenbelts, and proximity to regional outdoor recreation.
- Access to Tri-Cities job centers with manageable drive times.
Tradeoffs to consider:
- Car-dependent lifestyle with walkability that varies by subdivision.
- Inventory can be competitive for popular floor plans or view lots.
- HOA rules and fees differ across developments, so review carefully.
How to choose the right spot
- Verify school assignments for the exact address using official boundary maps.
- Compare HOA rules, fees, and amenities across subdivisions.
- Ask for recent comparable sales and price-per-square-foot trends in 99338.
- Test your commute during peak hours and school pick-up times.
- Walk the neighborhood at different times to gauge traffic and noise.
- Review crime data by address and look at both property and violent crime categories.
Buyer tips for Southridge
- Get pre-approved early so you can move quickly on new listings.
- If you want new construction, ask about builder timelines, included features, and warranty coverage.
- For resale homes, budget for routine maintenance and any cosmetic updates that fit your style.
- Consider energy efficiency, summer cooling strategies, and irrigation needs when comparing homes.
Work with a local guide
When you are ready to explore Southridge, you deserve clear advice and a streamlined process. Our boutique team pairs deep local tenure with a hands-on approach, so you can evaluate neighborhoods, compare new construction and resale, and negotiate with confidence. If you want timely listings and private tours, connect with Laura & Wes Hodges to receive listings in your inbox and get one-on-one guidance.
FAQs
What is the overall vibe of Southridge in Kennewick?
- Southridge is a suburban area with newer subdivisions, pocket parks, and greenbelts, popular with professionals and households who commute within the Tri-Cities.
What types of homes are common in Southridge 99338?
- You will mostly find single-family homes on small to medium lots, with contemporary one- and two-story plans and some townhome or patio-home pockets.
How are schools assigned for Southridge addresses?
- School attendance boundaries can change, so verify the exact school assignment for a specific address using the Kennewick School District’s official maps.
Are there parks and outdoor options nearby Southridge?
- Yes, there are neighborhood parks and greenbelts within Southridge, plus regional riverfront parks, trails, and recreation across the Tri-Cities.
What are typical commute times from Southridge?
- Drives often range about 10 to 20 minutes to downtown Kennewick or Richland, and about 20 to 35 minutes to Pasco and the Tri-Cities Airport depending on traffic.
Is public transit available around Southridge?
- Ben Franklin Transit operates routes in Kennewick and the Tri-Cities; check route maps to confirm coverage near specific homes.
What should I review before making an offer in 99338?
- Confirm school boundaries, compare HOA rules and fees, review recent comparable sales, test your commute at peak times, and examine crime data by address.
