Nestled on the south side of Yuma, just east of Arizona Avenue and bounded by 12th Street and 16th Street, Hettema Estates stands as a living testament to Yuma’s vibrant history and tight-knit community spirit. Though modest in size, this historic neighborhood has played a significant role in shaping the city’s culture and story—a place where roots run deep and each street whispers its own chapter from the past.
Origins of Hettema Estates
The neighborhood traces its beginnings to the post-World War II housing boom. As Yuma expanded in the late 1940s and early 1950s, developers looked to the city’s growing demand for residential housing. Hettema Estates emerged as one of the early platted subdivisions that offered single-family homes to Yuma’s burgeoning population, including the many families connected to the military presence at nearby Yuma Proving Ground and Marine Corps Air Station.
But where does the name “Hettema” come from? The land was originally owned and developed by the Hettema family, who were early entrepreneurs and landowners in the city’s mid-century era. Their vision for Hettema Estates was clear: provide a tranquil, family-friendly oasis benefitting from Yuma’s sunshine and a sense of community where neighbors truly knew each other.
Key Historical Milestones
- 1950s Development: The original homes along streets like S Avenue B and W 15th Place reflected the practical, sturdy style of mid-century America. Most houses featured low-slung roofs, wide yards, and an emphasis on outdoor living—perfect for Yuma’s climate.
- Schools and Community Growth: The nearby O.C. Johnson Elementary School, established just north of the neighborhood, quickly became a hub for families. As the school drew new residents, Hettema Estates became a preferred address for educators and civil servants.
- Civic Engagement: Residents have long taken pride in their neighborhood, forming informal watch groups as early as the 1970s, which evolved into the modern homeowners associations and block parties that foster unity today.
Notable Landmarks
- Hettema Park: Though modest in size, Hettema Park on S Avenue B serves as the heart of community gather-ups, picnics, and Saturday morning little league games. You’ll often find neighbors walking their dogs, children playing on the jungle gym, and annual events like the Fall Harvest Picnic happening here.
- Classic Homes: The original homes themselves stand as living landmarks. Many display carefully preserved architecture, with colorful stucco facades and shaded front porches—one of the best walks in Yuma is a stroll down W 14th Street at sunset, admiring the character each family has added through the decades.
- Legacy Places of Worship: Although there are a handful of small churches and faith communities bordering Hettema Estates, St. Paul's Episcopal Church a short drive north has historically served as a gathering place for many residents and continues to host community events.
Evolution Over the Decades
Hettema Estates has transformed alongside Yuma, but it has never lost its small-town warmth. The 1980s and 1990s saw a new wave of residents—young families and retirees alike—drawn by the proximity to central Yuma, affordable homes, and the enduring sense of camaraderie.
What stands out to long-time residents is the continuity of spirit.
- Even as some homes have been renovated into modern styles or split into rentals, the pride of homeownership remains high.
- Gardeners still tend to their citrus trees and bougainvillea with the same care as the original settlers did.
- Community traditions, like the annual holiday light displays and summer potlucks in Hettema Park, continue to bring neighbors together.
Those who grew up in Hettema Estates often return, bringing a new generation to these leafy streets. For many, it’s the comfort of familiar faces and the shade of mature mesquite trees that make coming home to Hettema Estates so special.
Streets, Parks, and Institutions
A stroll around Hettema Estates is a miniature tour through Yuma’s living history:
- W 14th Place and S Avenue B: These streets encapsulate the core of the neighborhood, with mature landscaping, original mid-century homes, and a welcoming atmosphere.
- Hettema Park: Located at the southern edge, this tiny green space is often alive with neighborhood laughter and community spirit.
- Nearby Schools: O.C. Johnson Elementary is just outside the neighborhood’s northern boundary, playing an integral part in the lives of many local children.
- Local Eateries and Shops: Family-run grocery markets and taquerias dot the edges of Hettema Estates, reflecting the rich mix of Yuma’s cultures that has always defined the area.
The Neighborhood Today
Today, Hettema Estates is as beloved as ever. New friends and lifelong residents work side by side to keep streets clean and spirits high. The annual Spring Block Party, a tradition for over thirty years, features homemade tamales, classic cars, and plenty of Yuma hospitality.
Despite the changes brought on by time—new faces, updated homes, evolving tastes—the essence of Hettema Estates is timeless: a neighborhood anchored by community, built on shared heritage, and always looking forward with pride.
Whether you’re a newcomer seeking a place to put down roots or a resident recalling childhood adventures under the desert sun, Hettema Estates welcomes all with open arms and a history worth celebrating.