Yakima Is Not Safe (Moses Lake, Selah: to rent, house prices, safe area)

[CrazyDonkey]

My sister used to live in Yakima. My impression was that the better neighborhoods were in west Yakima. It is no secret that there are Hispanic gangs there - S. 1st St. looks to be Nortenos turf, while 10th & Nob Hill looks to be in the middle of territory disputed by the Surenos and Nortenos:

https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer...w.kjBMTtD7n47E

I'd say, if at all possible, avoid walking there alone at night. If cops are mistaking you for a prostitute or men in cars are trying to pick you up for a "date", you're probably on or near a "track".

If you occasionally miss the last bus, pay for a cab. If it happens more than occasionally, see if you can get your hours shifted, or find another job. Or see if you can get a ride home (contribute to the gas). If your family is keeping you there, see if they can help you finance a serviceable used car.

Carry pepper spray or mace in plain sight where you can quickly access it (key chain on your wrist, not on the bottom of your purse), if only to help you feel less vulnerable.

As to why, you answered the question yourself - "Wages low 32% poverty rate". Since Yakima is 50% white and 43% Hispanic, I'd guess that the poverty rate for Hispanics is much higher than 32%. Poverty breeds crime, drug-use, and violence. Income disparities cause racial enmity. You're from the area, so I'm not saying anything you don't already know. The "war on drugs" has only led to the expansion of the gangs, and the further economic decay of neighborhoods where they predominate.

[tickyul]

Sad, I truly hope the OP can recover and find justice.

I live in Yakima briefly quite a while ago. Even back then, it seemed quite, ummmm, run down and is putting it mildly.

I have read that Yakima is a pretty big spot for gang-members......with that usually comes violence.

[MarciaMarshaMarcia]

I worked with someone who was from the tribe and said she moved from there for her kids & grandkids, but I did not know she was talking about the town, she lived on the rez.

[Inkpoe]

Originally Posted by thisplacesucks

1. Not everyone knows about Yakima

2. The Washington forum, IMO, has very little useful & honest information & a strong anti-relocation vibe. People will move here, no matter what, so just share some info.

3. The forum is meant for personal, anecdotal info., but contributors get jumped. Why? People who read this can take it or leave it. It is not meant to be research-based.

4. I am transplant sensitive...so sorry I wasn't born here.

5. I am seriously in need of some sun.

6. There are posters on this forum who do not even live in this state (I can think of 2 off the top of my head) who contribute & do not have a clue what they are talking about. Live here before you advise.

I'm still not sure what any of this has to do with my post...

But if you're in need of some sun, Yakima bills itself as the "Palm Springs" of Washington. Perhaps a visit is in order.

[Pretzelogik]

Thanks for the heads up...a vacation traveler.

[Ankhharu]

Originally Posted by Yakscsd

Whats your point? Do you want to try and fix it?

To give potential visitors or possible transplants a heads up. To get the word out.

If people keep quiet by injustices, crimes, and the like, they are questioned. "Why didn't you say something before?" If people do speak up, you get no shortage of people offended that someone shined a light on a negative aspect of a person, place, or thing. Damned if you do. Damned if you don't.

[MarciaMarshaMarcia]

Originally Posted by Inkpoe

I'm still not sure what any of this has to do with my post...

But if you're in need of some sun, Yakima bills itself as the "Palm Springs" of Washington. Perhaps a visit is in order.

Well, aren't you nice!!! WA native??

[Inkpoe]

Originally Posted by thisplacesucks

Well, aren't you nice!!! WA native??

One of the very few positives of Yakima is that they have better weather, good soil, it's an outdoor man's paradise and that its right in wine country. You probably could use a glass or two. Good stuff out there.

And nope, not a WA native and I am quite nice actually.

[Inkpoe]

Originally Posted by Ankhharu

To give potential visitors or possible transplants a heads up. To get the word out.

If people keep quiet by injustices, crimes, and the like, they are questioned. "Why didn't you say something before?" If people do speak up, you get no shortage of people offended that someone shined a light on a negative aspect of a person, place, or thing. Damned if you do. Damned if you don't.

Yakima is often referred as "Crackima", "Yaki-vegas", the "butt hole of WA", etc. It's not some down low secret that it's a dinky little town with serious problems and even on this forum, it's not as well regarded and people here advise either living in that small good sections or just outside of the town (like Selah).

[Podo944]

Originally Posted by CrazyDonkey

As to why, you answered the question yourself - "Wages low 32% poverty rate". Since Yakima is 50% white and 43% Hispanic, I'd guess that the poverty rate for Hispanics is much higher than 32%. Poverty breeds crime, drug-use, and violence. Income disparities cause racial enmity. You're from the area, so I'm not saying anything you don't already know. The "war on drugs" has only led to the expansion of the gangs, and the further economic decay of neighborhoods where they predominate.

Interesting, I always heard how the PNW was so "white". I live in So. Cal, and I'm used to a lot of hispanics. Has it always been very hispanic, or is there something that has attracted them there? Just wondering cause it's pretty far from the southern boarder.

To the OP, I'd move. I know probably easier said than done, but seriously, that place sounds pretty horrible!