The Tri-Cities proper is surrounded by smaller communities that offer more rural living while still remaining close to the services and conveniences offered in town.

Benton City is home to 2,800 people. Privately-owned large and small irrigated orchards, vineyards, hayfields, pastures, and acreages are abundant in and around Benton City, nestled along the banks of the Yakima River. The city is in somewhat of a “little Tuscany” appearing valley bowl. It overlooks the Red Mountain vineyards and wineries to the west, a world-renowned, high-quality appellation and viticulture area. To the south is Horse Heaven Hills with its 1,800 foot ridge gracefully sloping down to the river and orchards of apple, cherry, pear, apricot, and walnut. Rattlesnake Mountain, the highest North American treeless mountain, with a large herd of elk, and deer, is to the north.

Water sports and fishing are available starting in town, on the Yakima River (bass, steelhead, salmon, otters, great blue herons, and migratory sandhill cranes and pelicans), and the Columbia and Snake Rivers converge with the Yakima only a few miles from Benton City. There are over 30 horse-roping arenas, public fishing, a boat ramp, wildlife/fishing/bicycle trails, a rodeo grounds, a horseback riding group, a mud bog race area, a native plants nursery. a shooting range, a miniature aircraft flying area, and the Horn Rapids campground near Native American fish platforms.

Benton City has a new library, a medical clinic under run by Prosser Memorial Hospital, schools (with full sports, performing arts, and FFA programs), many churches, a volunteer fire department, and an industrial park. A business park and aquatic park are in the planning stages. Senior and migratory farmworker housing is available. Benton City has a number of small and some large businesses. Activities include Benton City Daze, Winter Fest with lighted Christmas parade, Lion’s Club Fourth of July activities with extensive fireworks, an annual city-wide yard sale, car and motorcycle shows, mud bog races, craft shows in the park, Hispanic food events, and Easter egg hunts.

Approximately 28,000 cars per day go by on Interstate 82, and approximately 9,000 per day go over the river bridge and through Benton City, some on their way to Hanford nuclear facilities, yet there is not a single stop light in town. The 57,000 acre national wildlife and monument area are within 5 miles of Benton City. A beautiful scenic alternative river route is available on the Old Inland Empire Road to Prosser.

You’ll find the area known as Finley in Southeast Kennewick. A quiet town founded on March 18, 1902 by farmer George Finley, by 1908, it was only a small community of 25 families. During the 1950s, there was a major population increase when the neighboring town of Hover was relocated to Finley, due to the construction of a dam. Fresh water sources and access to established rail lines and power grids in 1950s and 1960s have prompted some manufacturing and chemical plants that have remained. Finley has its own school district with an elementary, middle, and high school. The population is recorded as 6,012 from the 2010 Census. A few small businesses operate in the Finley area, but for most services, residents venture the few miles into Southeast Kennewick.

Burbank is a small town in Walla Walla County where the Snake and Columbia Rivers meet. The population is recorded as 3,291 from the 2010 Census. Named for Luther Burbank, the city is located just east of Pasco and Kennewick across the rivers. Burbank is surrounded by agriculture including many vineyards and orchards. Burbank is also home to Hood Park, situated along the Snake River. You’ll also find Charbonneau and Fish Hook Parks not far from Burbank along the Snake. Burbank is home to the Columbia School District, which runs an elementary, middle, and high school.