Nicknamed the “sunniest city on Earth,” Yuma, Arizona is set in the Sonoran Desert, halfway between Phoenix and San Diego, California. Since its late 19th-century founding as a trading hub along the Colorado River, Yuma has steadily grown to a population of about 95,000. Matias Rosales, a Realtor with Realty One Group Gateway and over 15 years of local experience, says part of the growth is because, "The price point is lower than California and Phoenix—you can buy a brand-new house out here for $260,000.” Compared to Phoenix, Yuma is a smaller, less walkable city, but still has big-city conveniences like parks, shopping and dining. Most locals drive or use public transportation to get around, and Route 95 provides a direct route to the U.S./Mexico border in San Luis, 25 miles away. The military and agriculture are major local industries; many residents here are stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma (MCAS Yuma), and top exports include lettuce, wheat and dates.
“There’s almost too much to do,” says Patti Bourelle, a Realtor with Keller Williams Realty Yuma who has over 8 years of experience. “We have golf, camping, parks and fishing. We have everything.” During the winter, the population here nearly doubles due to snowbirds—a regional term for someone who moves to a warmer state during the winter months. “We have multiple events every weekend all winter because it’s a paradise here during that time,” Bourelle says. Seasonal residents typically live outside of the city in eastern Yuma County. “We call it ‘the foothills,’ but it’s east Yuma County,” Rosales says. Many residents hire house sitters to watch their homes during the off-season, while others rent out their properties.
West Wetlands Park in Yuma has a pond that attracts families who can enjoy fishing and swimming.
Lively restaurants and breweries in downtown Yuma are only minute from Avenue B and C.
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What to expect when house-hunting in Yuma
The median home price in Yuma is $330,000, compared to $440,000 in Phoenix and $925,000 in San Diego. “If a home’s priced right, it only stays on the market a day,” Bourelle says. “Our average number of days on the market is now around 30 days—and that’s not time until an offer, that’s time until closing.” According to Bourelle, the market is especially competitive in the summer, when school lets out and military assignments change.
Most housing in Yuma was built between the late 20th century and the 2020s, typically set in planned neighborhoods without homeowners associations. Single-family homes tend to be new traditional with Spanish- or Pueblo-style details, or minimal ranch-style; yards are generally landscaped with low-water desert plantings. Condo communities like Sunset Mesa often feature shared amenities like community pools and tennis courts. A handful of retirement communities, including the 55-plus Desert Palms Mobile Estates, offer late 20th-century manufactured homes with attached carports.
Country Estates is 3 miles southwest of downtown Yuma, AZ.
Spanish style houses with stucco exteriors are typical for Country Estates, AZ.
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Shopping and dining in Yuma
Shopping and dining are found throughout the city, but especially along thoroughfares like West 24th Street, West 16th Street and Avenue B. The Yuma Palms Regional Center, set just off Route 95, is the city's largest outdoor mall, a one-stop-shop for chain retail, dining and family entertainment. Most of the city's small local businesses are found in Downtown Yuma. “It’s where a lot of the residents like to go down and walk," Rosales says. "You have a lot of family-owned restaurants, and some nightclubs that attract the younger generation.”
Clothes, unique gifts and more can be found at Rebel and Rove near Country Estates, AZ.
Most local small businesses and retail can be found in old town Yuma near Country Estates.
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Parks, golf and community
Surrounded by the Sonoran Desert landscape, Yuma offers nearly 50 parks, golf courses and community centers. Set right on the Colorado River, the 110-acre West Wetlands Park offers boat access, enabling activities like kayaking or jet-skiing. The park also features fishing ponds stocked with catfish and trout, a disc golf course, and a sprawling, castle-themed playground built by community volunteers. Golfers may hit the links at the 18-hole Desert Hills Golf Course, popular for its rolling green fairways with distant mountain views. At the Valley Aquatic Center, residents can swim or take water aerobics in the community pool.
Fishing in the Colorado River is a popular activity at West Wetlands Park in Yuma,
The Imperial Sand Dunes are about an hour west from Yuma.
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Getting around Yuma
Rosales says cars are the most practical way to get around the city. Yuma is crossed by two major highways, Route 95 and Interstate 8. Route 95 leads about 25 miles to the U.S./Mexico border in San Luis, while I-8 travels 170 miles west to San Diego and 185 miles east to Phoenix. Residential neighborhoods and city streets are typically sidewalk-lined. As of 2024, the city is actively expanding its bikeways; in May 2024, the city added bike lanes around the Yuma Palms Regional Center. Locals may also ride Yuma County Area Transit buses to get around town. Yuma Regional Medical Center and Yuma International Airport are located within the city.
Schooling opportunities in Yuma
Yuma is served by several school districts, including the Crane Elementary and Yuma Union High districts, both rated C-plus by Niche. Many of the city’s public high schools offer career and technical education courses in fields ranging from the culinary arts and agriscience to sports medicine. There are also several private schools in the area, including the A-plus-rated Southwestern Christian School and the B-rated Yuma Catholic High. High school graduates may go on to attend the local community college, Arizona Western College, or satellite campuses for Northern Arizona University, Arizona State University and University of Arizona.
Locals love watching football games at The Arizona Stadium in Yuma.
Arizona Western College is a public community college in Yuma, Arizona.
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Public art and annual traditions
There are over 100 public art installations around Yuma, including lots of handcrafted sculptures and colorful murals around downtown—the hub for Yuma’s art venues and annual events. At the Yuma Art Center, locals may take classes in painting and pottery or catch a live show at the center’s historic Yuma Theatre, a city staple since 1912. In January, the Yuma Medjool Date Festival is a downtown celebration of the city’s agricultural history and date farmers. “They’ll have live music and different ways of preparing dates, like bacon-wrapped dates,” Rosales says. In April, the Yuma County Fair is held at the Yuma County Fairgrounds, where over 100,000 festivalgoers enjoy a lively 6-day celebration of everything Yuma. “It’s a fair—lots of overpriced fried foods, rides for the kids and a demolition derby,” Rosales says.
The Hot Air Balloon Festival is a must-see event near Country Estates, AZ.
The Yuma Art Center has art exhibits and events near Avenue B and C in Arizona.
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Crime and environmental factors
According to FBI data, Yuma's rates of property and violent crime are slightly lower than state and national averages. Between 2013 and 2023, the total number of crimes reported in Yuma decreased by 52%.
Extreme heat and wildfires are ongoing environmental concerns here. Summer temperatures regularly top 100 degrees, and Rosales says locals adapt by limiting their time outside. “For four months out of the year, everything is an evening event—activities start after 7 p.m.” Rosales says. In May 2024, the Refuge Fire burned about 1,000 acres of vegetation near Martinez Lake, about 35 miles away. There are six fire stations in Yuma that respond to local emergencies.
Written By
Travis Rocha
Photography Contributed By
Kalina Mondzholovska
Video By
Chris Freeman
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On average, homes in Yuma, AZ sell after 56 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Yuma, AZ over the last 12 months is $336,550, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to this spacious 4-bedroom, 2-bath home tucked into a cul-de-sac in Tierra Mesa. With over 2,200 sq. ft., this home offers plenty of room to spread out with separate living and family spaces, vaulted ceiling, and a split floorplan designed for comfortable everyday living. The kitchen features quartz countertops, a gas range, pantry, and generous cabinetry, opening into the surrounding
Charming 4-Bedroom Home in a Highly Desired Subdivision – RV Access & More! Welcome to this beautifully maintained 1,580 sq ft home offering 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms in one of the area's most sought-after subdivisions! Situated on a spacious lot, this property is designed for comfortable living and entertaining alike. Car and toy enthusiasts will love the large RV access, plus an added concrete
Located on the Foothills Executive Golf Course! This Santa Fe–style home offers the rare combination of water views, mountain views, and golf course views all in one property. Homes with this combination of features—especially on a large lot in Yuma Foothills—are hard to find! From the moment you arrive, the charm is undeniable. Classic Southwestern architecture, clean lines, and desert-friendly
1995 Cavco | 1 BR | 385 SF | SunVista RV Resort Great use of space in this charming 2-bedroom Cavco! AZ room Built into a second bedroom, or additional living room. Enjoy the inviting front deck, plenty of room to relax, and a stackable washer/dryer in the shed. Located in SunVista, a gated 55+ community with indoor/outdoor pools, fitness center, pickleball, billiards, crafts, and plenty of
Photos are a representation of the finished product. Actual home is currently under construction. Welcome to this thoughtfully designed 1,560 sq ft home by Elite Homes by Santa Fe Haciendas, located in the desirable Los Agaves by Riedel subdivision in the Foothills. The open-concept layout features bright living spaces, large windows, and high ceilings for a spacious, inviting feel. The kitchen
Located in Cielo Verde near the Avenue 8E and Walmart area, this well-built home offers quality construction, a functional layout, and a paid-off solar system. Nine-foot ceilings add to the open feel, while the split floor plan provides separation between the bedrooms and main living spaces. The open-concept kitchen features granite countertops, solid wood cabinetry, and plenty of space for
Beautifully designed 1996 Sun Haven park model offering a comfortable 1-bedroom, 1-bath layout with an enclosed patio and split Arizona Room, an extra room for guest for added living space. The home also features a washer and dryer for added convenience. Ideally located close to the SunVista Community Center, making it easy to enjoy the activities and amenities. A charming, well-designed home
NEW CONSTRUCTION/ FARMHOUSE-MODERN HOME/ LOADED WITH UPGRADES. TO BE COMPLETED BY AUGUST 31, 2026. This thoughtfully designed farmhouse-modern residence offers 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms with more than $36,000 in upgrades throughout. Interior features 10-foot ceilings, 8-foot interior doors, and enhanced lightning in every space. The kitchen has been upgraded with A 7ft island allowing extra storage
Jayco 2011 trailer 26RL with slides, super clean, to convey with the property. Jayco has couches and 2 recliners , as well as dining table, bed, tvs, refrigerator Shop is aprx 12X16, has full washer, dryer, refrigerator, metal shelving, metal cabinet, adjustable work table, full electricity, and multiple outlets. Beautiful, permitted 14'x24' Westerner awning, pavers under awning provides a
Welcome to effortless resort-style living in this stylish 1 bedroom, 1 full bath home offering 326 sq. ft. of thoughtfully designed space in the highly desirable SunVista RV Resort. Ideal as a stylish winter retreat or low-maintenance full-time residence, this home maximizes every square foot with smart upgrades and elevated finishes. Interior Highlights Fully furnished with modern, clean-lined
3 slide-outs (one with wind sensor) create a spacious, comfortable layout. Upgraded with maple cabinetry, Fabistone solid surface counters, and a full kitchen with double-door fridge & ice maker. Sleeps 4 with king bed and sofa sleeper. Features include washer/dryer combo, R/O system, ducted A/C & heat, 10-gal gas/electric water heater, and shower with skylight. Enjoy surround sound, auto
Welcome to your new home in Yuma Venture, a premier 55+ community. This recently remodeled home is the gem of the park. Pride of ownership shines through with the meticulous care and updates made to the home. Enjoy updated ceiling fans, led lighting, paint, microwave, A/C, backsplash, smoke detectors, hardware on all cabinetry, wood-blinds, and tile flooring throughout just to name a few. Enjoy
Thoughtfully reimagined, this beautifully remodeled Picacho Village home blends the character of a Perricone-built home with a fresh, modern aesthetic. Situated on a desirable corner lot surrounded by mature trees and established landscaping, the setting is something you simply cannot recreate. Inside, the transformation is in the details—from contemporary lighting and sleek black switches and
Discover the potential of this beautiful 4.23-acre county property located near Avenue 3E and County 18th Street with paved road access and plenty of space to build your dream home. Featuring several mature date palms and stunning mountain sunrise views, this property is surrounded by established custom homes and offers the perfect blend of peaceful country living with convenient access to town,
Cielo Verde Apartments LLC is the next chapter in the Cielo Verde story that began more than 20 years ago. The design objective of the Cielo Verde communities is to give residents more flexibility in their life-style choices and make neighborhoods more livable, while increasing access to pedestrian activities close to home. The Cielo Verde Apartments complement well our existing nearby
Welcome to River North Apartment Homes, a premier residential community in the heart of Yuma. Discover thoughtfully designed one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartment homes that blend comfort and functionality with modern style. Our pet-friendly community features spacious interiors and fully equipped kitchens complete with a stove, refrigerator, and dishwasher. Beyond your front door, enjoy an
Villa Nueva, a certified crime free community, is an apartment community located in Yuma, Arizona. Villa Nueva provides two- and three-bedroom homes with amenities for your personal comfort and enjoyment. Our intimate community emphasizes the importance of comfortable living and accommodates all personal tastes and needs. Our expansive floor plans were meticulously designed to create a community
Welcome home to Terracina Apartments, where you will find the perfect blend of style, comfort and affordability. Located in the heart of Yuma, Terracina Apartments offers you the opportunity to enjoy a variety of restaurants, convenient shopping and a round of golf just minutes from your new convenience and style are just a few of the features you'll find at Terracina Apartments. Choose from
3ba/2 with two car garage in the Foothills. Close to freeway, shopping 30 mins to Lake Martinez, 20 mins to proving grounds and airbase. New carpet in beds, recently renovated with new paint, flooring. New refrigerator Community POOL HOA paid by owner
Enjoy a fully furnished studio suite in our hotel at an affordable rate with free wi-fi, free utilities and free premium cable. Each studio suite has a full kitchen with full-size refrigerator, stovetop and microwave, and has a flexible workspace and plenty of storage. All our hotels are pet-friendly and have on-site guest laundry available. Plus, there are no long-term commitments and you can
Welcome home, El Encanto Apartment Homes offers every thing you need!El Encanto Apartment Homes feature a variety of floor plans including, studio, one bedroom and two bedroom homes. Spacious kitchens with dishwasher, refrigerator, food pantry and plenty of cabinetry. Everything you need just a few minutes away. Enjoy all the on site amenities such as sparkling pool, hot tub, BBQ
Welcome to River Park Apartments, the prime location in Yuma, where you can choose a variety of innovatively designed apartment homes. Our pet-friendly community offers spacious one and two-bedroom apartment homes, each featuring fully equipped kitchens with appliances and dishwasher. Outside your apartment homes awaits a sparkling heated pool, Jacuzzi spa, Ramada with barbeque grills, and
An inviting and comfortable atmosphere you deserve. Enjoy amenities at our apartments such as a sparkling lap sized pool, fitness center, large walk-in closets, and covered parking. You will enjoy the spacious ground level apartment homes, convenient location in Yuma, wonderful neighbors and pet friendly community. Hayden Square is professionally managed with excellent management and maintenance
Property Id: 2361938 Perfect for anyone in seeking a peaceful, low maintenance stay after long workdays. • Private entrance • Turnkey & fully furnished • Utilities + high-speed Wi-Fi included — no setup or surprise bills • Fully equipped kitchen for easy meal prep and savings on dining out • Smart TV • Onsite washer & dryer — no trips to the laundromat •
Property Id: 2765795 Fully furnished short and long term rental home. Primary suite 2 queen size beds with shower and tub Bedroom 1: king size bed Bedroom 2: Queen size bed Second bathroom with walk in shower
Property Id: 2589098 Comfortable private bedroom for rent in a well-maintained 2,230 sq ft single-family home at 10258 E 38th Ln, Yuma, AZ 85365, located in the desirable Sierra Montana neighborhood. Private bedroom with ample closet space and having your own bathroom. Access to common areas: fully equipped kitchen, living spaces, laundry facilities, and the beautiful backyard
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