East of Yakima Questions (Pasco, Ellensburg: transporting, crime, houses)

[ReturningWest]

The Yakima threads all say East Yakima is not safe. But my question is how far east?

What about the small towns east of Yakima such as Moxie, Wapato, Toppenish, Granger, Sunnyside and so on?

I will want a small mini farm (5-10 acres) type property for my critters.

Are none of those areas safe from crime and gang activity that y'all say is prevalent in East Yakima?

[NCWmark]

The Yakima Valley is a beautiful place... not as safe as it was twenty years ago, but what place in the world is? Sunnyside and Prosser would be my two choices.

Mark

[missyM]

Yeah, Sunnyside's terrific.

[M3 Mitch]

We live on a 13 acre property between Mabton and Prosser, so far no problems with gangs etc. Although, I do see some "tagging" activity just a few miles from home. The closer you get to Tri-Cities, I *think*, the less of this you see.

Oddly enough I grew up north of Atlanta, Lawrenceville actually, and all in all I like this area *much* better than GA - less crowding, climate more to my liking that sort of thing.

If you select a relatively "secluded" home site, a gate across your driveway will keep potential thieves from driving up close to the house, may make them look elsewhere for easier pickings. Not to try to create my own "home security" thread, but the gate is one point that I have picked up on here that has saved me some hassle.

[ReturningWest]

Thanks, but er what is "tagging"?

I'm still looking at Yakima area, I'm in agreement with the weather issue...since I've become older the heat and humidity togeather about do me in and I'm trapped indoors from May untill Sept.

[M3 Mitch]

Tagging is the specific graffiti that gang bangers apply to (whatever they can get away with applying it to!)

If you are going to be transporting "critters" (I guess horses?) it's a long haul from GA to here. Probably better to tackle it in late spring, late enough to avoid snow but early enough to dodge the worst heat.

You could go on out to the west of Yakima as well - the Ellensburg area is nice, although windier than the Lower Valley. It's cooler though.

You don't say if you are working, working from home, or retired - reason I ask is that if you won't be commuting, there are some great rurual areas like Bickelton, Yakima Canyon Road, etc. that would be a long haul for commuting to work, but if you don't commute, they offer better scenery and lower prices.

[Sharon06]

How close to yakima do you want to be??? Ever thought of Pomeroy?

[ReturningWest]

I will need to work, I'll be in the realestate industry as a title examiner.

Right now I only have small critters, but hope to get another trail horse once I'm there and settled.

[M3 Mitch]

If title examining involves going to the county courthouses, Benton County's seat is Prosser, while Yakima County is (surprise) Yakima, so if you find a place around Sunnyside, in that general area, you would be close enough to both cities. Franklin County seat is Pasco, about as far from me (just outside Prosser) as Yakima is.

[ReturningWest]

Don't know how they do the title work out there...I belive they are non abstract states and all title work is done "in house" at the title companies title plant.