Where golden wheat fields roll to the horizon and university town charm meets rural tranquility. Your honest guide to life in the Palouse.
I'll be honest - when I first drove through Albion, I thought "this is it?" Population 290, one stop sign, and wheat fields in every direction. But after a year living here while teaching at WSU, I get it now. The silence at night is actual silence. My rent is half what it was in Pullman. And those rolling Palouse hills at sunset? Worth every bit of the 10-minute commute.
- A reformed city kid, now Albion convert
Albion is tiny, but nearby towns offer variety. Here's the lay of the land:
The town itself - a handful of houses, the historic Albion Hotel (now apartments), and that's about it. Ultra-quiet, ultra-affordable.
The WSU college town - restaurants, bars, shopping, Cougar game days. More expensive, but all the conveniences.
The county seat, 15 minutes north. A real small town with grocery stores, a hospital, and historic downtown charm.
University of Idaho's town, 15 minutes from Pullman. Slightly cheaper, great downtown, and no sales tax (it's Idaho!).
Farmhouses and acreage scattered across Whitman County. Space, privacy, and that Palouse scenery every day.
Spoiler: the Palouse is affordable. Here's how it compares.
| Expense | Albion/Rural | Pullman | Seattle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR Apartment | $650 - $850 | $900 - $1,200 | $1,800 - $2,400 |
| 2BR Apartment | $800 - $1,100 | $1,100 - $1,500 | $2,400 - $3,200 |
| 3BR House | $1,000 - $1,400 | $1,400 - $1,900 | $3,500 - $5,000 |
| Utilities (avg/mo) | $120 - $180 | $130 - $190 | $120 - $160 |
| Gas (per gallon) | $3.30 - $3.70 | $3.40 - $3.80 | $4.20 - $4.80 |
Fun fact: If you're staff or faculty at WSU, the university sometimes has housing assistance programs. Worth checking with HR before you sign a lease elsewhere!
Palouse terrain is steep and rolling. Some driveways are more like mountain goat trails. Make sure your movers have experience with grades - we bring extra equipment for these situations.
August is chaos - everyone moves in for fall semester. If you can, arrive in late July or wait until September. You'll have better rental selection and less competition.
The Palouse gets snow and ice. Rural roads aren't always plowed quickly. If moving in winter, have a backup plan and flexible dates. We monitor conditions carefully.
Avista handles gas and electric for most of the area. Internet can be spotty in rural spots - check with Ziply or local providers before signing a lease if you work from home.
Academics: we've moved libraries with thousands of volumes. We use proper book boxes and can organize by shelf. Just give us a heads up about your collection when you get your quote.
Many rural Palouse properties have gravel or dirt access roads. We scout these in advance when needed. Spring mud season (March-April) can make some roads impassable.
Whether you're starting a faculty position, escaping to rural quiet, or joining the Cougar family - we'll get you there.
Licensed & Insured | Academic Move Specialists | Free Estimates