Yuma Real Estate For Sale In AZ

Yuma is situated on the Colorado River, near the mouth of the Gila River, which both contribute to Yuma’s strong agricultural foundation. Its innovative irrigation techniques have transformed the hot desert into lush farmlands that surround an exciting and growing metropolis. Due to this, it has become a popular vacation spot for out-of-state visitors, who give a major boost to its economy. 

In the 1800s, as the United States began to expand into the Southwest, Fort Yuma was established on the Colorado River. The name came from the Spanish word humo, or smoke, because the indigenous Quechan tribe often used smoke clouds to entice rainstorms for their crops. Eventually, the towns and villages that popped up around the fort were combined and renamed Yuma in 1873. It also became the seat of Yuma County around that time, and it remains so.

The real estate market in Yuma is inexpensive compared to many other cities in both the areas of California and Arizona which surround it, which makes the city so appealing to the many Californians who opt to move there. The median price of a home for sale in Yuma is around $284k, or $190 per square foot, around 40% less than the median in Arizona overall. Such low housing prices are increasingly rare in most American cities, and buyers are paying attention: in the last few years, nearly 300 people per day have moved to Yuma and other Arizona cities. The typical median time frame between listing and selling in Yuma is short, at only 49 days. 

Every day, an average of nearly 70 homes are on the diverse Yuma real estate market. No matter what kind of real estate in Yuma you are looking for, you are likely to find it, whether that be a single-family or multifamily home, a condo, a townhome, an apartment, or a new construction home. Because it is a relatively young city with a huge amount of growth, the majority of real estate in Yuma you will find is newer, nearly half built after 2010. 

As the city has blossomed, Yuma has become more urban, with a population of around 215,000 and growing daily. The neighborhoods within have grown as well. The most popular neighborhoods to buy real estate in Yuma are Ocotillo in the northern part of the city, Vista Del Valle in the middle area, and Barkley Ranch. Each neighborhood offers something different and exciting, including local and state parks, nightlife, historic places, and great places to eat.

There are 114 schools in Yuma, including some elementary schools that have been honored for being among the top in the state, including Gowan Science Academy near the Barkley Ranch and Vista Del Valle neighborhoods and Desert View Academy, a recent National Blue Ribbon award winner. Here’s a list of some other great schools near Yuma real estate:

The Gowan Science Academy was recently named a top 5 Arizona public school. It is a STEM-based school with a lottery system for enrollment. The students there perform significantly above their peers in the rest of the state, especially in science. 

One of the best options for middle school in Yuma is Amerischools Academy North, a charter school that runs from kindergarten through eighth grade. Students here perform above the state average. With a 19:1 teacher-to-student ratio, students are able to receive the necessary support from highly qualified educators. Amerischools are actually a chain of charter schools throughout Arizona, all of which boast excellent students and teachers. 

Cibola High School has an above-average graduation rate compared to other Arizona schools, with test scores to reflect that. They also have a significantly higher rate of students enrolled in Advanced Placement (AP) courses.

This historic site overlooks the Colorado River and reveals insight into what it was like to be housed in Arizona’s first prison. Established in 1876, this prison-turned-museum offers tours through the actual cells in which prisoners lived. Photos and artifacts line the halls to show the harrowing conditions long-dead prisoners were once made to endure as payment for their crimes.

Once upon a time, the town that stood in this area was larger than Yuma itself is today. Much of the infrastructure is still intact: if you visit, you can see the original boilers, stamp mill, elevator, and restorations or replications of buildings and materials that were part of the outpost in the 1800s.

This 14,000-square-foot facility was once part of the area in which General Patton trained his soldiers during World War II. It is now used as a training ground for the local Air Force trainees that live at the military base near the outskirts of the city. The museum includes a theater, fourteen galleries, and several memorials commemorating those who fought in the second World War. Because it is an active military area, be sure to bring your ID and have it checked at the Control Point on Imperial Dam Road.

The Colorado River’s long and important history as a major military depot and hub on the military supply chain is commemorated here. Explore historic buildings that have been restored to commemorate centuries of transportation along the Colorado River. Take a guided tour and spend time taking photos and watching videos interspersed throughout the exhibits. Colorado River State Historic Park also features restaurants on the grounds where you can enjoy a bite to eat before learning more about the history of Yuma. The park is well maintained with beautiful grounds and lovely walking paths to enjoy with the family.

Gateway Park is located in downtown Yuma and features well-maintained pathways and trails along the banks of the Colorado River. Find a spot to pause where you can watch long trains cross the high bridges overhead, including the Ocean to Ocean bridge, the first truss bridge in Arizona. Residents enjoy walks, bike rides, and setting up a picnic along these well-trafficked paths. Gateway Park also connects both East and West Wetland Parks, so you can enjoy miles of trails for jogging, running, and cycling.