Small farming town and bedroom community just north of Yakima
About 5 miles north of Yakima, Selah is a quiet, close-knit community with sunny skies for most of the year and a small-town feel. "We have community day parades and celebrate the local sports teams going off to state championships,” says Joanne Helms, a local real estate agent with Fathom Realty. “It’s really sought-after. Houses and rentals here don’t stay vacant for very long.” Homes here were built between the 1950s and the 2020s.
In the 19th century, Selah was centered around sheep farming, but in the early to mid-20th century, the focus shifted to apple orchards and other crops. Today, there are industrial centers on the town’s east side, and many residents are military members employed by the nearby Yakima Training Center. Local restaurants are set along 1st Street, but most shopping is done in Yakima.
Selah offers scenic views and open space to it's 9000 permanent residents.
Many Selah residents own livestock and live relatively rural lifestyle.
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Slightly higher prices and larger lots than Yakima
As of early 2025, Selah's median home price is $435,000, higher than the national median and Yakima’s $365,000. Most housing was built during the post-war population boom, and is a mix of ranch-style homes and two-story minimal traditional properties; these older homes are generally Selah's least expensive options. Residential development expanded west over time, and now includes subdivisions of 21st-century new traditional homes set on quarter-acre and half-acre lots.
Selah features a houses spanning a diverse range of eras and architectural styles.
Newer homes boast incredible views from the West hills of Selah.
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Community events at Wixson Park
Wixson Park is the central gathering place in town, with a seasonal pool and a large gazebo; each May, the park hosts the annual Selah Community Days, a town-wide celebration with carnival rides and live entertainment. Carlon Park is a hub for youth sports, with several different athletic fields and facilities. The nearby Yakima River is a huge destination for fly-fishing and jet-skiing. “There are multiple spots along the river where you can pull off and fish,” Helms says. “It’s really accessible.” The Cascade Mountains house ski resorts to the west.
Take your family to the Wixon Park Playground for an afternoon of fresh air in Selah.
Selah locals enjoy easy access to the Yakima River for some time in nature.
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Restaurants and new murals on 1st Street
A collection of local breweries, restaurants and coffee shops line 1st Street, where a mural celebrates the town's diversity with the word "friend" written in several languages. Selah has a few grocery and corner stores, but most locals do their shopping in Yakima. The Yakima Valley is well known for its wineries, and there are several within 10 miles of Selah.
Selah locals do most of their shopping in Yakima, only 10 minutes away.
Most retail and dining options in Selah are situated on and around 1st St in the center of town.
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Traveling Yakima Valley on Interstate 82
Selah is right on Interstate 82, less than 5 miles north of Yakima. I-82 leads about 40 miles north to Interstate 90, which then leads about 120 miles west to downtown Seattle. Selah Transit has local bus routes around town, and Multicare Yakima Memorial Hospital is about 6 miles away. Tri-Cities Airport (PSC) is about 87 miles away in the Pasco-Richland-Kennewick metro area, with direct flights to 10 U.S. cities; the larger Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA, or Sea-Tac) is 145 miles away.
Dual Language Immersion programs at Selah District schools
Selah School District is rated an overall B-minus by Niche. The district serves over 3,800 students across 10 schools and offers a Dual Language Immersion Program for Spanish- and English-speaking students.
Lincoln Elementary School serves Pre-K kids in Selah.
Watch your kids game at the Selah High School football stadium.
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Sunny skies in Yakima Valley and declining local crime rates
Selah experiences four seasons, with sunny weather for most of the year. There is a risk of flooding along the Yakima River during heavy storms, but flood zones mainly affect industrial areas. There's a moderate to high risk of wildfires in surrounding areas, especially to the north of town; the Selah Fire Department serves the community. According to the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs' most recent report, the Selah Police Department reported an overall 25% decrease in crime between 2022 and 2023.
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