4 Things You Should Know Before Moving to Yakima

Newcomers to Yakima...here are a few things you should know about our city.

#1: The Hop Capital Of The World

An impressive fact that even many native Yakimanians forget is that Yakima produces 75% of America’s hops and 25% of the world’s! During the late summer, the entire valley fills with the aroma of millions of pounds of hops drying. The whole city leans into this culture with taprooms nearly everywhere! The Fresh Hop Ale Festival, held in early October, is considered one of the biggest beer festivals in the country.

#2: The Palm Springs Of Washington

While this chintzy tagline has led some Yakima residents to cringe, there is some truth to it. Yakima summers are notoriously hot and dry. Between July and September, Yakima averages less than 0.2 inches of rain a month! Summers in Yakima feature consistent sunshine, high temps in the 80s and 90s, and often streaks of 100+ degree days! Those coming from the west side and the Midwest are shocked to feel Yakima’s dry desert summer climate. Don’t let this make you forget about the cold, gray, and snowy winters Yakima experiences!

#3: Outdoor Activities Everywhere

Many newcomers are immediately shocked by the breadth of outdoor activities there are to experience around Yakima!From floating and fly fishing on the Yakima River to skiing at White Pass, there is something for everyone in the area.Hiking, rock climbing, and swimming in local rivers and lakes are favorite summer activities in the vicinity. Mount Rainier and Mount Adams are less than 70 miles away!

Mount Rainier with snow-covered peaks under a soft pink and blue sky

#4: Light Traffic

One of the beauties of Yakima is the relatively light traffic compared to the west side of the state. While there is still a rush hour, the average commute in Yakima is a mere 17 minutes!