The city of Yoakum has held the May Tom-Tom Festival (celebrating the local tomato crops) since 1928. Taking five years off during World War II, it now includes the local leather industry and is lovingly called the Leather Tom-Tom Festival.
Yoakum is located in south-central Texas about an hour and a half east of San Antonio and the same distance west of Houston. Hwy 77 and Hwy 111 cross each other in the center of the city, offering easy access to the main thoroughfares for weekend getaways when the urge strikes. Home to 5,935 people, the city of Yoakum was incorporated on May 13, 1889. Yoakum encompasses 4.6 square miles of gently rolling hills and verdant grasslands.
Moving to Yoakum
Anytime is a good time to move to Yoakum! This historically charming little city welcomes newcomers year round, but if you are doing the moving yourself, you might want to avoid hauling boxes and furniture during the height of summer. It can be blazingly hot during July and August, so beware of moving then!
Neighborhoods in Yoakum
Yoakum has three constituent neighborhoods to choose from. It's not always easy to choose where you want to live when you are unfamiliar with an area, so below are some highlights of each neighborhood to give you an idea of location and vibe!
Sweet Home/Ezzell: Are you looking for rental properties in Yoakum and envisioning ruggedly beautiful countryside and awe-inspiring sunsets without the noise pollution of a big city? If that sounds like you, then this neighborhood, on the northeast side of the city, is the location of your dreams! House rentals are relatively easy to come by and most are newer properties, having been built between the '70s and '90s. Yoakum Municipal Park is located on Park Road and is a favorite spot for walkers, joggers, dog owners and baseball fans alike!
City Center: This suburban neighborhood is centrally located and encompasses the southwestern part of the city. If you are looking for city apartments, with a population of just under 6,000, this is as close as you will get! That being said, Colonial Manor Apartments on Lavaca St. will provide all of the amenities you would expect to find at a high-end city apartment complex. These gorgeous one, two and three-bedroom garden apartments come with a fenced pool, stunning courtyard and modernized upgrades throughout the property.
Martin St./Bingham St.: For fans of historic homes and business districts, this is the perfect little neighborhood for you! It is extremely pedestrian friendly and located right in the middle of the city. If you are looking for and hoping to find a rental property or condo rental that exudes the architectural charm of the 1940s and 1950s, you've come to the right spot. It is not too difficult to find a two or three-bedroom apartment in this suburban neighborhood.
Living in Yoakum
Locals always look forward to the annual Wildflower Trail that blooms in the spring and the Leather Tom-Tom Festival that is held each May. Both are a point of pride for this city, but there is plenty to do and experience year round in Yoakum! When residents aren't working or enjoying time off at Yoakum Municipal Park, you might find quite a few enjoying a scrumptious lunch at Sweet Home Kitchen on Hwy 77. If you have a hankering for something more substantial, something that let's you know you have arrived in the kingdom of the Q, you must try Jr's BBQ, also on Hwy 77. Here you will find ribs that have been cooked to tender perfection and brisket that requires a bib to eat. You're welcome!