The best part of doing business in the Palouse Knowledge Corridor is living here. Located in the beautiful rolling hills of Eastern Washington and North Central Idaho, the PKC provides a quality of life that is unsurpassed. Mild weather, low-crime rates, exceptional schools, high quality health care and an overabundance of cultural and recreational opportunities provide residents with the charm of small town living and the amenities of an urban center. Traffic jams are non-existent on the Palouse and rush hour traffic is found primarily on the many bike paths throughout our communities. Housing is affordable and varied with strong neighborhood pride of ownership. We work hard on the Palouse, but we take time to enjoy this special place that we live.
Growth
Life on the Palouse is changing. The once largely agricultural center has given birth to a new wave of technology giants like Schweitzer Engineering and others. Those businesses bring jobs and an influx of people and supporting businesses. Expansion is spreading into all areas with the birth of alternative fuels, natural science and sustainability industries.
Climate
Despite its high latitude, the area enjoys a perfect balance of seasons, with low humidity, warm and dry summers, and surprisingly mild falls and winters.
Safety and Security
Moscow and Pullman offer an extremely safe environment for all residents and are excellent places to raise a family. The following table compares crimes per 1000 residents in the region and the nation.
| | Violent Crime | Property Crime |
Pullman | 1.50 | 21.65 |
Moscow | 0.80 | 23.30 |
Nation | 4.69 | 34.30 |
Source: FBI “Crime in the United States” 2005
Arts and Culture
Still the home of the Cougars, Pullman is the hub for WSU events and activities. PAC 10 sporting events, concerts, arts and theater productions introduce big city amenities into a rural lifestyle. Community theater groups and a major regional symphony orchestra bring added flair.
Moscow is the home of the Idaho Vandals and is a growing arts community. Known as the “Heart of the Arts” the City proudly features the visual and performing arts throughout the year. It is home to several of the regional shopping centers, a trendy downtown district, a celebrated farmers market and the renowned Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival.
Health Care
The PKC is served by three full service community hospitals. Gritman Medical Center, located in Moscow, and Pullman Regional Hospital, located in Pullman, are twenty-five bed, critical access acute care hospitals. Both are accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. Whitman Hospital and Medical Center is located in Colfax, Washington and is a twenty–five bed facility fully licensed as an acute care hospital by the Washington State Department of Health.
In the Palouse, your health is more than a statistic as recognized in our recent awards. In 2008, Pullman Regional Hospital was ranked 1st in “Overall Patient Satisfaction” in the State of Washington. In that same year, Gritman Medical Center was ranked 1st in Overall Patient Satisfaction, in the State of Idaho. The survey was conducted under federal guidelines and is called the “Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems”.
Scenic Beauty and Outdoor recreation
Photography is the third largest draw for visitors to the region, following visits to the Universities and the technology industry. The scenic splendor of the undulating hills covered by waves of grain is unmatched anyplace in the world. Both cities offer easy access to fishing and boating on the world famous Snake River, wild life viewing and access to trails for biking and hiking open the outdoors to exploration at your doorstep.
Several scenic byway designations are found on the Palouse, opening parts of the area tourism not experienced in the past. Locations such as Moscow Mountain, Steptoe Butte State Park, Kamiak Butte Park and many other smaller county parks give outdoor enthusiasts room to breathe.
The PKC is located at the doorstep of some of the most unspoiled wilderness remaining in the lower 48 states. A few of the opportunities for recreation include world-class rafting, skiing, hiking, fishing, and boating.
Housing
Both Pullman and Moscow offer excellent housing options. Surrounding smaller communities and rural housing add to the diversity of choices, all at prices much lower than in larger cities.