Yakima 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Yakima is an ideal location for 55+ active adults who are looking to find a home in a 55+ retirement community. The city is nestled in the heart of the Pacific Northwest and offers a unique blend of small-town charm and natural beauty. With a sunny climate and scenic views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding valleys, Yakima is a great place to explore the great outdoors. There are many opportunities for hiking, biking, and fishing, as well as plenty of parks and nature reserves to explore. Yakima is also home to a vibrant arts and culture scene, with a range of museums, galleries, and theaters showcasing the talents of local artists and performers. Whether you're looking to relax and unwind or stay active and engaged, Yakima has something for everyone.

Some local websites that may be useful for visitors and potential residents of Yakima include:

• Yakima Herald Republic, a local newspaper that covers news and events in the area
• Visit Yakima Valley, which provides information on local wineries, restaurants, and other attractions
• Yakima Chamber of Commerce, which offers information on local businesses, events, and community resources.

Affordability and Cost of Living 

Yakima, WA offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many other cities in the Pacific Northwest region, the cost of living in Yakima is 7.1 percent lower than the national average. The cost of housing is generally lower than in the larger metropolitan areas like Seattle, and the median home price in Yakima is around $316,400 which is significantly lower than the state average of $534,700. Groceries are about the same as elsewhere in the nation while healthcare, utilities, and transportation are anywhere from 13 to 18 percent lower than the national average. Sales tax in Yakima is 8.3 percent and is made up of the 6.5 percent state tax and the 1.8 percent city tax. Property taxes are high, on average residents in Yakima County pay 1 percent of the assessed home value. 

Kipling ranks Washington as a tax friendly state, primarily due to the state not having income tax on wages or any type of retirement income. Washington does not have an inheritance tax but there is an estate tax for estates worth more than 2.2 million, the tax ranges from 10 to 20 percent. The downside to Washington is their high sales taxes, in some parts of the state the combined state and local sales tax rate can be almost ten percent.

Climate and Geography 

Yakima is known for its semi-arid continental climate, with hot and dry summers and cold and occasionally snowy winters. Average temperatures in the summer range from 52 to 91 degrees, with an average humidity of 35 percent, making it a relatively dry heat. The winter temperatures range from 22 to 40° degrees, with an average annual snowfall of 17 inches. The area receives an average annual rainfall of 8.4 inches, which mostly falls during the winter months. The Yakima Valley is home to over 300 days of sunshine per year, making it a great place to enjoy outdoor activities year-round.

The Yakima Valley is located in Central Washington, east of the Cascade Range and south of the Wenatchee Mountains and north of the Yakima Ridge. Yakima River runs through the valley and offers opportunities for tube floating, fishing and boating. The valley is known for its agricultural production, including vineyards, orchards, and hop fields. The area is also home to several parks and nature preserves, including the Cowiche Canyon Trail and the Yakima Area Arboretum, which showcase the natural beauty of the area. With its diverse geography and natural beauty, Yakima offers residents and visitors plenty of opportunities to explore the great outdoors. 

Recreation, Shopping, and Entertainment 

Yakima is an area that offers a wide range of recreational activities, whether you enjoy outdoor activities, historical sites, museums, or the performing arts, Yakima has something for everyone.

Golf and Racquet Sports

• Yakima Country Club
• Suntides Golf Course
• Yakima Tennis Club

Hiking, Biking and Boating

• Cowiche Canyon Trail
• Yakima Greenway
• Yakima River Canyon Trail

Museums and Historical Sites

• Yakima Valley Museum
• McAllister Museum of Aviation
• Northern Pacific Railway Museum

Performing Arts

• Capitol Theatre
• The Seasons Performance Hall
• Yakima Symphony Orchestra

Shopping

• Valley Mall
• Downtown Yakima Farmers Market
• Yakima Farmers Market at the Depot

Parks and Gardens

• Franklin Park
• Yakima Arboretum
• Sarg Hubbard Park

Festivals and Fairs

• Central Washington State Fair
• Fresh Hop Ale Festival
• Yakima Valley Carriage Company Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze

Health and Wellness 

Yakima offers a variety of health and wellness opportunities to 55+ active adults. The Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital is the largest medical center in the area and offers a range of healthcare services. For those looking to maintain their health through fitness and relaxation there are several gyms and fitness centers in Yakima, as well as several parks and trails for walking and hiking. There are a number of yoga studios and wellness centers in the area that offer classes and services for mental and physical health including the Yakima Yoga Center and the Yakima Wellness Center. The Yakima Yoga Collective offers a range of yoga and meditation classes and The Yakima Wellness Center offers chiropractic care, acupuncture, and massage therapy.. For those who want to improve their health through nutrition the Yakima Farmers Market provides farm fresh produce and other healthy foods.

Recommended Itinerary for Visiting Area 55+ Communities

If you're considering moving to an active adult retirement community in Yakima taking a trip to the area can be a great way to explore the possibilities. Here's a two-day itinerary to help familiarize you with the area:

Day One

Morning: 

• Start the day with a cup of coffee and breakfast at North Town Coffeehouse, known for its locally-roasted coffee and delicious pastries.
• After breakfast, head over to the Yakima Area Arboretum, where you can take a leisurely walk through the gardens and learn about the local flora and fauna.

Afternoon: 

• Enjoy dim sum and noodles for lunch at the E.Z. Tiger.
• Head to Yakima Valley Museum to learn about the history and culture of the area, including exhibits on the region's Native American heritage, pioneer history, and agricultural roots.

Evening: 

• Grab dinner at Cowiche Canyon Kitchen + Icehouse, a farm-to-table restaurant that sources ingredients from local farms and ranches.

Day Two

Morning: 

• Begin your day with a specialty coffee at Mak Daddy Coffee Roasters.
• Meet with a local 55places expert retirement community partner agent to learn more about and tour the retirement communities in the area.

Afternoon: 

• Have lunch at Second Street Grill which offers a diverse food menu as well as a large variety of local beers on tap.
• Spend the afternoon outdoors at Yakima Greenway, a 10-mile paved trail along the Yakima River that's perfect for walking, biking, and birdwatching.

Evening

• Enjoy dinner at WaterFire Restaurant & Bar, a waterfront restaurant that offers stunning views of the Yakima River.

Getting to Yakima, WA

Yakima is located in central Washington and is easily accessible by car, bus, or plane. Yakima is approximately 150 miles southeast of Seattle, 200 miles northeast of Portland, and 350 miles northwest of Boise.

If driving, major highways into the area include Interstate 82, U.S. Route 97, and State Route 12. For those driving, the following highways provide access to Yakima:

• Interstate 82 from the west or east
• U.S. Route 97 from the north or south
• State Route 12 from the west or east

For those arriving by air, the closest major airport is Yakima Air Terminal (YKM), located about 4 miles southeast of downtown Yakima. Daily flights are available to and from Seattle through Alaska Airlines, and to and from Denver through United Airlines. Another option is to fly into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), which is about 144 miles west of Yakima. SEA is a major international airport, with many airlines and direct flights available to major cities across the United States and around the world.

Visitors can take a Greyhound bus to the Yakima station, located at 1 South 1st Street. Amtrak trains also run to Yakima with a stop at the Yakima Train Depot, located at 205 South Front Street.