Yakima - apartment complexes? (West Valley, Terrace Heights: rental, neighborhood, to live)

[odie91]

Are there any newer apartment complexes with good reputation in Yakima?

Also, I've heard that West Valley, or Terrace Heights are considered the safer areas to live?
How far west does "West Valley" start? 40th street? 80th street?
As for Terrace Heights, how far east do I need to be to be safe? Is anything east of Rout 82 safe?

I'm just looking for a 1 BR.

[rhapsodyswept]

Honestly, as someone who grew up in Yakima, I have to say that you'd be "safe" almost anywhere in town. It's your belongings that probably won't be safe (i.e., car, apartment, TV, etc).

As for areas to live, I'd avoid anything east of, say, 16th ave...although, 16th ave itself is pretty sketch, so even east of 25th-30th ave might be better to avoid. In my opinion, West Valley starts anywhere between 56th ave through 72nd ave--but, hands down, if you're above 72nd ave, you're definitely in West Valley.

For Terrace Heights, once you pass highway 82, you're pretty much in Terrace Heights. In terms of rental prices, TH will be cheaper than WV, but you're also gonna be a bit further from retail shopping out there, so that's something to consider.

Like I said, though, you're not gonna get mugged or stabbed if you live "below" 16th ave, but you WILL be a lot closer to gangs and drug violence, but as someone who used to live right off of one of the more seedy streets in town (N. 1st Street), I never felt overwhelmingly unsafe.

And just so you know, a decent 1br in a "good" neighborhood will probably run you about $650 a month, while an apartment in a worse part of town could start as low as $450-$500. I wish you all the best in your search--and welcome to town, lol.