A Confession About Almira...

Okay, real talk: Almira isn't for everyone. If you need a Starbucks within 30 minutes, you'll struggle. But the families we've moved here? They're running from something—usually the rat race. They wanted to watch their kids ride bikes on roads with zero traffic. They wanted to see the stars at night. They wanted to know their neighbors by name, not apartment number. And that big sky sunset over the wheat fields? It never gets old. Trust me, I've asked.

— The Next Phase Team

Why People Choose

Life in Wheat Country

It's not for everyone. But for the right person? It's everything.

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Those Prairie Sunsets

No mountains blocking the view. Just 180 degrees of sky turning gold, orange, pink. The kind of sunset that stops you mid-sentence.

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Crazy Affordable

Homes under $200K exist here. Actual houses with land. Your Seattle rent could buy you a whole property out here.

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Tight Community

280 people means everyone knows everyone. Potlucks happen. Neighbors help with harvest. It's the small-town thing that actually works.

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Highway 2 Access

You're on the main east-west corridor. Spokane's 45 minutes. Grand Coulee Dam's 30 minutes. Remote, but not isolated.

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Agricultural Heritage

Surrounded by working farms. Wheat harvest is an event. There's something grounding about living where food actually comes from.

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Outdoor Access

Grand Coulee Dam, Banks Lake, Sun Lakes State Park—all within 30-40 minutes. Fishing, camping, hiking without the crowds.

The Lay of the Land

Almira & Neighbors

What's around you when you live out here.

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Home Base

Almira

The heart of it all. Historic downtown (one street), community center, local bar, and the grain elevator that defines the skyline. Population 280.

Home Prices

$120K - $220K

Land (per acre)

$800 - $2,500

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10 miles

Wilbur

Your "big town" for groceries and the hardware store. Population 900. Has a grocery store, gas station, and a few restaurants. 10 minutes away.

Home Prices

$140K - $280K

Amenities

Basic Shopping

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30 miles

Grand Coulee

Home of the famous dam. More services, a hospital, and the tourist economy. Laser light show in summer. Good for day trips and medical needs.

Home Prices

$180K - $350K

Key Feature

Hospital + Dam

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45 miles

Spokane

The "city" for serious shopping, airports, specialist doctors, and entertainment. 45 minutes on Highway 2. Most Almira folks make the trip weekly or bi-weekly.

Population

230,000+

Key Feature

Full Services

The Numbers

Cost of Living

The honest breakdown of what life costs out here.

Expense	Almira	Spokane	Seattle
Median Home Price	$165K	$380K	$850K
Property Tax (annual)	$800-1,200	$2,500	$6,000+
Utilities (monthly)	$150	$180	$200
Groceries (monthly)	$400*	$380	$450
Gas (per gallon)	$3.80	$3.90	$4.50
Internet (monthly)	$70-100**	$60	$65

* Groceries slightly higher due to driving to Wilbur or stocking up in Spokane

** Rural internet options limited—satellite or rural providers. Starlink is popular out here.

💡 The math: A $165K mortgage payment is roughly $900/month. In Seattle, that's a parking spot.

Real Talk

The Good & The Challenges

No sugarcoating—here's what rural life really means.

✅ What You'll Love

→ Absurdly affordable — Buy a house with land for less than a Seattle down payment
→ Real community — Everyone knows your name. Help is always nearby.
→ Zero traffic — Your commute stress disappears entirely
→ Dark skies — Actual stars. Milky Way visible. No light pollution.
→ Space to breathe — Acres between neighbors. Room for gardens, animals, projects.
→ Safe for kids — They can actually play outside unsupervised

⚠️ The Realities

→ Far from everything — Groceries are a 20-min drive. Doctor is 45.
→ Limited internet — DSL or satellite. Starlink helps but it's not fiber.
→ No amenities — No restaurants, no stores, no gym. It's a village.
→ Jobs are scarce — Work remotely or commute to Spokane. Farming is the local economy.
→ Winter driving — Highway 2 gets icy. Snow removal takes longer out here.
→ Everyone knows your business — Small town life cuts both ways

We sold our house in Bellevue and bought 20 acres with a farmhouse here for less money. The first month, I panicked—what did we do? By month three, I couldn't imagine going back. My kids know where their food comes from. They've seen more stars than screens lately. That's worth more than any Whole Foods.

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The Hendersons

Moved from Bellevue, 2022

Local Knowledge

Rural Moving Tips

Things you need to know before moving to wheat country.

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Avoid Harvest Season

July through September means combines on Highway 2. Book your move for spring or early fall to avoid agricultural traffic.

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Set Up Internet First

Rural internet takes time. Order Starlink or schedule your satellite install before move-in day. Don't assume you'll have signal.

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Tell Us About Your Driveway

Long gravel driveways are common. Let us know the conditions so we bring the right truck and don't get stuck in soft spots.

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Stock Up Before Move Day

Do a big Costco run in Spokane before you move. Nearest grocery is 20 minutes away and selection is limited.

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Winter Prep

If moving in winter, confirm road conditions. We carry chains, but some county roads can close. Have a backup date in mind.

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Meet the Neighbors

Wave at everyone. Stop and chat when you see people. Small towns run on relationships. Being friendly isn't optional—it's essential.

Ready for the Prairie Life?

We've helped families make the leap to rural living. Free quotes, honest pricing, and we know how to navigate those gravel roads.

📞 (425) 648-7887 Learn More About Almira

Free estimates • Rural road equipped • Licensed & insured