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.
Yakima, Washington is a medium-sized city with a population of 97,434 people. Yakima has a population density of 3,510 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. The majority of Yakima residents report their race to be White; this is followed by 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 prefer shorter commutes, living in Yakima will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 17 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.
If you’re considering moving to any new city, it could be a very daunting task. However, it could also be a good experience if you are willing to get to know the city before actually living in Yakima, Washington. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. To help you find the best places to live in and around Yakima, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like commute, health & safety, education, employment and more.
Using data and statistics Yakima has received a livability score of 79 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 93rd percentile when compared to all other cities. Compared to the United States average, Yakima ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! Yakima has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. Based on the grades for each individual category, Yakima has been rewarded with high marks for cost of living (A+) and housing (A+). There is at least one category that does not have great scores in Yakima. The following was graded with a disappointing score: crime (F) and employment (D).
The mantra of real estate, "location, location, location," underscores the importance of where a property is situated, making it a pivotal factor in your quest for a new home. Fortunately, when you're living in Yakima, you'll discover an abundance of exceptional local amenities and lots of things to do. Among these are conveniently located grocery stores, charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and plenty of spacious parks. These local amenities contribute significantly to its overall appeal, ensuring that your daily needs are met and offering ample opportunities for leisure and recreation. When considering your next move, the thriving local scene in Yakima undoubtedly enhances its desirability, affirming the significance of its prime location. Some of the interesting things to do and attractions include: Yakima Valley Museum, Gilbert Cellars, and Columbia Crest.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Yakima market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Yakima. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Yakima are affordable. The median home price for Yakima homes is $320,634, which is 34.8% 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 4.4, which is 18.5% lower than the Washington average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| 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% |
Here are the best places to live in Washington
Safest Cities In The US
See the best places to live in Yakima
Check out the 10 most dangerous cities in Washington