Pros and Cons of Yakima (Seattle, Kennewick: crime, lawyers, house)

[my2angels]

I would recommend West Valley or Terrace Heights. I live near the 12000 block off Ahtanum, it's peaceful, quiet, country setting beautiful orchards sll around my house. There is a lot of crime and drugs in downtown Yakima, I wouldn't want to live down there. But shopping or running errands down there isn't scary or anything, it's not that bad. The West Valley Schools are very family oriented, with family night, skating parties, etc.

[mnmharrison]

Miners is on South 1st street about 2500 block right by the mall. Good but expensive for a burger.

[Pattipbt]

Originally Posted by Corsica2147

I just accepted a job offer at Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital and will be moving out a month from now. I would like to know the pros and cons of living in Yakima. I read some articles about the high crime rate in Yakima and also illegal immigrant issue. But I am not exactly sure to what extend the crime is. If anyone would provide any insight about Yakima like things to do, where to live, etc would be greatly appreciate. Thank you.

Hi! We just moved from Zillah to NC. Yakima was a GREAT place in the 80-90's, but has changed for the worse since! All of the comments are true (except Miners is on So. 1st!). You might check out the Selah & Terrace Heights area. We just sold some land off Speyers Rd... I Liked it out in the country! Car theft/breakins are real common also. Memorial is good, but the Lab could use a overhaul!!! Clickish, to say the least!
Good Luck to you!

[Mark S.]

Originally Posted by Corsica2147

I read some articles about the high crime rate in Yakima and also illegal immigrant issue. But I am not exactly sure to what extend the crime is.

It's really, really bad. Some of the worst in the whole state in fact. The overwhelming majority of it is gang related.

You can find the crime stats here:

http://www.city-data.com/city/Yakima-Washington.html

U.S. average crime rate is 325.2. Yakima's in 2005 was 668.1!

[Torrie]

Ya I have to say I would never move to Yak-ima, sorry....We looked at this area about 6 years ago and even then it was bad and we couldn't imagine raising a famly there. It's like your stuck out in the middle of no-man's land with a lot of crime. I just can't say anything nice about the place as I don't feel it offers a great quality of life. Sorry to chime in......

[RobE]

Yakima: a bit of backwoods Kentucky in Washington. Bring your own meth and OxyContin (poor man's speedball).

[monkyspnk777]

... I find it interesting and almost insulting that the majority of the people commenting on Yakima, either don't live here or haven't lived here for 20 years.

There are talkers are do'ers, my family owned property on naches avenue back in the 80's and instead of complaigning, we worked with the police to clean up that area.

Live on the west side of 40th avenue, live in Terrace Heights and Selah. These are the best places to live in the valley, more growth for the value of your home, better schools, better roads and shopping. Selah is a bedroom community and I am moving there myself.

If your worried about crime, buy a dog and get a fence for your yard, clean out your garage and park the car in there... its funny most people can't park their car because of all the junk.

Yakima is not Beverly Hills, Austin Texas or Greensboro NC. Its Yakima, on the same N49 Latitude as Bordeaux France, if you like wine Yakima will pass Napa in the comming years. 300 days of sunshine a year, highspeed internet countywide, 1 hr to the Columbia River, 1 hr to ski slopes 2 hrs to seattle, I live here and enjoy the sun. Come to town and I will buy you a Budweiser made in Yakima Hops or bring an apple from your town... chances are we grew it.

Drew

[DoctorMom]

To Corsica:

YVMH is a fantastic place to work; it is one of the best things about Yakima. Yakima is kind of what you make of it. Great weather, affordable housing. I find it is VERY hard to break in to the community; I work at a local clinic and we still feel like outsiders 9 years later; tough to find kids to play with my kids, as the parents say "oh they're playing with their cousins today" etc. and we can't get other parents to involve us or even call us back. Many folks are unwaveringly conservative, and the level of education of most people is pretty low. I would suggest finding a church or other group to help you find friends, and find some relative newcomers to hang out with. Join the Greenway Foundation, Yakima Folklife, Rotary or whatever to meet new folks. Good lucK!

[dagwa]

I myself am moving to Yakima within the next six months. I've live all over Washington state, from Bellingham to Spokane, however I've been living in southern California for the past 3+ years now and have never been to Yakima before. Can anyone recommend apartments in the area that are not in the "bad" neighborhoods? I haven't had much luck on the internet. I'm hoping for an opportunity to get up there to look around prior to being stationed up there. I wouln't mind a short commute if that's what it takes. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[Perle]

Doctor Mom,

I am a physician w/ a 12 yo son and considering practicing in Yakima. I would be very interested to hear more about your experience there. Let me know if you would be willing to discuss via e-mail.
Thanks