Imagine a city less than 30 square miles in size, but where three different cultures meet. Yuma, Arizona, is situated in the southwest corner of Arizona near the borders of California; Sonora, Mexico; and Baja California, Mexico. This city of nearly 125,000 residents has as its foundation the rich Southwest and Native American traditions of Arizona, as well as the laid-back attitude of California and the proud heritage of Mexico.

Yuma's geographic location has served it well not only in terms of its culture, but also in terms of its economy. The city, now one of Arizona's largest behind Phoenix and Tucson, benefits from a diverse assortment of businesses of nearly every size. Companies continue to relocate here, attracted by a strong local economy and labor force, extremely competitive home prices, and by the region's geographic beauty. Today, Yuma's primary economic contributors are agriculture, year-round tourism, and the presence of two military bases. Yuma Proving Grounds and the Marine Corps Air Station are both located within county lines.

Despite the images most of us harbor about the desert Southwest -- cacti, tumbleweeds and desolate highways -- Yuma is located within close proximity to water as well as to sand. The great Colorado River serves as a major source of recreation and tourism in Yuma. Visitors venture into its waters to take advantage of white water river rafting, canoeing, kayaking and other outdoor pasttimes. Those who prefer sports on land can take advantage of Yuma's numerous golf courses, which profit from the region's fairly mild weather throughout the year (Yuma's average daytime temperature is approximately 75 degrees, with sun shining 93 percent of the year). When the winter months arrive, visitors keep arriving in Yuma for its proximity to ski trails. And, of course, one of Yuma's most popular indoor sports is gambling. The city is home to casinos, including Paradise Casino, that attract tourists and residents alike.

While you may not think of Yuma as a mecca for tourist activities, it's quite surprising when you consider the wealth of sights in and around the city. Among Yuma's highlights are the "Center of the World," a village whose architectural anomalies attract visitors. The Center of the World features the "Granite Wall of the Ages," a section of the Eiffel Tower's stairs, a sundial containing Michelangelo's "Arm of God" and a pyramid more than 20 feet in height. A visit to the Century House Museum is a must. The former home of merchant E.F. Sanguinetti, it's one of Yuma's oldest and best-preserved structures. The city has maintained the historic home as a compliation of photos, artifacts and other memorabila from Arizona's territorial era. On the grounds outside the museum, you'll find beautifully maintained gardens and aviaries reminiscent of the early 1900s.

Yuma will surprise you once again when you learn the identity of one of its most abundant crops: dates, a delicacy that actually has roots tracing back thousands of years ago. For the chance to visit the city's date gardens and sample this treat, head either to Ehrlich's Date Gardens, a collection of some 300 date trees in numerous varieties; or the Imperial Date Gardens and Dome, both of which are among the most prolific sources of Medjool dates.

Also worth visiting are the region's historic missions, including the St. Thomas Mission; and the Yuma Valley Railway, which takes passengers aboard a 1922 Pullman Coach, led by a 1940s-era diesel locomotive, and embarks on a scenic tour along the banks of the Colorado River. For shopping, head to downtown Yuma -- particularly the city's North End, comprised of historic buildings converted into an eclectic mix of retail shops and restaurants. Of course, if you'd like to venture into Mexico, it's but a short drive away -- less than half an hour.

Home prices in Yuma are about as low as you'll find anywhere. Relocating families will find many spacious single-family homes priced at under $100,000, as well as larger homes priced in the mid $100s all the way up to $350,000 and more, although pricier homes are much fewer in number. New construction continues with no signs of slowing down; planned and gated subdivisions, including the new Barkley Ranch, are quite common. Yuma also has an abundance of lots for sale for those who want to build their own homes.

Yuma represents perhaps one of Arizona's best-kept secrets. As businesses continue to grow and prosper here, home prices could begin to creep upward, but for now, the market is hotter than the weather in this city where people of all backgrounds meet and thrive.

For more Community Profiles, Click Here

Published: September 27, 1999

Use of this article without permission is a violation of federal copyright laws.