Yakima, WA Homes For Rent

Homes for Rent in Yakima, WA: What You Need to Know

Yakima is located in Yakima Valley in central Washington, one of America’s most fertile valleys. The region has more than 3,000 farms. 

Job Opportunities in Yakima, WA

Yakima County is Washington’s leader when it comes to the value of fruits, vegetables, and grains it grows. Yakima Valley produces more than 77% of hops grown in the country. In addition to its thriving agricultural industry, the county has an active manufacturing sector with about 250 companies producing aircraft parts, wood products, plastics, and recreational vehicles. Top employers in Yakima and Yakima County include Virginia Mason Memorial Hospital, Walmart-Yakima, Washington Fruit and Produce, Astria Health-Yakima, and Borton Fruit. 

Things to Do in Yakima, WA

The Yakima Area Arboretum is a green oasis in the city, with 46 acres of land featuring gardens, tree collections, and natural areas. It’s a popular destination for nature walks, school field trips, and as a wedding venue. The Yakima Greenway trail passes through the Arboretum along the Yakima River. The Jewett Interpretive Center within the arboretum features a carillon tower, solarium meeting rooms, and a gift shop. Go hiking or biking on the 30-mile Cowiche Canyon Trails. Enjoy the scenic shrub-steppe, an arid landscape where you’ll see sagebrush, grasslands, meadows, oak woodlands, and basalt cliffs.

Weather and Climate

Yakima’s semi-arid climate, combined with abundant irrigation provided by the Yakima River, makes the area an ideal environment for growing hops and apples. Yakima gets only about nine inches of rain per year versus the U.S. average of 38 inches and 18 inches of snow annually compared with the national average of 28 inches. The city enjoys 199 sunny days a year versus the U.S. average of 205 sunny days.

Cost of Living in Yakima, WA

Newcomers can live well on less in Yakima, home to 93,637 people. The city’s cost of living rate, food, and housing costs are 5.3%, 4.4%, and 14.6% lower than the national average respectively. The median gross rent is $820. The Evergreen State doesn’t collect personal income tax. It levies 7% to 10.5% in sales tax, among the highest in the country.

Know Your Neighborhoods

Yakima, the seat of Yakima County, provides easy access to outdoor recreation on the river or in the mountains. Residents love their hometown’s combined urban and rural sensibility, excellent amenities, downtown farmer’s market, and array of wineries and breweries and restaurants. Forty-six percent of city residents rent. Looking for top-notch public schools? Check out Summitview, Selah, and Ahtanum.