Yelm

About

If you’re looking for country living, look no farther. This beautiful expanse of prairie lies in the shadow of Mt. Rainier and has been a crucial crossroads for generations of inhabitants. The indigenous people named the area “Shelm,” or “land of dancing spirits,” from the glean of heat waves undulating above the prairie in the heat. They traversed the prairie via a junction of trails crossing it and, later, fur trappers used the same roads. Even more recently, the Northern Pacific Railroad crossed through the prairie. Residences and businesses sprung up along the railroad, and the town of Yelm still resembles that frontier beginning.

Neighbors

Still small, yet growing, Yelm is becoming more popular with military families who are looking for a small town or even a “country” living experience. Prices are affordable and the commute is scenic. You’re likely to find a mix of blue-collar types here that reflects the area’s roots.

Neighborhood Feel

Yelm has a small town feel, while still being close to the big cities and JBLM. Communities are tightly knit and families are welcomed. You have more of an opportunity to be situated on some land and be backed up to the woods. Mt. Rainier epicly rises up and gives the illusion of being in your own backyard!

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Neighborhood Location

Commute
East Gate (East Gate Rd. & 4th Division Dr.)
Drive Time to Gate
20 to 35 minutes
By Transit
N/A

Neighborhood Info

Yelm - Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA - gomillie.com

Big Plus

Scenic commute on back roads. A welcome break from the congestion of I-5.

Convenient to Olympia and Lacey.

More affordable houses, family friendly, and sought after schools.

Things to Consider

Yelm is much farther out and even though the distance is greater, the drive is easy and time spent in the car can be comparable to the closer suburbs.

How’s the Market?

The median home value is $198,400 according to the Zillow Home Value Index.

Home Values are forecasted to increase by 4.4% in the coming year.

According to Zillow’s Rental Index, the median rental rate for single-family homes in Yelm is $1,344.

School Scoop

Yelm contains 9 primary and secondary schools. One of the best schools is Mill Pond Intermediate School, which is rated 9 according to GreatSchools.org. Public schools in Yelm belong to Yelm School District.

Highlighted Areas

Tahoma

Nisqually Pines

Tahoma Terra