Zillah is an agricultural community on the rise
Zillah rests to the north of the Yakima River, surrounded by fruit orchards and vineyards. Irrigation systems brought farmers to the area in the late 1800s and early 1900s. In recent years, the city has launched initiatives to improve walkability through the downtown, refresh the parks and increase housing. “It’s a peaceful, thriving city that stays true to its agricultural roots,” says Michael Grayum, Zillah city administrator. “We are growing but focused on maintaining our hometown feel.”
Youth sports, pickleball and farm-themed playgrounds
The city has a few green spaces, including Cemetery Park, which hosts youth sports practices and games. Stewart Park, across from it, is not only home to the historic Teapot Dome Service Station but also has a playground and fields used for T-ball practices and games. Loges Park, on Railroad Avenue, was upgraded in 2025 with a brand-new dog park and lighted pickleball courts. “It was part of a larger vision to revitalize the downtown,” Grayum says. “We are also trying to make the downtown safer for pedestrians by adding new, wider sidewalks.”
Other planned updates include an agriculture-themed playground with a tractor-shaped slide, as well as a splash pad with miniature irrigation towers at Stewart Park. The city is also working to increase public recreation space. “Between T-ball, softball and other sports, we are running out of fields,” Grayum says. “We just partnered with the school district, and we have a plan in place to transform some district-owned land into the Zillah Sports Hub. We’ll have more space for youth sports, and we’ll be able to host regional tournaments.”
Early 1900s homes, post-2000 developments and proposed housing
In Zillah’s more densely populated downtown area, there are some cottages and farmhouses that date back to the early 1900s, and sidewalks run along the edge of some streets. The community also has a few post-2000 developments that have a more suburban feel, with professionally landscaped yards and private driveways. Ranch-style houses are prevalent throughout the city, and sales tend to range from $260,000 to $680,000. Manufactured homes in the 55-plus Maranatha Mobile Park sometimes come on the market. In 2024, one sold for around $50,000, and site rental fees generally cost an additional $500 per month.
“Finding housing can sometimes be difficult,” Grayum says. “One of our priorities is to support residential growth.” Along Vintage Valley Parkway, a development with more than 50 houses is planned, and about 60 multifamily units are slated for the downtown, Grayum says.
Zillah School District for most kids
Most students attend the Zillah School District, which earns a B-plus on Niche. Hilton Elementary School serves preschool through second grade, and it holds an A-minus rating. Zillah Intermediate School and Zillah Middle School both get a B. Zillah High School, rated a B-minus, is known for having a strong sports program. High school students have the opportunity to earn an associate degree through Yakima Valley College while completing their diploma requirements. Some properties in the western tip of the city are zoned for the Toppenish School District, which gets an overall C rating.
Zillah’s existing businesses and planned growth
Zillah has a mix of long-standing businesses and new additions, and more commercial space is proposed. Buhrmaster Baking Company sells fresh bread and bagels, and Lep-re-kon Harvest Foods carries a full range of groceries. Dining options include The Squeeze Inn Restaurant, along First Avenue, which originally opened as a small café in 1932. The Chophouse Restaurant, located in an old fruit-packing warehouse, serves specialty burgers and protein-topped salads. “We also have some really great Mexican food, including a stop along the Yakima Valley Taco & Tamale Trail,” Grayum says.
In addition to existing businesses, more are anticipated along Vintage Valley Parkway. “In order to help kickstart economic development, we plan to add a public market,” Grayum says. “It will have space for pop-up businesses and food trucks, and the area wineries can add tasting rooms.”
Community Days, three-on-three basketball and wine runs
In May, residents gather for the annual Zillah Community Days. The event begins with the 5K Run for the Fallen. “It’s a living memorial for heroes from Yakima Valley and the Yakama Nation,” Grayum says. “We set up posters of our heroes along Vintage Valley Parkway, and participants run, roll or stroll in honor of a lost loved one.” After the race, there’s a pancake breakfast, followed by a parade and carnival.
Other city gatherings include a three-on-three basketball tournament in July, which was started by Brandie Valadez, the high school’s beloved girls’ basketball coach. Nearby wineries also host a wine run each spring. “Runners start at one winery, then they jog to another, drink, then jog to another,” Grayum says.
Bus, car and nearby plane travel
Locals can catch a People For People shuttle bus from Zillah Park and Ride beside Stewart Park. Most people travel by car, however, and Interstate 82 connects drivers to Yakima, about 20 miles northwest. Yakima Air Terminal-McAllister Field offers flights through Alaska Airlines. Emergency care is available through the Astria Toppenish Hospital, about 5 miles away.
Risk of brush fires and poor air quality
During the dry summer months, the Yakima Valley is prone to brush fires. Regional fires and low rainfall can contribute to poor air quality in Zillah.
