Located about 20 miles southeast of Olympia, the small-but-growing city of Yelm has long been known as the "Gateway to Mount Rainier," the nearby tourist attraction visible throughout the city. Incorporated in 1924, Yelm has spent most of its life as a farm town. However, in recent years its convenient location, relative affordability and fast-growing roster of shops and restaurants has made it increasingly popular with Olympia-area homebuyers, particularly those employed at nearby Joint Base Lewis-McChord, located just north of town. “Your dollar goes a lot farther in Yelm than in Lacey or Olympia,” says Realtor Valerie Noyes of Pettit Realty, who has lived in Yelm for about 10 years. “You definitely get more home for your money here, and it’s easier to find larger yards, even an acre or two.”
North Yelm offers amazing views of Mount Rainier throughout the year.
The joint base Lewis McCord is only 15 minutes away from Yelm.
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Rural ranch-style homes and modern subdivisions
Yelm’s housing market features a range of options, from condos to luxury homes “It’s not just pure subdivisions here,” says Noyes. “There’s everything from traditional neighborhoods to condos to rural space, so there’s a lot of diversity of lifestyles. The base is the largest employer in the area, but a lot of people work in agriculture, and you would be surprised how many people work mostly remote jobs in Seattle and just commute to the city once or twice a week.” Much of the city’s housing stock is made up of midcentury ranch-style homes, especially closer to the city center. However, rapid subdivision development around the edges of the city means that at any given time the majority of homes on the market are modern two-story contemporary builds, which typically offer a bit more interior space and a little less yard than most older homes in the city. In addition to standalone homes, there are a few apartment complexes and townhouses, while rural lots surrounding the city are popular with those looking to custom-build. Most homes in Yelm sell for between $400,000 and $600,000.
The housing market in Yelm is mostly made up of midcentury-ranch style homes.
North Yelm offers beautiful new constructions in newly developed areas.
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Endless trails around Yelm
Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to do in and around Yelm. “There are just endless hiking trails around here,” according to Noyes. “Hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, you name it, there’s space to do it near town.” The Yelm-Tenino Trail, a paved 14-mile path popular with cyclists and runners, connects Yelm to nearby Tenino and intersects the 22-mile Chehalis Western Trail. Cochrane Memorial Park, located near the city center, features walking trails, a pond and picnic areas. For those interested in exploring real wilderness, Mount Rainier National Park is close enough for day trips, offering hiking, camping and breathtaking views.
Cochrane Memorial Park in Yelm has for some amazing photo opportunities.
Nisqually Wildlife Refuge near North Yelm has a boardwalk with plenty of views.
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Yelm Avenue shops and restaurants
Yelm Avenue is the heart of the local retail district, where a mix of local businesses and national chains serve the community. The Yelm Food Co-Op offers organic and locally sourced groceries, while larger retailers like Walmart and Safeway provide everyday essentials. A growing selection of locally owned restaurants means Yelm residents no longer have to drive to Olympia to enjoy a night out — these days the city is home to a host of eateries offering everything from Japanese to Mexican to barbecue.
Mariachi Mexican Restaurant in Yelm serves up some authentic Hispanic dishes.
Youngs Teriyaki has got some great Japanese style take out to enjoy in Yelm.
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Yelm High sports draw crowds
The Yelm School District has a B-minus rating on Niche and oversees five elementary schools, two middle schools and Yelm High School. “High school sports are a big deal in this town,” says Noyes. “The football stadium is packed on Friday nights, and you get crowds showing up for everything from wrestling to cheerleading competitions.”
Yelm High School
Yelm Middle School is home of Whirlwinds Pride.
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Prairie Days and other events
While Yelm isn't known for its festivals, the city's annual Prairie Days event features a parade, food vendors and a small carnival, drawing a number of regional visitors to the town every June.
State highways 507 and 510
State highways 507 and 510 connect Yelm to the greater Olympia region. While Olympia’s Intercity Transit does run a bus route to Yelm, the majority of residents rely on cars to get around. It’s a 20-mile drive to downtown Olympia and 9 miles to the nearest entrance to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, though most of the base's major buildings are further away.
Average crime rates and
Yelm’s property and violent crime rates are generally in line with state averages, according to the FBI's data. Like nearby Olympia, Yelm has a cool climate, with mean daily temperatures ranging from the mid-60s in summer to the high 30s in winter. With the exception of high summer, the area is fairly cloudy throughout most of the year, and during winter it's typically overcast about 80% of the time.
Sheryl currently resides in Pierce County and was raised in Western Washington. She has a love for the Pacific Northwest and watching it grow. She has a passion for local real estate and continues to broaden her knowledge as a successful broker. In addition to expanding her own business, she enjoys mentoring and leading other brokers to help them achieve their goals on her real estate team.
Sheryl’s success as a real estate broker includes the title of Top Producer with Best Choice Realty for several consecutive years, 2006-2008 and 2013-2021. She also earned the Broker of the Year award in 2017.
Whether you are buying or selling, Sheryl values the opportunity to earn your business. Her goal is to help you determine your priorities while saving you time and money. Her focus is to make your real estate experience as smooth and pleasant as possible, guiding you through each step of the process. She will be there from start to finish, as well as after the transaction, to answer questions and give you her continued support.
When you partner with Sheryl, you can expect dedication, honesty, open communication, integrity, and exceptional customer service. You’ll be hiring a team that has a system in place to make your real estate transaction seamless.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
