Why Live in Sunnyside
Sunnyside is a small agricultural town situated between Yakima and the Tri-Cities along Interstate 82. Renowned for its clear blue skies and over 300 days of sunlight annually, the area supports farming, with residents engaged in hobby farms or larger agricultural operations producing hops, wine, and fresh produce. Housing is affordable, with a median home sale price of $340,000 as of early 2025. Home styles include minimal traditional ranch-style homes, mid to late 20th-century bungalows, and newer developments. Lot sizes range from smaller parcels in the town center to multi-acre plots on the outskirts, where personal farms are common. Manufactured homes are prevalent, especially in senior living communities. Sunnyside features several neighborhood parks, with South Hill Park being the largest, offering tennis courts and a community center. Black Rock Creek Golf Club provides an 18-hole public course nearby. The Yakima Valley, known for its wineries and hop farms, is about 10 miles away, while Sunnyside's downtown district hosts bars, breweries, bakeries, and small shops. Annual events like the Cinco De Mayo Festival and the Lighted Farm Implement Parade foster community spirit. Interstate 82 facilitates commuting, with Yakima 35 miles away and the Tri-Cities 49 miles distant. Crime rates have declined by 28% from 2022 to 2023, making it safer than the national average. Public transportation is limited, but fare-free bus routes are available through People For People. Astria Sunnyside Hospital is the primary medical center, and Tri-Cities Airport is 49 miles away for commercial flights. An affordable housing project by Yakima Valley Partners Habitat for Humanity is underway on Linn Street, with six new homes expected by May 2025.