Yuma Proving Ground
Key Contacts
Chief of Housing
PH: (928) 328-3256
Desert Oasis Housing
1120 Cutter Avenue
Yuma, AZ 85365
PH: (928) 328-2031
School Liaison
301 C. Street
Bldg. 1105
Yuma, AZ 85365
PH: (928) 328-3119
Family Readiness Center
301 C. Street Bldg. 300
Yuma, AZ 85365
PH: (928) 328-3350
Most installation services will be available Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm. As always, call first to confirm hours and availability of services.
Helpful hint: Contact these offices early in the week during the morning time frame.
About Yuma Proving Ground
The Army’s Premier Natural Enviroments Test Center
Yuma Proving Ground (YPG) is a United States Army proving ground, a subordinate command of the Army Test and Evaluation Command. Located in southwestern La Paz County and western Yuma County in southwestern Arizona, it is approximately 30 miles northeast of the city of Yuma. It encompasses over 1,300 square miles in the northwestern Sonoran Desert.
The mission of YPG is to plan, assess, analyze, report, and support developmental tests, and integrated developmental and operational tests; and provide training support to Army, sister services, Department of Defense, the U.S. Government, and commercial customers.
The Yuma Test Center (YTC) works closely with the Tropic Regions Test Center (TRTC) in Panama and the Cold Regions Test Center (CRTC) in Alaska. Tenant units at YPG include the Special Operations Terminal Attack Controllers Course (SOTACC), Test Measurement and Diagnostic Equipment (TMDE), Aerostat Balloon, and Military Freefall. At any given time, Yuma Proving Ground has over 280 military personnel, over 2100 civilians and contractors, and over 400 family members living in housing.
About Yuma County
LOCATION
Yuma, Arizona is known as the “Sunniest City on Earth” and those stationed at Yuma Proving Ground will enjoy the small-town living that this desert border town offers. A welcoming place for families, the greater Yuma area will give outdoor enthusiasts a reason to lace up their hiking boots and get outdoors to enjoy the trails and views.
WEATHER
Yuma Proving Ground is generally a warm and sunny place to live. Average temperatures range from 44 to 107 degrees Fahrenheit. March, April, and November are some of the most pleasant months. The annual rainfall is around four inches and with only 0.2 inches of snow each year. With a dry, desert climate, summers are very hot but the winters are very mild, enabling Yuma area residents with the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors twelve months out of the year.
ATTRACTIONS
For those traveling in and out of the Yuma Proving Ground area by air, there’s a local option with the Yuma International Airport (YUM), a joint-use airport with civilian and military flight activity. Roughly a three-hour drive to the west is the San Diego International Airport (SAN) and about three hours to the east you have access to the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX).
Yuma is a small desert city right along the southwest corner of Arizona along the Colorado River and the California border. It is just 25 miles north of the Mexico border. While Arizona offers unlimited potential for fun with its many large cities and its large state and national park systems, many southern California beaches are within a few hours’ drive as well. Whether it is beaches, mountains, or desert you desire, Yuma is in the center of it all.
HELPFUL HINTS
Yuma County is considered to be a low to moderate cost living area. Those new to the area may need a few weeks to adjust to the low humidity and dry desert heat. Commute times, schools, and accessibility of restaurants and shopping should be considered when choosing a neighborhood and its proximity to Yuma Proving Ground.
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Nearby Neighborhoods
HOUSING
Homes on Yuma Proving Ground are managed by Desert Oasis Communities and offer duplex and single-family homes with a mix of 2, 3, 4, and 5 bedroom homes available for rent. The impressive neighborhoods have access to the following amenities: 24-hour fitness centers, basketball courts, and a playground. The local schools for Yuma Proving Ground (YPG) are James D. Price Elementary (grades K-5), Ron Watson Middle School (grades 6-8), and Gila Ridge High School (9-12).
In addition to the on-base housing options, there are several off-post communities where many service families choose to reside. Fortuna Foothills, Somerton, and Yuma are three of the most widely popular areas for families. Yuma is served by two public elementary school districts, Yuma District One Elementary School District, and Crane Elementary School District, and the Yuma Union Public High School District.
Fortuna Foothills
ABOUT
One of the closest and most convenient communities to Yuma Proving Ground, many military families love to call Fortuna Foothills home for its accessible commute.
Popular Neighborhoods
- Estrella at Mesa Del Sol
- The Foothills, Desert Foothills
- Mountain View
Nearby Attractions
- Foothills Massage
- Crazy Earl’s Cocktails and Pool
- Fortuna Del Rey Golf Course
By the Numbers
- Population 28,000
- Household Income $50,000
- Median Home Value: Home values vary widely in this area, so ask your real estate agent for a local market analysis
Big Plus
- Offers a suburban rural mix feel
- Above-average schools
- 31 mile, 26-minute commute to Yuma Proving Ground via US-95 N
Things to Consider
- Quickly growing area with a lot of new construction homes and neighborhoods
- As with many neighborhoods in transition, it is recommended that you research the area carefully and avoid buying a home site unseen in this area.
Somerton
ABOUT
If you are looking to feel a bit more tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Yuma with a little more space around, Somerton fits the bill. Home to over seven different entertainment, lodging, and tourism attractions, Somerton is the native region of the Cocopah Nation.
Popular Neighborhoods
- Valle Del Sol
- Desert Valley Estates
- Valle Sereno Estates
Nearby Attractions
- Cocopah Speedway
- Cocopah Casino
- Wild River Family Entertainment Center
By the Numbers
- Population 14,000
- Household Income $38,000
- Median Home Value: Home values vary widely in this area, so ask your real estate agent for a local market analysis
Big Plus
- Very low cost of living and home prices are lower than surrounding areas
- Small, historic downtown main street vibe
- Native region of the Cocopah Nation which is a large employer with seven different entertainment, lodging, and cultural attractions
Things to Consider
- Fewer opportunities for shopping, dining, and commerce; many restaurants and businesses are of the mom and pop variety
- 48 mile, 57-minute commute to Yuma Proving Ground via US-95 N
Yuma
ABOUT
Yuma offers convenient access to shopping, dining, and entertainment options along with good schools and a more populated area. Job opportunities and housing options in this area are also a huge plus for Yuma Proving Ground families.
Popular Neighborhoods
- El Prado Estates
- Meadowbrook
- Bel Aire Estates
- Parkway Place
Nearby Attractions
- Yuma Territorial Prison Museum
- Castle Dome Mines Museum and Ghost Town
- Martha’s Gardens Medjool Date Farm
By the Numbers
- Population 96,000
- Household Income $47,000
- Median Home Value: Home values vary widely in this area, so ask your real estate agent for a local market analysis
Big Plus
- Home to many larger national big-box chains stores like Target and Lowe’s
- Plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options
- The home inventory offers diversity in style, age, and size of homes
Things to Consider
- Popular retirement and “snowbird” population
- 34 mile, 47-minute commute to Yuma Proving Ground via US-95 N
7 Reasons You Should Consider Buying a Home
1. TAX ADVANTAGES
To encourage homeownership, the IRS has provided many tax breaks for owning a home. Credits may be available for specific home improvements, such as using clean energy or for qualified first-time home buyers. The way most homeowners see those advantages is through income tax itemization and deductions like mortgage interest and real estate taxes.
2. STABALIZE MONTHLY HOME COSTS
Owning your own house is one of the safest bets on stabilizing your monthly home costs. There’s no worry of rent getting increased significantly after each year of living in someone else’s home. Additionally, when you answer to yourself, there is no worry of landlord changes or unexpected lease termination.
3. HOUSE HACKING
Generally speaking, house hacking is a smart strategy that involves renting out a portion of your primary residence as a means of generating income to offset your own living expenses. Think turning your finished basement or mother-in-law quarters into an AirBnB! Or consider purchasing a multi-unit duplex or triplex: live on one side and rent out the other! If your home making money while you’re living in it doesn’t sound like your thing, there’s always renting it out after you PCS as an income generating investment property.
4. Increased Privacy
Generally speaking, house hacking is a smart strategy that involves renting out a portion of your primary residence as a means of generating income to offset your own living expenses. Think turning your finished basement or mother-in-law quarters into an AirBnB! Or consider purchasing a multi-unit duplex or triplex: live on one side and rent out the other! If your home making money while you’re living in it doesn’t sound like your thing, there’s always renting it out after you PCS as an income generating investment property.
5. Pets Are Welcome!
For those who choose to rent instead of buying, it can be extremely difficult to find rentals who allow for your
four-legged, furry friends. Landlords often require hefty pet deposits or place heavy restrictions on the number of pets and breeds they allow—if they will even allow pets. When considering quality of life, including beloved pets and the indoor and outdoor space available to them matters. Having the flexibility to include ALL members of your family as a homeowner is priceless!
6. Pride of Ownership
One of the greatest benefits of owning your own home is the pride of ownership that comes along with it. Not only are homeowners more inclined to take good care of their investment with routine maintenance and cleaning, but also they are free to make design choices ranging from hanging artwork on the walls, to paint colors, to customization of closets, electronics, and more. As military families who relocate frequently, having your home reflect who you really are feels important.
7. Safe and Stable Long Term Investment + Forced Savings
Owning a home has historically been one of the safest, lowest risk financial investments that tends to have long-term stability and success. As your home value appreciates and your mortgage balance decreases, what’s left is growing equity with an eventual paid off home. Making a monthly house payment is akin to setting aside a specific amount each month into a savings account—it’s a little difficult to access in the moment, but over time it can build into something significant in the form of equity.
FIVE RESOURCES TO HELP YOU IN YOUR RELOCATION PROCESS
Your PCS is underway!
The home buying and moving transition process has begun. Now what? If it feels like there are a million things to do, don’t fret because you don’t have to do them all yourself. During the relocation process, there are many service providers that can assist you in making your move a smooth one.
Consider these five resources to help you in the process
1. MOVING COMPANIES
Sure, the military offers transportation and relocation services, but many service members decide to coordinate the transfer of household goods themselves. Not only can you often earn money on the difference between moving costs and weight allowances, but you can be assured that you have more control over your belongings. Services that moving companies offer can range from delivery of boxes and pods for the “you-pack” model all the way to full-service logistics companies that will do all of the packing, loading, driving, and unpacking for you.
2. STORAGE
Whether you need to store your household goods for a few weeks until you close on your home or you decide that you have more stuff than square footage, storage companies abound. Sizes, conditions, and contracts vary widely so be sure to do your homework before you commit. Particularly in climates with extreme cold, heat, or humidity, it is important to consider using only climate-controlled storage to ensure the protection of your furniture and temporarily unused items.
3. TEMPORARY HOUSING
It is not uncommon for there to be a short gap of time during a military move between when you arrive at your new duty station and your new home being available to inhabit. No longer are hotels the only option for sticking out a few days or weeks during the wait. Vacation Rentals by Owner (VRBO) and Airbnb are great options to make you feel more at home while you wait for your home. In fact, why not take advantage of seeing your new city through the eyes of a tourist? Find a location near new local attractions and dining and enjoy a few days of getting to know the lay of the land.
4. USPS/IRS
Once you get settled in at your new home, it’s important that you alert agencies that will make sure your current and up-to-date address is on file. The United States Postal Service (USPS) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) are two of the most important and by doing so, any important mail or documents in your name should be forwarded or sent along to your new address. It’s also a good idea to notify banks, credit card companies, and other debt collectors of a change of address. These days nearly all of these transactions can be handled online.
5. DISCARD & DONATE SERVICES
No matter how much you purge, toss, organize, minimize, or donate before you pack up the moving truck, it never fails that after you get unpacked on the other side there seems to be more stuff to declutter. Discard and donate services can help with this. Many are a phone call away and will happily come to your residence for a pickup. Others are structured where you simply drop off at a store. A lot of these services are charitable organizations and will offer you documentation for your own taxes based on your donation. It’s a win-win: you downsize by donating, and someone else benefits from your use of your items.
