The Yakima Valley has a lot to offer. Culturally diverse, you will find welcoming people who share a love for culture and the outdoors. The Yakima Valley has become one of the premier wine-producing regions in the world and now is home to some 65 wineries. We are just a short three hours away from the beautiful city of Seattle, great for a weekend getaway for a Mariners or Seahawks game or to enjoy shopping and fine dining. You can be on the world-class ski slopes of White Pass two hours after you leave your driveway. Anglers experience world-class trout fishing in the Yakima River, and in the Columbia River, anglers fish year-round for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, walleye and bass. Windsurfers and kiteboarders travel from all over the world to enjoy their sport in the Columbia Gorge, which is just an hour away.
Bloomsday, one of the largest amateur running events in the world, is held every May in Spokane, a two-and-a-half-hour drive to the north. The Seattle to Portland Bike Ride takes off every July.
If you like your fun closer to home, there is a 15-mile bike and running path that links Sunnyside to the neighboring towns of Grandview and Prosser. Washington State University–Tri-Cities, Central Washington University, Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences, Heritage University, and Yakima Valley Community College are all viable options for continuing education. There are excellent public and private schools in Sunnyside and in other school districts nearby.
Sunnyside, Grandview, Prosser and the rest of the Yakima Valley are all part of a culturally diverse region of over 80,000 people living between the cities of Yakima on the west and Tri-Cities on the east.
Sunnyside, at 17,000 people, is the second largest city in Yakima County and is a retail hub for the Valley area.
Sunnyside High School is a 3A high school (second largest classification in the state). Sunnyside Christian High School is a private, nondenominational religious–sponsored high school also located in our community. Both schools offer excellent educational opportunities for their students. The schools also work together on some extracurricular activities. Sunnyside High School is noted for excellence in drama, wrestling, orchestra, the Washington State Science Fair and other educational competitions.
Grandview, 5 miles east of Sunnyside, has been revitalized by the location of a Wal-Mart Regional Distribution Center. The center has resulted in economic expansion in our area, including many new homes as well as jobs related to food processing.
Sunnyside and Grandview are in the heart of Yakima Valley Wine Country. The business of "agritourism" has become a key economic factor for the Yakima Valley. Various themed weekends in the wine industry promote tourism throughout the year. Sunnyside, Grandview and nearby Prosser have an expanded array of services to meet that need, including restaurants, motels, bed-and-breakfast inns and a 24-hour fitness center.
In December, the annual Sunnyside Farm Implement Parade has become a must-see. On the first Saturday of December, colorfully decorated farm implements parade through the streets of Sunnyside to signal the start of the holiday season. The annual event draws thousands of people to Sunnyside and has been featured on national television.
The name Toppenish comes from the Native American word "Thappahn-ish," which translates to "people of the trail that come from the foot of the hills." The name was committed to maps, more or less, by Capt. George McClellan when he wandered through in 1853. He spelled it "Sahpenis," which was written on maps as Toppenish. Toppenish is home to approximately 73 historically accurate murals, which create an inviting atmosphere for anyone with a passion for history. Toppenish is home to some of the best agricultural land in the world. Located in the heart of Washington's famed fruit and wine country, Toppenish averages 300 days of sunshine a year, making it a great place to live and to visit.
If you're looking for a glimpse of the Old West, Native American tradition, historical murals, museums, powwows, rodeos, fresh produce, wildlife teepee camping, golfing, casino gaming and unique shopping—you'll find it all when you visit Toppenish.
With the scenery of the Cascade mountains and Washington state's most densely populated wine and fruit region, it's no wonder Yakima is one of the best places to live. The Yakima Valley is a perfect hub for day trips throughout the central Washington region, and numerous historic towns and scenic wonders are within an hour drive. Outstanding recreational opportunities, mixed with nearly 300 days of sunshine annually, make Yakima an excellent place to live.
The City of Yakima is 16.83 square miles. Yakima County ranks seventh in population in Washington state with more than 200,000 inhabitants and covers 4,296 square miles. Located in the south central part of Washington state, Yakima is within easy driving distance to Seattle (145 miles), Spokane (201 miles) and Portland, Oregon (185 miles).
The climate of the Yakima Valley is mild and dry. The summers are dry and hot, and winters are cool with light snowfall. Summer afternoons are hot, but, because of the dry air, there is a rapid fall in temperatures after sunset. Total precipitation for the valley is relatively small. Weather, central location, affordability and an abundance of activities offer a quality of life hard to match.