As I was talking with a potential investor this morning, he asked an interesting question I'd never given much thought to. 

Wenatchee is in a valley, tucked up against the east edge of the Cascade Mountain range and he noticed how this will restrict the availability of land in the future.  As demand has surged for more homes, development land is already becoming limited and very expensive. 

East Wenatchee (Douglas county), which is just across the Columbia river to the east offers more opportunities for future development of land.   Land prices have skyrocketed over the last couple of years (on both sides of the river) and this is a point of  major concern for everyone when it comes to the supply of "affordable" housing that will be available in the future.  

Anyway, the investor's question related to whether Wenatchee or East Wenatchee would appreciate at a greater rate due to land prices.  Initially, it appears Wenatchee land prices could make a home more expensive than a similar home on the East Wenatchee side of the river.   However, as the price point spreads wider and wider, the demand for homes would most likely shift heavily in favor of the East Wenatchee side.  As this happens, demand will ease on Wenatchee homes leveling out price increases and balancing the two again. 

The other factor is, developers and builders are looking for the most cost effective land.  If it's in Chelan County (Wenatchee side) that is where they will build.  If it is in Douglas County (East Wenatchee side) that is where they would build.

Most people moving to the area don't have a preference to Wenatchee or East Wenatchee.  They compare homes in general ... and all other things being equal, will most likely choose the home offering the best value for the money.  

For people who have lived here, many have a preference for one side or the other.  Those with children in school generally prefer to leave their kids in the same school district... or have a particular school in mind where they want their children to go.  Their home search is restricted more by school district than weighing so heavily on the per square foot value of a home.

Just my random thoughts...