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North Yelm

North Yelm

Neighborhood in Yelm, Washington

Thurston County 98597

$443,221 Average Value
$295 Average Price per Sq Ft
10 Homes For Sale

Rural-suburban community on the Nisqually River

North Yelm is a rural community located north of the city of Yelm in Thurston County, Washington. This unincorporated region is characterized by its open spaces, agricultural lands and low-density residential development. The area extends roughly from the northern edge of Yelm city limits to the Nisqually River, which forms the boundary between Thurston and Pierce counties. The region's open spaces and proximity to natural areas provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and a connection to nature, while its location near the small city of Yelm ensures access to basic amenities and services. “It’s basically just the rural half of a quintessential small town,” says local Realtor and lifelong Thurston County resident Jesse Kellems of Yelm Windermere. “The nature is great out here, you’re halfway between Puget Sound and Mount Rainier, and there are tons of waterways for fishing and boating. There’s enough shopping in Yelm that locals don’t have to leave town to get groceries, and when they do want to visit Olympia it’s just a 30-minute drive.”

North Yelm is a small town about 25 minutes from Olympia, WA.
North Yelm is a small town about 25 minutes from Olympia, WA.
North Yelm features stunning views of Mount Rainier from all over the neighborhood.
North Yelm features stunning views of Mount Rainier from all over the neighborhood.
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Classic farmhouses and modern homes

Houses in North Yelm reflect the area's rural character, with a mix of older farmhouses, ranch-style homes and newer custom-built residences. Many properties sit on large lots, often an acre or more, providing ample space between neighbors. Some homes feature views of Mount Rainier to the east or the surrounding pastoral landscapes. North Yelm also offers some rural properties, with larger plots of land that appeal to those interested in farming, raising animals or just having more space. Some residents engage in small-scale farming or keep horses and other livestock on their properties, taking advantage of the rural zoning regulations. The overall atmosphere of North Yelm is one of residential streets interspersed with open spaces, creating a quiet, peaceful environment. More recent residential development has introduced modern, single-family homes to the area. These newer constructions offer a more suburban feel with homes on smaller lots clustered together. Many properties in North Yelm include wells for water supply and septic systems for waste management, reflecting the area's limited municipal infrastructure. Older homes in the area typically sell for $370,000 to $470,000, while more spacious modern builds go for $550,000 to $700,000.

A row of contemporary homes in a quiet residential street in North Yelm.
A row of contemporary homes in a quiet residential street in North Yelm.
There are farm houses with large plots of land in North Yelm.
There are farm houses with large plots of land in North Yelm.
A row of homes in the heart of North Yelm near highway 507.
A row of homes in the heart of North Yelm near highway 507.
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Nisqually River boating and wildlife

The Nisqually River provides opportunities for fishing, kayaking and wildlife viewing. While there are no developed public parks within North Yelm itself, residents have access to several recreational areas nearby. The Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, located about 10 miles northwest of North Yelm, offers hiking trails, birdwatching opportunities and environmental education programs. This 3,000-acre refuge is home to a diverse array of wildlife and serves as an important stopover for migratory birds. For more developed recreational facilities, residents can use the parks within the city of Yelm. Yelm City Park, located near the center of town, features playground equipment, picnic areas and sports fields. The Yelm-Tenino Trail, a 14.5-mile paved trail converted from an old railroad grade, passes through Yelm and provides a route for walking, jogging and cycling.

Downtown Yelm's quaint shops and restaurants

Shopping and dining options within North Yelm itself are limited. Residents typically travel south into town, or to other surrounding communities, when they want to get out. The closest commercial area is located along Yelm Avenue in Yelm, under 3 miles south of most North Yelm residences. Here residents can find a Walmart Supercenter, which serves as a primary shopping destination for groceries and general merchandise. Other retail options include Safeway, Yelm Grocery Outlet and various small businesses along Yelm Avenue. For dining, choices range from fast-food chains to local establishments such as popular breakfast spot The Masonry Café and highly-rated Mexican eatery El Rey Burro.

Enjoy delicious food and great ambiance at one of many restaurants near North Yelm.
Enjoy delicious food and great ambiance at one of many restaurants near North Yelm.
In Downtown Yelm you will find cafes, restaurants and more just a short drive from North Yelm.
In Downtown Yelm you will find cafes, restaurants and more just a short drive from North Yelm.
Enjoy Masonry Cafe near North Yelm offering delicious food and beers on tap.
Enjoy Masonry Cafe near North Yelm offering delicious food and beers on tap.
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Yelm High School's CTE program

The public schools in the area are administered by the Yelm School District. Fort Stevens Elementary School has a B-minus rating on Niche, while Yelm Middle School has a C-plus. Yelm High School has a B-minus rating and offers dual credit courses through its Career and Technical Education program, which partners with a number of nearby four-year and community colleges.

Yelm High School near North Yelm is rated B minus in Niche.
Yelm High School near North Yelm is rated B minus in Niche.
Yelm Middle School near North Yelm welcomes school kids each year.
Yelm Middle School near North Yelm welcomes school kids each year.
Fort Stevens Elementary School in North Yelm is where kids begin their academic careers.
Fort Stevens Elementary School in North Yelm is where kids begin their academic careers.
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Getting around Thurston County

Transportation in North Yelm is predominantly car-dependent due to its rural nature and limited public transit options, so most residents rely on personal vehicles for their daily transportation needs. The main roads serving the area include state Route 507, which runs east-west through Yelm and connects to Interstate 5 to the west, and state Route 510, which provides access to Lacey and Olympia to the northwest. It’s a 17-mile drive to Lacey and a 20-mile drive to Olympia. Public transportation options are limited. Intercity Transit, the public transportation agency serving Thurston County, operates a few bus routes that connect Yelm to Lacey and Olympia. However, these routes primarily serve the city of Yelm rather than the North Yelm area. For air travel, the nearest major airport is Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, located approximately 50 miles north of North Yelm. Olympia Regional Airport, about 20 miles to the west, serves general aviation needs but does not offer commercial passenger service.

North Yelm residents have easy access to public transportation throughout the neighborhood.
North Yelm residents have easy access to public transportation throughout the neighborhood.
North Yelm's main thoroughfare is Highway 510.
North Yelm's main thoroughfare is Highway 510.
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Andrew Moreno
Written By
Andrew Moreno
Howard Snyder
Photography Contributed By
Howard Snyder
Timothy Cerva
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Timothy Cerva

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Shawn Maxey, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime North Yelm US
Homicide 5 4
Sexual Assault 4 4
Assault with Weapon 4 4
Robbery 4 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 4 4
Larceny 3 4
Crime Score 4 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$410,500
Median Single Family Price
$437,500
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$295
Number of Homes for Sale
10
Last 12 months Home Sales
24
Months of Supply
5.00
Median List Price
$439,950
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-6%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
581
Median Year Built
1992
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,521
Significantly below the national average
1,935
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
13,503

Open Houses

  • Wednesday, Apr 23
    11am - 5pm

    14738 88th Ave SE Unit 6, Yelm, WA 98597

    $608,975

    • 4 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 2,510 Sq Ft
    • 14738 88th Ave SE
    • Unit 6

    18K Buyer Bonus with trusted lender! Soundbuilt Homes presents the Camden floor plan at Mountain Meadows. Main level living includes large primary suite w/ attached bath 5 pc bath including free standing tub & walk-in closet. Great room offers tons of natural light w/HUGE windows and vaulted ceilings. Gas FP w/ mantel. Spacious open kitchen with shaker cabinets, quartz counter, tile backsplash

    Gary Hendrickson Berkshire Hathaway HS SSP

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  • Wednesday, Apr 23
    11am - 5pm

    14715 88th Ave SE Unit 20, Yelm, WA 98597

    $661,125

    • 4 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 3,006 Sq Ft
    • 14715 88th Ave SE
    • Unit 20

    18K BUYER BONUS for Rate Buy down and/or closing cost! Sought after Cascade floorplan by SoundBuilt Homes in Mountain meadows. Offering main level guest suite or home office w/3/4 bath. Open floor plan has great room w/gas fireplace. Spacious kitchen with shaker cupboards, quartz counter, tile backsplash and SS appliances. Spacious primary w/ full bath and large walk in closet. 3 additional

    Gary Hendrickson Berkshire Hathaway HS SSP

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  • Wednesday, Apr 23
    11am - 5pm

    14714 88th Way SE Unit 3, Yelm, WA 98597

    $651,750

    • 5 Beds
    • 3.5 Baths
    • 2,633 Sq Ft
    • 14714 88th Way SE
    • Unit 3

    18K BUYER BONUS w/ Trusted Lender. Soundbuilt Homes presents the Blossom floorplan at Mountain Meadows! Great room w/ gas Fireplace & built in entertainment cabinets. Spacious open kitchen with white shaker cabinets, quartz countertop, white subway tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances. Main level guest suite with 3/4 bath. Spacious primary w/ full bath with soaking tub and walk in

    Gary Hendrickson Berkshire Hathaway HS SSP

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Shawn Maxey, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
3,035
Median Age
39
Population under 18
24.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
16.5%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$68,630
On par with the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$77,666

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
80.7%
College Graduates
6.8%
Significantly below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
4.6%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
63.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
43''
Average Winter Low Temperature
37°F
Average Summer High Temperature
75°F
Annual Snowfall
2''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

25 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

4 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
North Yelm