which would you choose: yakima or walla walla?

[NWbyNW]

There is a social class in Walla Walla, and a hierarchy, but overall it is a very nice area. Remote and isolated, but a little more then an hour to "big box" store shopping in the Tri-Cities. Walla Walla is a small (big little) town in the middle of famr land and an emerging wine country. You get some of the liberals in from California and the colleges and the conservative values of the families and farmers around the town. Downtown is quaint, and nice, historic. Over time, you might get bored with the limited things to do. There are numerous educational institutions in Walla Walla as well as a handful of hospitals. Town is on an upsurge thanks to the wine industry.

College Place might be a nice suburb of Walla Walla to look at too.

Yakima has more "big city" life out in this region, and far more grittier though with nice areas certainly to live in. More shopping and services then Walla Walla, and within 3 hours or so to Seattle. The area is trying to re-invent themselves with the wine industry. The Yakima Valley is known for their gang problems, especially in some of the smaller valley towns south of Yakima.

[lyn6023]

I have never lived in Walla Walla, but hear it is a lovely town. I grew up in Yakima and since I left many years ago crime rate has skyrocketed. I would NEVER go back to raise a family if I had a choice to go elsewhere due to this reason alone.

Originally Posted by StealthRabbit

I'd lean towards Walla Walla as a personal preference, but jobs might be a little tougher to find. If you need close proximity to the urban jungle, (traffic jams), Yakima is pretty accessible to the west side (also if you need some rain, or a trip to the coast). I feel *** has more problems with minorities, gangs and crime. Unfortunately the previous US 'amnesty' program added to Yakima's population, and the parents were responsible and grateful, yet the following generation is not so inclined. *** is also close to 'Cascades' (Mt. Rainier and Mt. St Helens (good & bad...)

Walla Walla prettier, a bit more laid back, and your recreation will be to the rivers or Blue Mountains. Both are great. It is a bit more remote, but a great little city, and some nice small towns nearby. Tri-Cities has pretty good employment and would be accessible, Spokane is easy to get to for a major city. Portland is pretty ez too, and no sales tax (~4hrs).

Might check for gov jobs @ USjobs.com The prison in W_W or colleges or Hydro Dams / Wind farms could be good spots for employment. I like Waitsburg. (~12 miles east of W-W). I'd research the schools, but will guess W-W will be rated higher and offer more choices. Everyone I've known who lived in Yakima have left for various reasons, they don't recommend it. Most folks seem to rave about Walla Walla. (just my $.02, haven't lived there, but go for seminars / events)

Good luck

[509]

Originally Posted by NWbyNW

There is a social class in Walla Walla, and a hierarchy, but overall it is a very nice area. Remote and isolated, but a little more then an hour to "big box" store shopping in the Tri-Cities. Walla Walla is a small (big little) town in the middle of famr land and an emerging wine country. You get some of the liberals in from California and the colleges and the conservative values of the families and farmers around the town. Downtown is quaint, and nice, historic. Over time, you might get bored with the limited things to do. There are numerous educational institutions in Walla Walla as well as a handful of hospitals. Town is on an upsurge thanks to the wine industry.

Can you explain your remote and isolated comment?

Granted, I retired as a professional Forester, but Walla Walla as remote and isolated?? My definition of remote and isolated is going to differ.....but

I cannot imagine being bored in a community the size and diversity of Walla Walla. But then I was not bored living in Pine, Idaho.

[Blindtom]

Walla Walla