Washington Retirement Communities - Quail Run - Washington Real Estate

Nestled in south central Washington state is the city of Yakima (population 85,000), gateway to the region's popular wine country. Within Yakima is the tidy new 55+ manufactured home community of Quail Run at Terrace Heights, a development that currently has several dozen homes but will have 120 when built out is complete. Retirees are attracted to Quail Run for its affordable homes and magnificent views of the Cascade Mountains.

Buyers may choose from seven home styles, ranging in size from 1,299 sq. ft. to 2,142 sq. ft.. The smallest, the Lilac ($149,900), has two bedrooms and two baths and a private, covered patio. The largest home, the Azalea ($199,900), also has two bedrooms, two baths, a study, a professional size kitchen and a private, covered patio. Two other homes actually have three bedrooms, even though they are not the most expensive homes. As with many new manufactured home developments, each dwelling has the feel of a site-built residence, primarily thanks to strict architectural standards, a higher than normal roof pitch and large two car garages (which can be extended). Call (509) 469-2926 or visit www.quailrunatterraceheights.com for more information.

This is a gated land lease development, and the monthly lot fee is $325 with a renewable 10 year lease. The lot fee includes front and back landscaping, and annual increases are limited to the cost of living and should average about 2% (although they may actually decrease). Quail Run has no debt and is in good financial shape, a reassuring fact in today's real estate climate. An additional charge is the cost ($1,500) of a maintenance-free fence for each backyard. Lots can be reserved for a refundable $1,000 deposit, which will be held for 60 days. RV parking is also available.

The community has a small (2,500 sq. ft.) but nicely done community center with a fitness center, entertaining area, library/card room and large kitchen. Construction is taking place on a swimming pool and spa, and there is a large deck with city views.

In 1994, Yakima was the winner of the All America Award, given by the National Civic League. On city outskirts, the production of wine is a growing industry, so to speak, thanks to soil conditions that bear a similarity to the soil in France. Today, more than 50 wineries dot the Yakima Valley.

Unlike coastal Washington, Yakima has a sunny climate with only 8 inches of precipitation a year. Summer temperatures reach into the 90s, and winter temperatures are in the 20s, 30s and 40s. December and January are the heaviest snow months (8 to 9 inches). Humidity averages 80% in the mornings but drops significantly in the afternoons.

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