In the hustle and bustle of the outskirts of Tacoma, Washington, life moved at a frenetic pace. Crowded streets, hurried commuters, and the constant buzz of city life were the norm. A place where it would take 45 minutes to drive 8 miles through heavy traffic just to get to work.😮💨 For our family, though, the desire for a different lifestyle – one rooted in community, family values, and a quieter pace – led us eastward, to the small town of Ritzville.
In January 2023, we made the bold decision to leave behind the chaos of city living and embark on a new chapter in Ritzville, Washington. It wasn’t just about finding a new house; it was about finding a new way of life. With its friendly atmosphere, strong sense of community, and promise of better schools for our children, Ritzville felt like the perfect place to put down roots.
Yet, our transition to small-town life wasn’t without its challenges. Gone were the conveniences of big-city living – the plethora of grocery stores, the swift Amazon deliveries, the endless entertainment options. Instead, we found ourselves facing weekly trips for large grocery shopping, longer wait times for online orders, and if anyone is familiar with Western WA living, a much dryer existence. ☔
But amidst these adjustments, something remarkable happened – we discovered the true essence of community. Near Tacoma, neighbors rarely acknowledged one another, let alone waved as you drove past. But in Ritzville, every passing car was met with a friendly wave or a warm smile. It was a stark contrast, and one that spoke volumes about the sense of belonging and camaraderie that defines life in a small town. And from our move here we felt that we had commitment to building a brighter future for our family and our community and this is what inspired the creation of Hey, Ritzville!
Hey, Ritzville! was born out of a simple yet powerful idea – to create a platform where everyone, regardless of their preferred social media app, could stay informed about the services, businesses, and events happening in our towns. Too often, we found ourselves missing out on local events simply because we didn’t hear about them in time. Hey, Ritzville! aims to change that by providing a centralized hub for community engagement and connection.
As we look back on our journey from Tacoma to Ritzville, we’re filled with gratitude for the warm welcome we’ve received and the sense of belonging we’ve found in our new home. And with Hey, Ritzville!, we’re excited to continue building on that sense of community, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to experience the magic of small-town living in Eastern Washington.
