Why Live in North Yelm
North Yelm is a rural neighborhood characterized by a mix of older farmhouses, ranch-style homes, and newer custom-built residences, many situated on large lots of an acre or more. This spacious layout provides ample room for small-scale farming, raising animals, or simply enjoying the open space, with some properties offering views of Mount Rainier or pastoral landscapes. The area has a quiet, peaceful atmosphere with residential streets interspersed with open spaces. Newer developments introduce modern, single-family homes on smaller lots, creating a more suburban feel. Many homes rely on wells for water supply and septic systems for waste management due to limited municipal infrastructure. Recreational opportunities include the nearby Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, about 10 miles northwest, which offers hiking, birdwatching, and environmental education programs. Residents also have access to Yelm City Park and the Yelm-Tenino Trail for more developed recreational facilities. Shopping and dining options are limited within North Yelm, with most residents traveling under 3 miles south to Yelm Avenue for amenities like Walmart Supercenter, Safeway, and local eateries such as The Masonry Café and El Rey Burro. Transportation is primarily car-dependent, with state Routes 507 and 510 providing access to Lacey and Olympia, which are 17 and 20 miles away, respectively. Public transportation options are limited, and the nearest major airport is Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, 50 miles north.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is North Yelm a good place to live?
North Yelm is a good place to live. North Yelm is considered very car-dependent and somewhat bikeable. North Yelm has 12 parks for recreational activities. It has a median age of 39. The average household income is $77,666 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 6.8% of residents. A majority of residents in North Yelm are home owners, with 24.8% of residents renting and 75.2% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving North Yelm can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
North Yelm neighborhood guide.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in North Yelm?
The median home price in North Yelm is $465,000. If you put a 20% down payment of $93,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.17%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $2,270 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $97K a year to afford the median home price in North Yelm. The average household income in North Yelm is $78K.
What are the best public schools in North Yelm?
The best public schools that serve North Yelm are:
What are the most popular zip codes in North Yelm, Yelm, WA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near North Yelm, Yelm, WA?
Home Trends in North Yelm, WA
On average, homes in North Yelm, Yelm sell after 83 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in North Yelm, Yelm over the last 12 months is $440,000, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$440,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$459,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$281
Number of Homes for Sale
6
Last 12 months Home Sales
33
Median List Price
$465,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
0%
