Will the real Yakima, Washington, please stand up? The city of Union Gap was originally called Yakima City. In 1884, the Northern Pacific Railroad decided to bypass Union Gap and place its train depot four miles down the road, so the citizens of the city picked up and moved. Using rollers and horses, more than 100 buildings were relocated to the site of the new train depot. This new city was called North Yakima until 1918, when it was changed to simply Yakima, and the original Yakima was renamed Union Gap.
Union Gap is located in Yakima County in south-central Washington
Will the real Yakima, Washington, please stand up? The city of Union Gap was originally called Yakima City. In 1884, the Northern Pacific Railroad decided to bypass Union Gap and place its train depot four miles down the road, so the citizens of the city picked up and moved. Using rollers and horses, more than 100 buildings were relocated to the site of the new train depot. This new city was called North Yakima until 1918, when it was changed to simply Yakima, and the original Yakima was renamed Union Gap.
Union Gap is located in Yakima County in south-central Washington. It's a city of 6,047 residents, according to 2010 U.S. Census data, and it encompasses a total area of 5.06 square miles. What was once the sleepy little city to the south has become the retail and entertainment center of the entire Yakima Valley, primarily due to the redevelopment and expansion of the 590,000-square-foot Valley Mall.
Moving to Union Gap
There are more houses available for sale than for rent in Union Gap, and apartments make up less than 10% of the rental market, according to the latest statistics on USA.com. But don't despair. A one bedroom apartment, an apartment with paid utilities or a duplex for rent are possible to find, with a little bit of patience.
If you can afford it, you may have more luck finding a house to rent. Most homes in Union Gap are single-story dwellings that were built before 1980, so be sure to inspect closely before signing a rental agreement. Be prepared to start looking several weeks in advance of your move, and give yourself plenty of time to find just the right place.
Requirements for renting an apartment in Union Gap vary, depending on the landlord or management company you are working with. Some properties may require an application fee, a credit check or even a background check. Rental rates in Union Gap are significantly lower than in the Seattle area and a bit higher than nearby Yakima.
Neighborhoods in Union Gap
Although Union Gap is a city in its own right, for almost 40 years it has been part of a single urban growth area with Yakima and is a de facto suburb of the larger city to the north. There are two primary residential areas in Union Gap. One's on the northwest side of town near McAllister Field/Yakima Air Terminal, and the other is on the east side of town, south of Main St and Valley Mall. If you're going to be driving to Yakima regularly, you may want to consider looking for a place on the east side of town because of its proximity to I-82, making for an easier commute. This area is also closer to the retail and entertainment hub of the city, Valley Mall.
Living in Union Gap
It may be a small city, but have no fear. There's tons of fun to be had in Union Gap. With more than 300 days of sunshine per year, get your fill of vitamin D at the 74-acre Youth Activity Park. Sample some of the best wines in the world on a Yakima Valley wine country tour, or stop by Fruit City, a huge, open-air fresh fruit and vegetable market for some fresh-from-the-farm produce. Don't forget to shop 'til you drop at the Valley Mall, home to more than 55 stores, from national chains to local mom and pops. When you've done all that and need to refuel, head on over to Miner's Drive-In, for one of their famous burgers and an icy cold shake. Whatever you do, you'll be glad you came to Union Gap!
