The Yakima Valley

Why is Yakima such a desirable place to live?

The beautiful Yakima Valley, located just a short 2½ hour drive from the greater Seattle area, used to be best known as the apple capital of the world. In the last few years, the Yakima Valley has become famous for being the gateway to eastern Washington’s Wine Country, and is now becoming a mecca for retirees looking for a friendly environment, great weather (300 days of sunshine), affordable housing, and a lower cost of living—while still having all the amenities and conveniences that a metropolitan area has to offer.

Below are only a few of the amenities and conveniences that the Yakima area has to offer.

  • 300 days of sunshine
  • Short drive to mountains, lakes, skiing, fly fishing and river rafting
  • Nine affordable public golf courses and two private 
  • Yakima Greenway’s 10 miles of paths for nature walks and cycling
  • The Capitol Theatre (The Yakima Symphony)
  • Seasons Performance Hall and Music Festival
  • World-class medical and health care
  • Virginia Mason Memorial Hospital
  • North Star Lodge
  • Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences
  • Heritage University, Yakima Valley Community College, Perry Technical Institute
  • SunDome for year-round major sporting and entertainment events
  • Access to major shopping including Costco and Walmart
  • Gateway to northwest wine country
  • Yakima Farmers’ Market (local produce)
  • YMCA (men and women) including an indoor pool
  • And much much more!