Leavenworth Homes For Sale

Living in Leavenworth

About Leavenworth 

Here are 10 things to know about living in Leavenworth, WA:

1. Bavarian-Themed Town  

Leavenworth is famous for its Bavarian-style architecture and alpine charm, giving the town a unique, picturesque vibe year-round.  

2. Strong Tourism Industry  

Leavenworth is a major tourist destination, especially during festivals like Oktoberfest, the Christmas Lighting Festival, and Maifest. The influx of visitors keeps the town lively and supports many local businesses.  

3. Outdoor Paradise

Nestled in the Cascade Mountains, Leavenworth offers endless opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, rafting, skiing, and rock climbing. Popular spots include Icicle Gorge and Enchantment Lakes.  

4. Four-Season Beauty

Leavenworth experiences all four seasons, with snowy winters, colorful autumns, blooming springs, and sunny summers, each offering unique recreational opportunities.  

5. Strong Sense of Community  

Despite being a tourist hotspot, Leavenworth has a tight-knit, friendly community with a small-town feel. Local events and festivals bring residents together.  

6. Festivals and Events

The town hosts numerous annual events, including Oktoberfest, Christkindlmarkt, and the Christmas Lighting Festival, making it a festive place to live.  

7. Vibrant Arts and Culture

Leavenworth has a thriving arts scene, with live theater at the Leavenworth Summer Theater, outdoor concerts, and artisan markets showcasing local crafts.  

8. Access to Wine and Beer 

The area is home to wineries, cideries, and breweries, such as Icicle Brewing Company and Eagle Creek Winery, where you can relax and enjoy local flavors.  

9. Cost of Living

Leavenworth’s desirability as a tourist destination has driven up housing prices, making the cost of living higher than average for a town of its size.  

10. Proximity to Larger Cities  

Leavenworth is about 2 hours from Seattle and close to Wenatchee, offering access to larger urban centers while still enjoying small-town living.  

Bonus

Winter Sports: Enjoy skiing, snowshoeing, and tubing at Stevens Pass or Leavenworth Ski Hill.  

Local Dining: The town features plenty of Bavarian-style restaurants and bakeries, including bratwursts, pretzels, and craft beer.  

River Adventures: The Wenatchee River is perfect for rafting, kayaking, or tubing during summer.  

What are some fun things to do in Leavenworth

1. Stroll Through the Bavarian Village 

Explore the charming downtown with Bavarian-style architecture, unique shops, art galleries, and local bakeries serving pretzels and bratwursts.  

2. Festivals and Events 

- Oktoberfest: Enjoy Bavarian beer, music, and dancing during this lively fall celebration.  

- Christmas Lighting Festival: Witness the magical holiday transformation with lights, carolers, and holiday cheer.  

- Maifest: Celebrate spring with dancing, music, and the traditional Maypole ceremony.  

3. Outdoor Adventures  

-Hiking: Explore nearby trails like Icicle Gorge, Colchuck Lake, or the Enchantment Lakes.  

-Skiing and Snowboarding: Hit the slopes at Stevens Pass or Leavenworth Ski Hill.  

- Rafting and Kayaking: Navigate the Wenatchee River for an exhilarating water adventure.  

4. Relax in Waterfront Park 

This serene park along the Wenatchee River is perfect for walking, picnicking, or spotting wildlife like deer and bald eagles.  

5. Visit Leavenworth Reindeer Farm

Meet and feed reindeer while learning about these fascinating animals in a family-friendly setting.  

6. Wine, Beer, and Cider Tasting

- Visit local wineries like Eagle Creek Winery or Icicle Ridge Winery.  

- Enjoy craft beers at Icicle Brewing Company.  

- Try local ciders at Leavenworth Cider House.  

7. Take a Sleigh Ride  

During winter, enjoy a magical horse-drawn sleigh ride through snowy landscapes.  

8. Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum 

See over 7,000 nutcrackers from around the world in this quirky and fascinating museum.  

9. Attend Live Theater

Catch a performance at Leavenworth Summer Theater, known for outdoor productions in stunning alpine settings.  

10. Indulge in Bavarian Cuisine 

Dine on authentic German food at restaurants like Andreas Keller or München Haus, featuring sausages, schnitzels, and pretzels.  

11. Explore the Enchantments 

For experienced hikers, the Enchantment Lakes area offers jaw-dropping alpine scenery with crystal-clear lakes, jagged peaks, and wildlife.  

12. Tubing or Paddleboarding

During summer, float lazily down the Wenatchee River on a tube or paddleboard.  

13. Visit Local Shops

Find unique Bavarian gifts, handmade crafts, and specialty foods in downtown Leavenworth’s boutiques.  

14. Family Fun at Leavenworth Ski Hill

Try tubing, skiing, or snowboarding in a family-friendly environment during the winter months.