Please Help moving cross country (Seattle, Tacoma: military, condo, rental)

[deensam00]

My husband is in the military and he is getting stationed in Yakima. We are trying to find a house and have not a clue where to look. I have been reading some of the responses about Yakima and frankly you guys got me scared of Washington all together. We have two small children (4 and 22 months) and we are also biracial, (hispanic(panamanian) and Jamacian). We would appreciate any help in finding a safe area to live with great schools and daycares. Thank you in advance

[DreamWeavin]

Originally Posted by deensam00

My husband is in the military and he is getting stationed in Yakima. We are trying to find a house and have not a clue where to look. I have been reading some of the responses about Yakima and frankly you guys got me scared of Washington all together. We have two small children (4 and 22 months) and we are also biracial, (hispanic(panamanian) and Jamacian). We would appreciate any help in finding a safe area to live with great schools and daycares. Thank you in advance

I too may move to Washington and at first was excited at the prospect but now I'm afraid too based on what I hear about crime. I can't offer any help but just wanted to wish you luck with your move. I guess it's better to know about what to expect but maybe I'm just disappointed in what I found out. Before reading about how horrible the crime rate is around Seattle I had read it was listed as one of the top 5 cities in the U.S. to live.........now I'm just plain afraid but things are in the works so I may not have a choice now and may Have to live there. Going to visit in Dec. but not looking forward to that now either.

[commstar]

There are plenty of nice places with incredible crime rates. Crime rates are a tool, an indicator, but not the end all. Look at Oakland Ca for example, the low lands are a crime ridden ghetto, the hills overlooking the ghetto is another matter but they all count toward the same crime rate as they are part of the same city. See what i mean. downtonw seattle might attribute half of all part one crimes in seattle and the rest of the city might be fine. This is true of anywhere. Come look, gain perspective, then decide. Come with you facts straight but an open mind. Statistics are like drunks to a street light pole, it can be used for support or illumination. Good luck!

[jjjmr02]

My husband is in the military and we are currently heading over to Yakima from FT Lewis at the end of the month. I have many of the same concerns as you do, but have visited the area, and rather enjoy it. I'm not really sure how it will be actually living there, though. We're a little unsure of how the move and such will go, as well, we have 3 small children and another on the way, and we have always lived on or near a large military base. We worry about not having that large military presence around us or how the civilian community will accept us. Feel free to PM with any other questions or concerns you may have. :-)

[mel112]

Yakima does have some very nice communities but they seem to be going through a recession. The mall is almost completely empty. The crime rate is high but it is due in part to meth and gangs. I would suggest looking online at www.realtor.com for housing within Yakima and look at the houses and you can get an idea of the community.

Melanie

[Sardo]

Yeah I've also considered moving to the Seattle region, and was wondering about which areas are safest to live or work. My friend who lives in Kent says that Tacoma is bad news. What about other places?

[Ira500]

Actually, only a few parts of Tacoma are bad news, and even they are improving, like the Hilltop. Tacoma has some beautiful parts, and housing is relatively inexpensive. South of Seattle tends to be less expensive. I live in Renton, which like Kent and Auburn are also mixed( some good parts some not so good.)

[jjjmr02]

We've been looking for houses in Yakima for a while and will be moving next week. We found that anything west of 16th street is a pretty safe bet. The farther west of I-82 you go, the better. Our house is almost out of town, lol. My daughters elementary school is excellent, too. If you are looking at renting, there are many housing areas, like duplexes or condo type homes that are all rentals and very nice. Also, most of the nicer rentals are rented through property management companies, but some aren't very nice to work with so watch for that. If you need anything for the move, let me know! Good luck!

[shermach]

Why are you worried? I grew up in Hermiston (way more drugs) and went to Yakima all the time. Yakima is not that bad. yeah there are drugs but there are drugs everywhere. its not like Yakima is Oakland, its just Yakima. Little want-a-be gangbangers thats all. Honestly if i was you i would be more worried about Pasco, i wouldn't go out alone at night there. Again it really isn't that bad there either. Listen every place has good and bad, drugs are in every city!! Don't worry Yakima isn't bad and actually they are getting a new medical school next year, they also have a really good hospital Kadlec. I really don't think you will have a problem there. the people that tend to have problems are the ones that either talk alot of **** to the wrong people for no good reason or the ones that get in a sticky area and then act like a wimp. if someone gives you attitude snap back at them and let it be known that you won't take their **** that usually deters most of the dumb ass want-a-bes. and if you want carry a stungun they are legal in Oregon and i think also in WA. I had a friend who once laughed so hard at the dumb asses in tri-cities saying "there are no real gangs in Yakima let those idiots go to my hometown of LA and see how long they last" so DON'T SWEAT YAKIMA its just another town.