How Conservative is Yakima? (Seattle, Spokane: rental, neighborhood, living in) - Washington (WA) - City-Data Forum

CarlB328 · 01-26-2011, 08:50 AM

Well, I have a new job in the Yakima area, and will be moving there in a few weeks. I am curious as to how conservative people consider it to be. As a somewhat progressive person myself, I am wondering if I will have any difficulties being accepted there. I have been living in San Antonio for the last 8 years, so maybe it won't be too big of a change?

M3 Mitch · 01-26-2011, 01:08 PM

Some people in *** are conservative, some are not - in most of the true West, including Texas, if you are not an "in people's face" type of "progressive", always trying to re-order other people's lives, you will do fine. Liberals and Democrats, writ large, are not in the majority in Yakima but they do exist.

Probably of more concern to you is how rough the East and South parts of town are, and if you want to live in the city proper, or outside of town (I would recommend the latter myself).

j_k_k · 01-26-2011, 01:23 PM

I am Mitch in this. In eastern Washington, by and large, it's not considered especially polite to wash anyone's face with one's politics all the time. Same with religion (or lack thereof). We have a few political incontinents, naturally, just as we have a few stridently a-hole atheists and a few rabid fundies, but in my experience your personal conduct is more important. To be honest, when someone talks about moving to this state and their first priority is to be around people of their same political persuasion, I hope they don't move here whatever their politics. The last thing we need is more of that mentality (I'll leave it up to the OP to decide if he has it or not, and if so, there's probably a hazardous waste site in Bexar County where he can drop it off while packing, to everyone's benefit).

I live in a moderately conservative, patriotic, Christian eastern Washington neighborhood. I hate both political sides (well, scathing contempt for one and flaming hatred for the other), have almost zero patriotism, and am a fairly devout uncloseted pagan. I get along fantastic with my neighbors, including the old Air Commando from Vietnam; not two days ago, I attended one's funeral in the Methodist church where he was an elder. No one sees any oddity in this, because I do not focus on broadcasting my choices, but rather on being the kind of neighbor I'd like to live next to. I respect their choices and views and they have the courtesy to respect mine. This is not aberrant in eastern Washington, but quite typical.

CarlB328 · 01-26-2011, 02:54 PM

I hope so, and I'm not from Texas, I'm originally from the Eastside (of King county).

j_k_k · 01-26-2011, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarlB328

I hope so, and I'm not from Texas, I'm originally from the Eastside (of King county).

Then you shouldn't have too much problem adjusting to some aspects. To others, in Yakima, adjustment is problematic.

uktechguy · 01-28-2011, 11:12 AM

I think that j_k_k describes it pretty well. I live in the West Valley area of Yakima. I'm originally from the UK and my girlfriend was brought up in Southern California. In general people are very friendly here. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at what a mix of people there are here and how many activities are going on. We very much like it here.
Welcome to Yakima by the way, we should have a beer at Bobs Keg & Cork after you get here.

CarlB328 · 01-28-2011, 09:48 PM

Thanks.

nic kolby · 10-19-2011, 12:01 PM

trust me yakima sucks nothing to do. no good music festivals. its just white people who like country music and mexicans who listen to rap thats it! when it comes to music your better off going to Spokane or seattle hell even portland ORE.

CarlB328 · 10-23-2011, 12:13 PM

Now that I've been here a while I can say that it's not that bad, but it is kind of boring. Yakima is a small city and as such it does have some things to do like shopping, restaurants, a little bit of night life (sort of).

Unfortunately with high gas prices I can't go to the mountains as much now (1-2 hours), or to visit and do things in the Seattle area (3 hours).

We actually live in Terrace Heights, which is a lot better than many parts of Yakima itself, but we were lucky to find a rental available here.

I'd rather be in Western Washington though, if I could afford it and find some place not too crowded

Overall

M3 Mitch · 10-27-2011, 01:23 PM

Maybe you need a car with better MPG? This is not rust country, so to name 2 that I know about - a 2nd generation Camry can be found in good nick and will get 35 or better MPG, somewhat Plain Jane car but reliable, comfortable, not a bad ride. Or a 1980's VW - my old Scirocco gets nearly 38 MPG, bought it for $1000 (I have improved it mechanically considerably since I bought it though).

Or, rent a small car for the weekend, frequently Enterprise has a deal for a weekend rental.

Or, ride over to Seattle on the Grey Dog - I have done it once to recover that 87 Camry. It's a bit slower than driving your own car but not that much.

Or, Amtrack to Portland.

You gotta think outside the box.