Wapato is a long-standing agricultural community near Yakima
Wapato is a small agricultural community to the south of Yakima. Fruit storage warehouses, modest homes and businesses line its gridded central streets. On the outskirts of the city, a network of irrigation canals provides water for the many orchards and farms. The city lies within the Yakama Nation Reservation, but some of the land is privately owned.
Many residents have ties to the area that date back to the late 1900s or before. “You rarely see new people,” says David Young, a Realtor with eXp Realty Washington who was born and raised in Wapato. “Typically, people who grew up in Wapato tend to stay because their family is there.”
Mostly 1900s homes on compact lots
Sidewalks line some streets to the east of U.S. Route 97. Throughout the community, lots are generally compact, and some have private driveways or fenced yards. “Once in a while, you’ll find a country home with more land,” Young says. The majority of homes were built in the early-to-mid 1900s, and bungalows and ranch-style houses are relatively common. Prices tend to range from $180,000 to $360,000.
Dual-language and dual-credit options through Wapato schools
Children can attend Wapato Public Schools, a district that earns an overall C-minus on Niche. The district offers the option of dual-language learning, with classroom instruction in both Spanish and English. Students at C-rated Wapato High School can earn college credits through the University of Washington while working toward their high school diploma.
A few local businesses, but Union Gap has more options
Most businesses rest along West First Street and South Wapato Avenue. Carniceria Los Amigos stocks fresh produce and marinated meats, and the International Market carries a full range of groceries. For prepared foods, some people head to Castro’s Café, a small taco-and-sandwich stand beside Horizon Pharmacy. There are also several coffee shops and some sit-down dining spots, like Anita’s Mexican Restaurant. On Thursdays, the Filipino Community Hall of the Yakima Valley offers traditional Filipino meals for takeout.
For clothing and many household needs, residents rely on nearby cities. “Wapato needs more commercial properties,” Young says. “The population has grown steadily, but there aren’t enough businesses.” In Union Gap, about 10 miles north, there are big-box chain stores and the two-story Valley Mall.
City parks and nearby hiking trails
There are a few pocket parks around Wapato, including City Hall Park and McCready Park, both of which have small play structures. Lions Park spans nearly 20 acres at the southeast corner of the city, with a community center, sports fields and a playground. Hiking and mountain biking trails are accessible from the Konnowac Pass Trailhead, less than 10 miles north.
Celebrating culture in Wapato, plus area winery events
In March, the Wapato Middle School has a Cultural Unity Fair, with student performances and a menu with regional favorites, like cheese zombies, as well as Native American, Mexican and Filipino cuisine. The Filipino Community Hall of the Yakima Valley also holds an annual dinner that is open to all residents. Several wineries are located a few miles north of the city limits, and they often host live music and tasting events.
Car travel on U.S. Route 97 and I-82
People For People provides limited bus service around the valley, but the community is mostly car dependent. Drivers can travel along U.S. Route 97, which runs through the city, or link up with Interstate 82 about 2 miles northeast. Yakima, around 15 miles north, is home to the MultiCare Yakima Memorial Hospital and the Yakima Air Terminal-McAllister Field.
Water concerns and risk of brush fires
Many area farmers rely on surface water to irrigate their crops, and during the dry summer months, water tends to be more limited. Drought conditions can also increase the likelihood of brush fires and wildfires throughout the valley.
