Quality of Life
Somerton is located in the fertile Yuma Valley in southwestern Yuma County, about 12 miles south of Yuma and at an elevation of 103 feet, approximately 12 miles from the U.S./Mexican border and 180 miles east of San Diego, California. The City is located on both sides of U.S. Highway 95 (Main Street) and Somerton Avenue runs north and south through the city. The area is bounded by Cocopah Indian Reservations (East and West). Somerton was established in 1898 and incorporated in 1918 and its population has doubled during the last ten years now reaching 15,500.
Somerton has a long history of overcoming physical and economic adversity. Early settlers had to prevail over the Colorado River floods in order to realize the tremendous potential of the area's agricultural lands. This potential was the driving force for the establishment of the Somerton school district in 1902, and the paving of Main Street in 1917. The downtown business district survived a huge fire in 1926 and was able to continue to be a major economic influence in Yuma County until the early 1960s. Somerton with a rich heritage and culture has a downtown redevelopment plan that offers a package of incentives for businesses that locate in the downtown area or existing ones that need to upgrade their premises.
Principal Economic Activities
Agriculture, medical services, and tourism are the primary economic activities in the local economy. Retail activity continues to grow along with its population. Somerton's small-town-feel as part of its historic downtown and culture is unique, and visitors from all over the Yuma Region enjoy coming to the many special events offered throughout the year. The city's location, between two major population areas, connected through US 95, Yuma to the north and San Luis, AZ and San Luis R.C., Mexico, to the south, makes Somerton an ideal location for special events and entertainment venues.
Scenic Attractions
Somerton is the native region of the Cocopah Nation which is a large employer with seven different entertainment, lodging, and cultural attractions: The Cocopah Casino, The Cocopah Resort & Conference Center, The Cocopah Rio Colorado Golf Course, The Cocopah Museum, Cocopah RV, and Golf Resort, Cocopah Speedway and Wild River Family Entertainment Center. Somerton is a community that honors its cultural diversity and heritage, more than 30,000 people flock to Somerton for the annual Tamale Festival every year in December.
Community Facilities
The city of Somerton offers many recreational and educational activities to its residents and visitors through its Parks and Recreation Program and Community Services: The Community Center which includes the Heritage Pool, gymnasium and Youth Center, Valle del Desierto Senior Center, Cultural Center, Joe Cardenas Ball Park, Joe Muñoz Park, and Ball Field, and other parks with playgrounds and ramadas. It is the Mission of the Somerton Parks and Recreation Department to enhance the quality of recreational activities offered and the attractiveness of parks and facilities to provide a better quality of life to its residents.
Community Assets
Somerton is a vibrant community with a lot to offer:
- Water and Utility Services: Somerton owns its water rights, recycling plant, and both water and wastewater treatment plants, ensuring sufficient capacity for growth over the next decade.
- Education: Somerton boasts B+ performing schools.
- Events and Festivals:
- Tamale Festival: Every third Saturday in December, over 30,000 people visit for the annual Somerton Tamale Festival, organized by the EL Diablito Arizona State University (ASU) Alumni Chapter, which provides scholarships for local students attending ASU.
- Corn Fest: Held in November.
- Petpalooza and Somerton Greater Days: Other notable local events.
- Environmental Initiatives: Somerton is a "green city" with nine solar projects and was the first in the region to develop a citywide recycling program.
- Cocopah Nation: Somerton is home to the Cocopah Nation, a significant employer with seven entertainment, lodging, and cultural attractions, including the Cocopah Casino, Resort & Conference Center, Rio Colorado Golf Course, Museum, RV and Golf Resort, Speedway, and Wild River Family Entertainment Center. There are plans to develop a second RV resort around the golf course.
- Industrial and Economic Development:
- Industrial Park: Somerton has a light industrial zoned park with 20 one-acre lots, 27 available acres, and an additional 8-acre parcel. DHG, the park developer, offers build-to-suit or direct lot sales. The park has prime location along Highway 95 with direct access to the Interstate.
- Downtown Redevelopment: Somerton's approved downtown redevelopment plan includes incentives for businesses to locate or upgrade their premises in the downtown area.
- Private Airport: Enhances connectivity and convenience for businesses and residents.
- Military Proximity: Just a 10-minute drive from one of the most active marine bases in the nation.
- Transportation: Somerton has completed two major transportation master plans.
- Community and Charm: The town features a traditional main street with benches, tables, bus stops, and a welcoming plaza where locals often meet and greet each other by name. A new Main Street redesign is expected to be completed by March 2016.
- Emergency Services: Somerton’s "All Hazards" fire department offers comprehensive services, including paramedic engines, ambulances, and a hazmat team, also serving surrounding cities.
- International Access: Only a 15-minute drive from an International Border Crossing with Mexico.
- Local Industry:
- DATEPAC WEST: Part of the largest Medjool date packing and marketing facility in the United States.
- Filter Factory Company: Produces and sells filtration products globally, used by companies like DuPont, Chevron, Texaco, and General Electric.
- Recreational Proximity:
- A 1-hour drive to Golfo de Santa Clara, a popular fishing village.
- A 25-minute drive to renowned recreational sand dunes, popular for off-roading and filming.
- Climate: Somerton enjoys at least 345 days of sunshine each year.