$218,159Average Value$157Average Price per Sq Ft1Home For Sale
The Speese offers desert charm near Yuma’s cultural core
In the 1870s, during the Gold Rush, Yuma was a gateway to California because of its ferry crossing over the Colorado River. Today, it is known as the "sunniest city on Earth," with a long history of welcoming newcomers in the Sonoran Desert. Amid palm trees and Spanish architecture, it features little-known neighborhoods like The Speese, close to historic parks and retail districts in Yuma's cultural core. "Historic downtown Yuma has been rejuvenated in the last 10 years," says Jake Faris, an area local and Realtor at Realty Executives McConnaughay. "The primary reason people want to live here is the cost of living. If you want to escape California but stay close to family, we're what you're looking for."
Stucco homes on xeriscape yards have long-time residents
Stucco houses blend with the desert landscape on fenced-in lots shaded by palms and Blue Palo Verde trees. Xeriscape gardens with flowering bushes accompany the local flora. Spanish Revivals and Craftsman-style homes are the neighborhood's dominant styles. Pricing data is limited because there are only three recent sales, and homes stay on the market for over 90 days. Home prices range from $100,000 to $350,000. "There isn't a huge turnover. Many of these houses belong to people who have lived there for decades," Faris says. "Some are 80-100 years old and need renovation, while others are recently renovated and are not being let go of anytime soon."
Yuma experiences extreme heat, with temperatures exceeding 110°F frequently during summer. "In the wintertime, recreation is popular. In the summer, Yuma is one of the hottest cities in one of the hottest states," Faris says. Summer insulation is a concern, and the desert heat is our battle."
Locally owned restaurants and nightlife in downtown Yuma
The Speese is close to locally owned diners and Mexican restaurants. One nearby option is Brownie's Restaurant, serving American breakfast and brunch dishes. El Charro Cafe has been open since 1949, serving Chile rellenos and its signature green saddle burrito. Historic Downtown in the Historic North End is about a mile north, with art galleries, bookstores and a casino along Main Street. The nearest grocery store is Green Trees Grocery Outlet, less than a mile away. After a long week at work, residents can grab drinks at a brewery, cocktail bar or the Kress Ultra Lounge. "Our downtown makes up much of our nightlife. We have several bars and mom-and-pop restaurants," Faris says.
Parks provide riverside trails and historic areas
Roxaboxen Park is a rocky patch of space where visitors leave painted rocks from their home state. It takes inspiration from the book, Roxaboxen, by Alice McLerran, which tells the story of children in Arizona who use their imagination to transform a modest hillside. Marcus City Park has a playground and an outdoor swimming pool. About 2 miles north, residents can visit the Yuma Territorial Prison, a state historic park and Arizona’s first prison. There are also sandy areas along the Colorado River, like Gateway Park, which has access to a multi-use trail through the local wetlands.
Local schools offer bilingual support and fine art programs
Roosevelt Elementary offers bilingual support in every classroom and has a preschool program. Fourth Avenue Junior High has extracurricular activities, like orchestra and robotics. Roosevelt Elementary and Fourth Avenue Junior High schools earn C-minus grades from Niche. Yuma High has a C and offers a Mastery of the Arts program, in which students take weekly classes in subjects like mural painting, garage band or podcasting.
Highways and flights connect Yuma to major cities
The Yuma County Area Transit system provides a public bus route with stops along Fourth Avenue. Yuma is a hub for the military, and one of the city's largest employers is the Marine Corps Air Station, about 5 miles south. The city's hospital and emergency room is the Onvida Health Medical Center. Residents can reach larger cities on Interstate 8. San Diego is 170 miles west on I-8, and Phoenix is 185 miles northeast. The Yuma International Airport is approximately 4 miles south, offering daily round-trip flights to Phoenix and Dallas .
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On average, homes in The Speese, Yuma sell after 11 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in The Speese, Yuma over the last 12 months is $206,000, up 18% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Spacious 4 bedroom / 2 bath home with versatile flex space for office, hobby room, or playroom. Situated on a large corner lot, this updated property offers plenty of room, both inside and out. The terraced back yard offers additional parking option and space for outdoor enjoyment. Inside the open kitchen flows into the dining area, creating a perfect setting for gatherings and everyday living.
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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.
