Downtown Yuma. (Photo courtesy of Ken Lund)Area InformationYuma is a city in
Yuma County, Arizona, situated on the Colorado River, west of the
Phoenix and
Tucson metro areas and close to the border of California. Yuma holds the unofficial title of the sunniest place on earth. The warm climate and sunshine tempt snowbirds south during the winter, doubling the city's population during January, February and March.
Yuma features a number of distinct neighborhoods, including
Araby,
Fortuna and
Fishers Landing. While the California communities of
Winterhaven and Bard Valley lie outside Yuma city limits, they are considered part of the Greater Yuma area. The historic North End area serves as the heart of Yuma, with a walkable downtown that includes unique destinations, such as a 'custom winery,' pottery studios, historic gardens and locally-owned boutiques and multicultural restaurants. Yuma is home to many military personnel, as the Marine Corps Air Station Yuma ? the busiest air station in the Marine Corps ? is located south of downtown Yuma, and the U.S. Army's Yuma Proving Ground ? one of the world's largest military installations ?is northeast of downtown.
Commuters in Yuma use the Yuma County Area Transit bus service, which provides bus service within Yuma, as well as to nearby towns including
San Luis,
Somerton and
Wellton, the Cocopah Indian Reservation, and unincorporated communities in Yuma County. Phoenix and
San Diego are each about 180 miles from Yuma, and Mexico is just 7 miles away. The Yuma International Airport makes it convenient to reach distant destinations.
Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park. (Photo courtesy of Ken Lund)Renting in Yuma, AZApartments for rent in Yuma are affordable, with stable prices.
Yuma AttractionsYuma Art Center and Historic Yuma Theater ? Built in 1911, this attraction features art deco murals, art studios and a theater.
Pivot Point Interpretive Plaza ? This popular spot features a museum and an audio-enhanced steam locomotive at the site where the first railroad train entered Arizona in 1877.
Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park: Tour this 1875 prison-turned-museum, built by prisoners.
Yuma Palms Regional Center ? This development features more than 450,000 square feet of stores, restaurants and entertainment space.
