By Michelle McClausky, Broker, Selling Wenatchee LLC | AXEN Realty, Wenatchee, WA (WA License #21033268). Updated October 2026.
Cashmere is a small orchard town on US 2 about 11 miles west of Wenatchee, between Wenatchee and Leavenworth. It's home to the Aplets & Cotlets candy kitchen, the Chelan County Fairgrounds and the Cashmere Museum & Pioneer Village, and it's a popular pick for buyers who want a small-town feel with an easy commute.
Rules and boundaries change. Confirm zoning, short-term rental eligibility, school assignment and utilities for a specific address before you write an offer.
At a glance
| Cashmere | |
|---|---|
| County | Chelan County |
| Distance to Wenatchee | ~11 miles via US 2 |
| Public schools | Cashmere School District (Vale Elementary, Cashmere Middle, Cashmere High) |
| Electric | Chelan County PUD |
The vibe
Quiet, family-oriented and close-knit, with a historic downtown on Cottage Avenue, orchards on every side and the Chelan County Fair each September.
Outdoor recreation
The Wenatchee River runs through town, Cashmere Canyons Preserve (Chelan-Douglas Land Trust) is close by, and Leavenworth's trails and Mission Ridge are both within easy reach. Road cyclists ride the orchard roads between Wenatchee and Cashmere.
Housing types
In-town single-family homes, newer subdivisions, orchard properties and rural acreage in the surrounding valleys.
Things to know before you buy
- Orchards and agriculture. Many homes border working orchards; expect spraying, frost fans and harvest traffic in season. Check irrigation district water rights and assessments on acreage.
- Short-term rentals. Outside city limits, Chelan County's STR permit rules (Code 11.88.290) apply; inside the city, check with the City of Cashmere.
- Wildfire. Much of Chelan County sits in the wildland-urban interface. Ask about defensible space, roofing and siding materials, road access and insurance availability early; some insurers are selective in high-risk areas. Washington DNR's Wildfire Ready Neighbors program offers free home assessments.
- Wells and septic. Outside city sewer and water service, homes often rely on a private well and on-site septic system permitted through the Chelan-Douglas Health District. See my guide to wells, septic and water rights.
Sources
- Cashmere School District: https://www.cashmere.wednet.edu/
- Chelan County Fair: https://www.chelancountyfair.com/
- Visit Wenatchee, Aplets & Cotlets Candy Kitchen: https://www.visitwenatchee.org/listing/aplets-cotlets-candy-kitchen-cashmere
- Wenatchee Outdoors, Wenatchee to Cashmere ride: https://wenatcheeoutdoors.org/2016/05/08/wenatchee-to-cashmere/
- Washington DNR, Wildfire Ready Neighbors: https://www.wildfireready.dnr.wa.gov/
- Chelan-Douglas Health District, on-site septic: https://cdhd.wa.gov/
“Michelle knows the area well and got our deal across the finish line in a multiple offer situation. Would recommend!”