A small town set between Yakima and the Tri-Cities on Interstate 82, Sunnyside is aptly named for its clear blue skies. “You get all four seasons with over 300 days of sunlight,” says Mike Nelson, a Sunnyside resident and Realtor with DK Bain Real Estate. “Farmers get as much rain as they need—it’s great for agriculture.” Many families live on small hobby farms, while others work at larger agricultural operations in the surrounding region, producing hops, wine and fresh produce. Though locals commute to other towns for most recreation, neighborhood parks and annual events in the town’s downtown district provide a sense of community.
Experience incredible views of the Yakima Valley from your living room in Sunnyside.
Welcome to Sunnyside, were the sun shines 300 days a year.
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Relatively affordable properties and opportunity for large lots
As of early 2025, the median home sale price here is $340,000, lower than the national median. “It’s competitive, definitely a buyer’s market,” Nelson says. “Lots of folks are looking for land, like 1 to 5 acres, with an old farmhouse to fix up.” Minimal traditional ranch-style homes and bungalows date to the mid to late 20th century, with some new 21st-century developments dotted throughout. Lot sizes are relatively small in the center of town, while on the outskirts, there are often multi-acre parcels where many locals have small personal farms. Manufactured homes are common throughout town, often within senior living communities.
The center of Sunnyside's residential area features rows of Mid-Century Ramblers.
Cottages and farm houses with extensive acreage populate the outer parts of Sunnyside.
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South Hill Park and other neighborhood playgrounds
Small neighborhood parks and playgrounds serve as gathering places for local families; South Hill Park is the largest, offering tennis courts and a community center. Black Rock Creek Golf Club has a public 18-hole course just outside of town.
Take your kids to the playground at South Hill Park for a day outside in Sunnyside.
Work on you swing with friends at Black Rock Golf Course in Sunnyside.
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Wineries in the valley and downtown festivals
The surrounding Yakima Valley is known for its scenic wineries and hop farms, though most are at least 10 miles out from Sunnyside. However, the town’s small downtown district also has several bars and breweries alongside bakeries and small shops. Most annual community events occur here, like the Cinco De Mayo Festival in May and the Lighted Farm Implement Parade in December, featuring tractors and other equipment wrapped in Christmas lights. Yakima Valley Highway is the other main business drag in town, lined with retailers, grocery stores and Mexican restaurants.
Downtown Sunnyside offers access to local events, charming stores, and a friendly community.
Head to Sunnyside Retail Center placed on Yakima Valley highway to grab food or go shopping.
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Commuting on Interstate 82 and declining crime rates
Interstate 82 runs along Sunnyside’s southern border, running 35 miles northwest to Yakima and 49 miles to the Tri-Cities area, which includes Kennewick, Richland and Paso. Public Transportation in Sunnyland is very limited, but People For People, a regional organization serving some of Washington’s rural counties, operates some fare-free fixed bus routes in the area. Astria Sunnyside Hospital is the only major medical center in town. Locals travel 49 miles out to Tri-Cities Airport for commercial flight service. According to the most recent annual crime report from the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, the Sunnyside Police Department had a 28% decrease in overall crime from 2022 to 2023.
Public and private options in Sunnyside
Sunnyside School District earns an overall C-plus from Niche, with nine schools serving over 6,000 students. The private Sunnyside Christian School serves all grade levels.
Sierra Vista Middle School serves students in the Sunnyside area.
Sunnyside High School serves grades 9-12 in Sunnyside.
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New affordable housing project on Linn Street
In an effort to produce more affordable family housing, Yakima Valley Partners Habitat for Humanity began construction on six new homes in October 2024. The homes will be located in Sunnyside’s Linn Street neighborhood, and the first one is expected to be completed in May 2025.
The new affordable homes on Lynn Street in Sunnyside are built by Yakima's Habitat for Humanity.
The Lynn Street affordable housing project is Sunnysides newest development.
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Written By
Andi Sink
Photography Contributed By
Noah Lubin
Video By
Matt Pangman
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jeremy Chambers,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Sunnyside, WA sell after 206 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Sunnyside, WA over the last 12 months is $410,000, down 25% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
MLS# 285584 Welcome to your private retreat in the heart of wine country! This beautifully landscaped 3-bedroom, 3-bath home sits on 1.89 fully fenced acres, offering the perfect balance of peaceful country living and stylish upgrades.Step inside to an open-concept main floor with bamboo flooring, floating kitchen shelves, and a chef-inspired kitchen featuring KitchenAid appliances, a 6-burner
Incredible opportunity to own a dairy operation offering 530 acres with capacity to milk 2400+ dairy cows. Property includes a Double 25 Herringbone Milk Barn, 1000 sf office/living quarters looking down into the milking parlor, Machine Room, Detached Single 9 Hospital Barn, 13 Cow Loafing Sheds, 7 Bay Commodity Barn, 10 thousand ton silage pit, 40 Truck Scale with office, 5 Bay Mechanical Shop,
MLS# 279346 Welcome to this charming duplex nestled in on Nicolai Ave, offering both comfort and convenience. This property presents an excellent opportunity for investors or owner-occupants seeking dual income streams. Boasting timeless appeal, this duplex is sure to impress. Call a Realtor today to get started!
Welcome to your own slice of Eastern Washington farmland! Nestled on 15.93 acres of, irrigated Class 1 soil, this Sunnyside property blends residential comfort with agricultural function--perfect for hobby farmers or anyone seeking space to spread out.The traditional 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers 1,636 sq ft on the main level, plus a 624 sq ft basement. Originally built in 1950 with many modern
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