"We crossed the river and went to Yelm prairie, a beautiful spot. I thought as it lay before us covered with tall waving grass, a pretty stream bordered with shrubs and tall trees, flowing through it, and the majestic mountain standing guard over all, in its snowy coat, it was a scene fit for an artist." - American settler James Longmire.
The City of Yelm is part of Thurston County and is located on the western side of the state of Washington. It has a total area of 5.69 square miles, of which 5.68 square miles is land area and 0.01 is water area -- so you won't spend a ton of time seaside here. There has been a significant increase of 108 percent in population since the year 2000 -- from only 3,200 residents, Yelm now has more than 6,800 people calling it home sweet home. This rapid increase is due to its location, which is near highly commercialized neighboring cities such as Olympia. Because of this growth, it currently has a higher-than-average population density of more than 1,200 people per square mile. This is only common for booming cities such as Yelm, which truly lives up to its nickname, the "Pride of the Prairie."
What to Expect
"We crossed the river and went to Yelm prairie, a beautiful spot. I thought as it lay before us covered with tall waving grass, a pretty stream bordered with shrubs and tall trees, flowing through it, and the majestic mountain standing guard over all, in its snowy coat, it was a scene fit for an artist." - American settler James Longmire.
The City of Yelm is part of Thurston County and is located on the western side of the state of Washington. It has a total area of 5.69 square miles, of which 5.68 square miles is land area and 0.01 is water area -- so you won't spend a ton of time seaside here. There has been a significant increase of 108 percent in population since the year 2000 -- from only 3,200 residents, Yelm now has more than 6,800 people calling it home sweet home. This rapid increase is due to its location, which is near highly commercialized neighboring cities such as Olympia. Because of this growth, it currently has a higher-than-average population density of more than 1,200 people per square mile. This is only common for booming cities such as Yelm, which truly lives up to its nickname, the "Pride of the Prairie."
Moving to Yelm
What to Expect
To add to the fact that Yelm is considered a "bedroom city" for its neighbors, its economy is rapidly increasing as well. As a result, more and more people are choosing to move to this place. There is a growth in the residential real estate in the area, which means that new construction projects are underway. Statistically, more than 60 percent of the homes in this city were built in the year 2000 and later. Only 30 percent were built between the years 1970 to 1999. It is actually one of the newest cities in the entire nation. Expect the smell of brand new homes when finding places to rent in Yelm.
Detached single-family homes make up more than 75 percent of the housing market in this place. Hi-rise and apartment complexes make up some 12 percent. Most housing units are small-to-medium sized, having three bedrooms on average. You'll find less of the studio apartment type or one-bedroom apartments here.
What You Need
Despite the growth in the housing market, the vacancy rate is slightly below average in this city. That is to be expected, since a lot of people have started moving here. You may have some competition, but you'll eventually land the perfect place with a little hard work.
If you've had experience apartment hunting before, then you'll know that most landlords require you to submit some documents along with your application. Some of these usually include identification, proof of employment, and employer's contact information. These are necessary in order for the landlord to know if you have a stable job and are able to pay the rent. They can also sometimes ask for banking information and perform a credit check. Don't be alarmed, this is part of the routine as well. If you really want a guaranteed application, a letter of good standing from your employer and a letter of recommendation from your previous landlord really helps. You can ask for this in advance so you can bring it with you when you go apartment hunting.
When to Move
If you are planning to search for home rentals in Yelm, doing it in summer may be the best choice. Though there are times when temperatures go exceedingly high, summer days are usually mild in this city. It may rain or snow constantly during the fall and winter season. The wettest months are from November to January.
Take note of holidays and festivals as well. You don't want to be searching during those days. Yelm actually plays host to a number of community events such as the annual Prairie days held at Yelm City Park every June. The Christmas in the Park Parade and Celebration is also an annual event held at Yelm City Park every December. The streets are usually busy during these times of the year and landlords may not be able to entertain your application. You are better of joining the fun instead.
Neighborhoods in Yelm
Yelm may not be a huge city, but there are still different neighborhoods to choose from. Getting to know these areas will help you decide which is best for you.
Vail: This is the most expensive neighborhood in the city. It has an average vacancy rate, so you might be able to land a place here. The most common types of homes in this area are small- to medium-sized, single-family units. Some mobile homes can be spotted as well. However, be prepared for long commutes as most people spend an average of 45 minutes for one-way trips when going to work.
City Center: This area has the highest vacancy rate among its neighbors. It also has the shortest commute time of only 15 minutes for one-way trips. Most homes here are small- to medium-sized family homes. There are some studio apartments and mobile homes as well.
Bald Hill Rd SE/Peissner Rd SE: Most homes in this neighborhood are small- to medium-sized, single-family homes. It has a below-average vacancy rate and a long commute time of 45 minutes.
North Yelm: This is the least-expensive neighborhood and has the lowest -- to virtually zero -- vacancy rate as well. It mostly has small- to medium-sized, single-family homes and has an average commute time of 45-60 minutes.
Living in Yelm
Just because Yelm is mostly a residential area doesn't mean that there aren't fun things to do in the city. To start off, there are tons of events happening all year-round. These are mostly held at the Yelm City Park, but other key areas in the city host these events as well. People of all ages can enjoy different outdoor activities in the parks. The Yelm Skatepark and Longmire Community Park are some you can visit. Some famous attractions are Prairie Lanes, where you can hang out with your friends and go bowling, and Tahoma Valley Golf Course, which features 18 holes. If you love to gamble, drop by Red Wind Casino and maybe take home some extra cash. The city also has two community theaters: Standing Room Only Theater Company and The Triad Theater. There are lots of local places for those shopaholics and foodies as well. All these and much more are enjoyed by the residents and guests of Yelm.
