Living in Yakima, WA offers a unique combination of natural beauty and vibrant community life. Known as the 'Palm Springs of Washington,' Yakima boasts a sunny climate, stunning landscapes, and a thriving agricultural industry. The city is renowned for its wine production, with numerous vineyards and wineries dotting the scenic countryside.
Yakima’s cultural scene is rich and diverse, featuring attractions like the Yakima Valley Museum, Capitol Theatre, and the annual Central Washington State Fair. The city’s parks and outdoor spaces, including the popular Yakima Greenway, offer plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and enjoying the great outdoors.
The dining options in Yakima are diverse and delicious, reflecting the region’s agricultural bounty. From farm-to-table restaurants to cozy cafes and international eateries, there’s something to satisfy every palate. The city’s farmers markets and local events, such as the Yakima Valley SunDome, foster a strong sense of community.
Yakima’s location in the Yakima Valley offers convenient access to outdoor recreational activities, including skiing, fishing, and hiking. The city is well-connected by major highways and public transportation options, making travel easy. Additionally, the cost of living in Yakima is relatively affordable, providing a great quality of life at a reasonable cost.
For those considering a move to the Pacific Northwest, Yakima stands out as a top choice. Its blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and strong community spirit make living in Yakima, WA an exceptional experience. Whether you’re drawn by its sunny climate, outdoor activities, or vibrant local scene, Yakima offers a truly wonderful place to call home.
Amenities
Conveniently located, the area boasts a variety of amenities, including grocery stores, shopping, coffee shops and entertainment options all within walking distance.
Commute
The high commute score in this area could imply easy access to public transportation, as well as shorter-than-average commute times to your workplace.
Cost Of Living
Everyday cost of living expenses like goods and services, housing, groceries, transportation, health care and utilities are far below the national average.
Housing
Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.
Health & Safety
Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.
Crime
Reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people, this area may be perceived as an unsafe place to reside. These statistics encompass both violent and property crime rates.
Located in the state of Washington, Yakima is a mid-sized city with a population of 93,829 residents. With a population density of 3,374 people per square mile, Yakima is well above the nation's average density level. If we look at the most recent Census, Yakima is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Black and American Indian and Alaskan. Additionally, more than a quarter of the population of Yakima are of Hispanic or Latino origin, and 36% of the population also speak Spanish. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Yakima is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 17 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Whether you’re relocating to a new city to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Yakima could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Washington if you know where to search. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. With useful information like amenities, crime, health & safety, education and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Yakima and in the areas around Yakima is a much easier task.
The livability score in Yakima is 78 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 93rd percentile of all cities across America. Based on this score, Yakima would be considered a very livable city! Yakima has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. For each of the livability categories, we see that Yakima ranks very well for cost of living (A) and housing (B+). There are some categories that Yakima does not rank well for, including: crime (F) and employment (D-). It might be worth taking a closer look to figure out why.
If you're considering living in Yakima, it comes with numerous advantages, particularly in the form of an extensive selection of local amenities. These amenities play a pivotal role in elevating the quality of life within this vibrant community. From easily accessible grocery stores, to conveniently located fitness facilities, a diverse range of dining establishments and a multitude of shopping options, Yakima provides a comprehensive array of resources for its residents. This ensures the effortless fulfillment of your daily needs and creates ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The convenience of these local offerings greatly contributes to the overall appeal of the area, making it an enticing destination for those in search of convenience, diversity, and a gratifying lifestyle. If you're contemplating a move, the abundance of local amenities could very well be a defining characteristic of this area. Some of the more notable entertainment options include: Yakima Valley Museum, Gilbert Cellars, and Columbia Crest.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Yakima can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.
Yakima real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Yakima. The median home price for Yakima homes is $182,900, which is 32.1% lower than the Washington average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Yakima, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3.8, which is 11.6% lower than the Washington average.
| Statistic | Yakima | Washington | National |
| Average one way commute | 17min | 27min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 80.3% | 72.3% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 12.9% | 10.2% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.4% | 6.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.7% | 0.9% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.2% | 3.6% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 3.5% | 5.6% | 4.6% |
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