Union Gap’s transformation from farmland to suburban community
The city of Union Gap borders Yakima to the south. It rests just north of its namesake gap, where the Yakima River runs between the Ahtanum and Rattlesnake ridges. In the late 1800s, settlers dug irrigation canals throughout the city to transform the arid landscape into farmland. In more recent years, commercial development and access to Interstate 82 have allowed it to become a suburban bedroom community. “It’s really convenient for travel and for shopping,” says Jenifer Watson, a Realtor with Re/Max who was born and raised in Yakima. “Everywhere else in the Yakima area, we have a 15- to 20-minute drive to get there.”
Valley Mall and big-box stores, plus locally owned restaurants
Union Gap functions as Yakima’s shopping district, with the two-story Valley Mall and various big-box retail and grocery stores. Near the mall, diners can find a large selection of national fast-food chains.
There are also several locally owned spots, like Miner's Drive-In Restaurant and Jean’s Cottage Inn. “Jean's is a Ma and Pa-type place. It’s not fancy, but people like to go there for steaks,” Watson says. Los Hernández Tamales, on Main Street, was the 2018 winner of the James Beard America's Classics award. During the growing season, residents shop for produce at Fruit City, which stocks fresh asparagus, pears and cherries from all the nearby farms.
Mostly midcentury houses and manufactured homes
In the residential sections of the city, houses rest relatively close together along gridded streets. There are a few sidewalks, but gravel shoulders are more common, providing space for off-street parking. Buyers might find manufactured homes priced from about $40,000 to $280,000. Midcentury bungalows and ranch-style houses are also prevalent, and they tend to sell between $200,000 and $370,000.
Union Gap School and the Yakima School District
Some parts of the city are zoned for the Union Gap School District. The district consists of the Union Gap School, which serves preschool through eighth-grade students and earns a C-plus on Niche. Most homes to the north of West Valley Mall Boulevard fall under the Yakima School District, also rated a C-plus. Yakima has a variety of educational options, including traditional schools, virtual learning and even International Baccalaureate programs.
Union Gap parks offer a variety of recreation
Union Gap has four city-run parks. The nearly 75-acre Youth Activities Park offers an equestrian arena, several sports fields and a BMX track. Fullbright Park rests at the base of the Autanum Ridge, with an 18-hole disc golf course and a playground. It's also home to the Central Washington Agricultural Museum, which boasts a large collection of antique tractors and some fully furnished pioneer homes. Behind the museum, a hiking trail winds up to the top of the ridge. Bikers can access the 20-mile Yakima Greenway just east of Interstate 82.
Annual Christmas parade, vineyard tours and history-themed events
In December, residents gather along Main Street for the annual lighted Christmas parade. The parade stops in the mall parking lot, where kids can sip hot chocolate and visit with Santa. In early April, many of the region's vineyards participate in Spring Barrel Weekend, a tasting tour around the valley. The Central Washington Agricultural Museum also hosts vintage car shows and other events throughout the year. Old Town Days, held in June, is a weekend packed with wagon tours, blacksmithing and Civil War battle reenactments.
Access to buses, nearby I-82 and the Yakima Airport
Union Gap Transit buses provide transportation around the city, and riders can link up with Yakima Transit buses beside the mall. Downtown Yakima is about 5 miles north, and I-82 and South First Street are the main routes for car travel. The MultiCare Yakima Memorial Hospital, in downtown Yakima, is a Level III trauma center. The Yakima Air Terminal-McAllister Field, less than 5 miles west, offers commercial flights through Alaska Airlines.
Regional wildfires can impact air quality
During the dry summer and early fall months, wildfires may impact the nearby mountains. Wildfire smoke and city pollution sometimes get trapped in the valley, leading to poor air quality.
