View of a boathouse in downtown Tacoma at dusk with Mt. Rainier in the distance

Cities

Discover the unique communities within the Tacoma-Pierce County region, whether you’re seeking city life or rural relaxation.
Downtown Tacoma at dusk
  • Northern Communities
  • Central Communities
  • Western Communities
  • Southern Communities
  • Cost of Living
Northern Communities
Northern Communities

A Home for All

Tacoma-Pierce County’s scenic communities to the north provide a variety of lifestyle and housing options to choose from. Learn more about these eclectic hubs and find your new home below.

Auburn: Known as the gateway to Mt. Rainier, Auburn boasts nearly 400 acres of open space for outdoor recreation with views of Mt. Rainier at every turn.

Bonney Lake: Bonney Lake is located in northern Pierce County and is the home of scenic Lake Tapps.

Edgewood: Located in northern Pierce County, Edgewood is a dynamic community of more than 12,000 people and is landmarked by the historic Nyholm Windmill.

Pacific: Located in northern Pierce County, the City of Pacific has a rich history rooted in the agriculture industry and  is located along the InterUrban Trail, a 14-mile bicycle and pedestrian path that connects Pacific to the Seattle metro area.

Wilkeson: Located in Northern Pierce County, Wilkeson is a former mining town and home to five sites on the National Register of Historic Places,  including the Wilkeson Arch.

Central Communities
Central Communities

A Home for All

Central Tacoma-Pierce County’s scenic communities provide a variety of lifestyle and housing options to choose from. Learn more about these eclectic hubs and find your new home below.

Buckley: Buckley is a small town with a big heart — it’s also home to an annual logging competition that celebrates the town’s roots in the timber industry.

Carbonado: A former mining town, Carbonado is a charming rural community with more than 700 residents.

Fife: Fife is a town located 10 minutes outside of Tacoma and known for their dining scene and classic diners and their outdoor recreation.

Milton: Formerly a mill town, Milton is a quiet and peaceful small town surrounded by open fields, trees and plenty of outdoor recreation.

Orting: One of the state’s oldest cities, Orting boasts a quaint downtown, with turn-of-the-century architecture and 15 unique restaurants.

Puyallup: Home of the Washington State Fair, Puyallup is located at the foot of Mt. Rainier and is known for its deep roots in the agriculture industry.

Tacoma: Tacoma is Pierce County’s largest city and the third biggest city in the state of Washington. The city is known for its booming arts and culture scene and access to outdoor recreation.

Sumner: Affectionately called the Rhubarb Pie Capital of the World, Sumner is known for its small town charm and vibrant main street.

Western Communities
Western Communities

A Home for All

Tacoma-Pierce County’s scenic communities to the west provide a variety of lifestyle and housing options to choose from. Learn more about these eclectic hubs and find your new home below.

DuPont: The City of DuPont is a historic town in western Pierce County and the location of Fort Nisqually, a 19th century fur trading settlement.

Fircrest: Fircrest is a community that’s proud of their natural beauty and home to more than 30 chainsaw sculptures and an urban forest of fir trees.

Gig Harbor: Located on the banks of Puget Sound, Gig Harbor is known for its waterfront and water-based recreation ranging from kayaking to gondola rides.

Lakewood: With a population of nearly 60,000 people, Lakewood is one of Pierce County’s largest towns and is known for not only its outdoor recreation but for one of the nation’s few standing castles, Thornewood Castle.

Ruston: Ruston is a quaint community and home to the Ruston Way Waterfront, a 2 mile walking trail with views of Puget Sound, Mt. Rainier and the Olympic Mountain Range and fine dining.

University Place: Located along the edge of the city of Tacoma, University Place is the home of Chambers Bay, a scenic public golf course that has hosted the U.S. Open.

Steilacoom: The oldest incorporated Washington town, Steilacoom is a quaint community with a large historic district and views of Puget Sound.

Southern Communities
Southern Communities

A Home for All

Tacoma-Pierce County’s scenic communities to the south provide a variety of lifestyle and housing options to choose from. Learn more about these eclectic hubs and find your new home below.

Eatonville: Incorporated in 1909, Eatonville is a rural community that hosts outdoor trails, a wildlife park and a museum focused on the history of the region’s pioneer community.

Roy: Located in south Pierce County, Roy is home to nearly 800 people and hosts an annual rodeo to celebrate their agricultural roots.

South Prairie: Incorporated in 1909, South Prairie is a small, historic and peaceful community surrounded by lush meadows and the South Prairie Creek.

Cost of Living
Downtown Tacoma at dusk
Cost of Living

South Sound Value

Not only are Pierce County’s communities diverse, but we also provide more value for your money than many other major metros. We’re home to a cost of living that’s 31% lower than our northern neighbor, Seattle. But the savings don’t stop there. Our median home prices are less than $500,000 and utilities cost 30% less than the national average.

Contact

Our economic development professionals are here to help you choose the right location for your business.

Sarah Bonds Vice President for Business Recruitment [email protected] (253) 284-5892 Get In Touch

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