Yakima, is it as bad as they say?

[Jay F]

Originally Posted by bad apples

Yakima isn't as bad as the rest of people(mostly stuck up Wenatchee and Leavenworth people make it out to be.). I actually thought it had a lot more going on for young people than either of those towns with a larger population. Better food, better shopping and a better night life. It is also less expensive than many other Central Washington areas. The gang problem in Yakima is blown way out of proportion in my opinion. Never had any issues on my many trips to so called Crackima, Jackima, Palm Springs of Washington. I found it had a lot more to offer than most Central Valley towns. It's also closer to Seattle and Portland than most of the other towns.

I lived in Wenatchee. Yes they do look down on Yakima as the most ghetto place in the world. Its not as bad as they say it is.

[Ivy Growen]

Selah is a better area thatn anything in majority of Yakima. Even better, the small town of Naches, perfect for raising familes, great schools etc is like 4 miles up from Selah. Yakima has nothing for kids or teenagers to do, high crime and gang ativity and highest sexual offender status in state, but we wish you the very best, love Tree Top. In fact I work for the former V.P. there. Good luck

[Ivy Growen]

Yakima still has the 9t highest crime rate, robberies, assaults, burglary, home invasions! I've lived here and near here for 45 years and yui need to be aware of everything around you, Don't leave any tools or such out for long and yu really need to be bilingual to get a job. Seriously, don't post if you don't know.

[flubber69696]

Im sick of hearing lies on this page like really look at this Link https://www.crimereports.com/map?CRSearch=yakima%20wa

Then you can judge this city. if you dont live here dont say nothing an if you live on the west side of yakima shut the hell up cause you prob have decent amount of money to move far away from the crime. Yakima is pretty ****ty tbh an dont mistake of its low population with crime wise Yakima ranks 9 or 5 in car thefts an has an overall above average crime rate in the United states. An dont say seattle is worse or spokane or Tacome look at the population an look back at Yakima. Yakimas pop is 90,000 an its still top 3 of the highest crime rate. Dont dare hide the true Yakima cause its Bs that people like to lie please enlighten me an actually notice the problem in this city. Crakima is still ****ed up an theres no way it can stop. Gang issues is a problem still Robberys are still a problem and Theft is a huge problem hah an dont forget all are Sex Offenders

[mc509]

I would suggest that you move to West Valley. I've lived in Selah for a few years now. It looks nice driving into town but there is a clique here or something telling me "We don't want you here". I have been all over the US and the drivers in this town are among the rudest I've encountered. Nowhere have I seen or heard someone flip me off and scream obscenities out their car window in front of a grade school just letting out. Spitting on my wife at the grade school Christmas play? It is much safer than most places but I've lived in. Naches is nice small community, West valley people are yuppy and and a few red necks. West of 16th Ave in Yakima only starts to get better. Try more around 40th Ave and keep going west. Remember that this entire area is mostly on the conservative end of the spectrum. If you have a family, I would rethink your plan all together and keep researching. Btw, take a look at the grades the schools are putting out. Just not the cream of the crop. The gangs are like an uncontrollable ant infestation and just getting worse.

[Robsteel17]

Yakima is alright...depending on what you're looking for and where you're living. Yes, you will find poverty, crime, and gang members from Downtown south to Union Gap. But west of about 40th or so it gets pretty quiet and suburban. West Valley has good schools and and more of a "country" feel.

Be aware that it is the type of place where you will be asked WHERE you go to church, not IF you go to church. Also it is quite conservative politically speaking so if that's an issue you might steer clear. In terms of gang activity, it seems like the lower valley (Sunnyside, Mabton) and the Rez (Toppenish, Wapato) is much scarier.

Yakima has a road sign that bills itself as "The Palm Springs of Washington." I have no idea what that is referring to. I would say it's more like a smaller, northwestern version of Bakersfield or Fresno. The scenery is similar, the climate is similar (though colder in winter in Yakima), the politics are similar, and they all have nicer areas and sketchier areas.

[emouse]

I lived there off and on for thirty years. Thirty years of my life I will never get back. You couldn't pay me enough to do it again. There is a Yakima mindset that is ultra conservative and narrow minded. Flat boring for the most part. It is stultifying. Completely uninspiring. It has a large caucasian geriatric population and a large illegal immigrant population. Talk about two polar opposites. As for the middle class experience, it is not like Seattle and outlying areas where the jobs are creative and diverse. Your choices of career are limited.

There are nice people, but the gossip and judgemental attitudes of some can be hard to handle.

They do have the Capitol Theater. Which is marvellous. There isn't much for self publishing artists or young people. If you are between the ages of fifteen and fifty you are sol for fun, entertainment and culture. Unless you like to go hiking. Or like repetitious experiences, such as going to your favorite tavern every night.

In other words, it is a good place to waste away. A great place if you enjoy contemplating your navel.

For creative, fun loving people it is hell on earth. I have friends who are not happy, but stay there for various reasons. I think they developed Stockholm Syndrome where you fall in love with your captor and can't break away. Why they do not escape is completely lost on me. You have been warned.

[emouse]

Originally Posted by flubber69696

Im sick of hearing lies on this page like really look at this Link https://www.crimereports.com/map?CRSearch=yakima%20wa

Then you can judge this city. if you dont live here dont say nothing an if you live on the west side of yakima shut the hell up cause you prob have decent amount of money to move far away from the crime. Yakima is pretty ****ty tbh an dont mistake of its low population with crime wise Yakima ranks 9 or 5 in car thefts an has an overall above average crime rate in the United states. An dont say seattle is worse or spokane or Tacome look at the population an look back at Yakima. Yakimas pop is 90,000 an its still top 3 of the highest crime rate. Dont dare hide the true Yakima cause its Bs that people like to lie please enlighten me an actually notice the problem in this city. Crakima is still ****ed up an theres no way it can stop. Gang issues is a problem still Robberys are still a problem and Theft is a huge problem hah an dont forget all are Sex Offenders

Every word true.

[momma4evr]

@ emouse ~ I've read several of your posts and agree completely... Raised in Yakima, left for 30 years, have now been back for six and it is probably the worse decision I ever made in my life. I can still appreciate it's "beauty" and the four seasons, but apart from that there is nothing here that adds value to my life. I have been researching several areas to locate to over the past two years and am now able to make concrete plans to do so. Just don't know where... Will probably need to stay in WA state due to a child who wants to attend college here. Bellingham is tops on our list, but trying to find a rental to start with plans to buy has been a daunting task.

Curious, if you wish to share, where did you transplant yourself?

I've found posts regarding Yakima interesting... Especially from those who have spent a few days here or driving by... For me, personally, this has been a place where I just exist. There was potential here, I believe, but I have lost all hope for this area. Never considered myself anywhere near racist or a bigot, but have to be honest, my attitude has changed immensely since returning here... and I have lived in Oakland, CA, Missouri and Arizona. Nothing has been as bad as what I have witnessed and experienced here in Yakima. I really am ready... more than ready... to run from here and never look back. I just regret that I've wasted precious years of my life here and those of my child.