c.1910 Two Bedroom Washington Fixer Upper $54K

Bungalow in the quaint town of Harrington.

Pros of Living in Harrington, WA

1. Very Low Cost of Living & Affordable Housing

   • Housing costs in Harrington are significantly lower than state and national averages. The median home price typically hovers around $180,000–$230,000, offering real estate affordability that is increasingly rare in Washington State.

2. Historic Small-Town Charm & Civic Revitalization

   • Unlike many declining small farming towns, Harrington has seen active community preservation efforts over recent years. Landmarks like the historic Opera House, local brick storefronts, and community-led events give the town a distinct sense of pride and identity.

3. Peaceful, Safe, and Quiet Environment

   • Traffic, noise, and light pollution are virtually non-existent. Crime rates are very low, creating a secure environment where neighbors know each other and look out for one another.

4. Access to Outdoor Recreation

   • The surrounding region is ideal for hunting, wildlife viewing, and outdoor exploration. Harrington is within reasonable driving distance to Sprague Lake, Lake Roosevelt, and the Scablands for fishing, boating, and hiking.

   • It also features a public 9-hole golf course (Harrington Golf Course) right at the edge of town.

5. Proximity to Spokane

   • Located about 50 miles west of Spokane (roughly a 50–60 minute drive down US-2 or WA-28), residents can commute or easily travel to a major urban hub for shopping, dining, international airport access, and specialized medical care.

Cons of Living in Harrington, WA

1. Very Limited Local Amenities

   • Essential local commerce is minimal. While there is a small post office, local bank, and a few small local businesses, residents must travel to larger nearby towns like Davenport (15 miles north) or Spokane for major grocery shopping, pharmacies, and regular errands.

2. Scarce Local Job Opportunities

   • The immediate local economy relies heavily on dryland wheat farming, cattle, and local municipal or school district jobs. Most working residents either farm, work remotely, or commute to Davenport, Cheney, or the Spokane metro area.

3. Isolated Social Life & Small School Size

   • The small population means social circles are tight, and entertainment or nightlife options are extremely limited.

   • Harrington School District serves K–12 students in a single facility; while class sizes are tiny and instruction is personalized, extracurricular options and specialized programs can be limited compared to larger districts.

4. Hot Summers & Cold, Windy Winters

   • Eastern Washington’s inland climate brings hot, dry summers (often pushing into the 90s/100s) and cold, snowy, and windy winters. Winter driving on rural, open country roads requires solid prep and high-clearance/AWD vehicles.

5. Washington State Tax Structure Considerations

   • While Washington has no state income tax, property taxes, sales taxes, and fuel costs across the state remain considerations, though property values in Harrington keep absolute tax payments lower than urban counties.