Neighborhood Guides
Tacoma
Nestled along the scenic Puget Sound, North Tacoma blends timeless character with vibrant, modern living. Known for its tree-lined streets, historic homes, and breathtaking waterfront views, this area offers a true sense of community. From the lively Proctor District to the peaceful charm of Old Town and Ruston, North Tacoma perfectly balances small-town warmth with city convenience.
Puyallup
Puyallup blends a rich agricultural history with a growing suburban lifestyle. It’s famous for the Washington State Fair, beautiful parks, and local farmers markets that showcase the area’s deep roots in farming. The city has expanded rapidly, with new residential developments and a thriving downtown that’s home to boutique shops, craft breweries, and family-run restaurants.
Edgewood
Tucked between Puyallup and Milton, Edgewood offers peaceful suburban living with easy access to the South Sound’s major job centers. Known for its open spaces, mountain views, and friendly residential feel, Edgewood blends rural charm with modern convenience. With excellent schools, newer housing developments, and a strong sense of community, it’s one of the most desirable “small-town just outside the city” places to call home.
Lacey
Just minutes from Olympia, Lacey is one of the South Sound’s fastest-growing and most livable communities. Surrounded by lakes, forests, and natural preserves, Lacey blends outdoor recreation with modern convenience. With excellent schools, new developments, and easy access to JBLM, it’s a favorite for families, professionals, and anyone seeking an affordable, vibrant place to call home.
Milton
Perched along the King–Pierce County border, Milton is a peaceful, small-town community known for its quiet streets, friendly atmosphere, and convenient access to surrounding cities. With sweeping mountain views, walkable neighborhoods, and a close-knit feel, Milton offers residents the perfect balance of suburban comfort and practical convenience.
Spanaway
Located just south of Tacoma and bordering Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Spanaway offers a blend of suburban comfort, affordability, and incredible outdoor access. Known for its diverse neighborhoods, local parks, and proximity to lakes and trails, Spanaway is a popular choice for military households, first-time buyers, and anyone seeking more space at a great value. With steady growth and ongoing development, Spanaway continues to be one of Pierce County’s most dynamic and accessible communities.
Graham
Set against the scenic backdrop of Mount Rainier, Graham is a peaceful and spacious South Pierce County community known for its rural charm, newer homes, and strong sense of community. With wide-open spaces, quiet neighborhoods, and top-rated schools, Graham is a favorite for families, military members, and anyone looking for more land and privacy while staying connected to nearby cities.
Lakewood
Known for its beautiful lakes, historic charm, and unbeatable access to JBLM, Lakewood is one of the South Sound’s most diverse and vibrant communities. With waterfront parks, established neighborhoods, and a growing retail and restaurant scene, Lakewood offers residents a unique blend of natural beauty and urban convenience. From American Lake to idyllic Oakbrook, Lakewood is a city where recreation, affordability, and convenience meet.
University Place
University Place (or “UP” as locals call it) combines suburban comfort with stunning views of the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains. Known for its strong schools, beautiful parks, and safe, family-oriented environment, UP is one of Tacoma’s most sought-after communities. With shopping, dining, and recreation all within reach, it offers the perfect mix of convenience and calm.
DuPont
Nestled between JBLM and the Puget Sound, DuPont is one of the South Sound’s most scenic, master-planned, and community-oriented cities. Known for its safe neighborhoods, miles of nature trails, and walkable village center, DuPont offers a peaceful lifestyle with exceptional convenience. With its parks, proximity to JBLM, and charming small-town feel, DuPont is a top choice for military families, professionals, and anyone seeking a clean, vibrant, and active community.
Gig Harbor
Resting along the scenic Puget Sound with stunning waterfront views, Gig Harbor is one of Pierce County’s most charming and sought-after communities. Known for its picturesque harbors, historic downtown, top-rated schools, and vibrant local dining and shopping scene, Gig Harbor blends coastal beauty with small-town elegance. With everything from waterfront living to family-friendly neighborhoods, it’s a favorite for professionals, retirees, and anyone seeking a high-quality lifestyle in the South Sound.
Bonney Lake
Resting along the Puyallup River Valley with sweeping views of Mount Rainier, Bonney Lake is one of Pierce County’s most desirable and fast-growing communities. Known for its beautiful neighborhoods, top-rated schools, outdoor recreation, and strong retail core, Bonney Lake blends suburban comfort with natural beauty. With everything from lakefront activities to new-construction communities, it’s a favorite for families, commuters, and anyone seeking a high-quality lifestyle in the South Sound.
Olympia
The capital city of Washington State, Olympia blends natural beauty, local charm, and civic energy into one vibrant community. Set along the southern tip of Puget Sound, Olympia offers everything from arts and culture to outdoor adventure and family-friendly living. With its lively downtown, historic neighborhoods, and easy access to state parks and the waterfront, it’s no wonder Olympia continues to attract both first-time buyers and longtime locals alike.
Yelm
Located in Thurston County along the scenic Nisqually River Valley, Yelm is a growing community known for its small-town charm, open spaces, and family-friendly atmosphere. With a mix of modern subdivisions, rural acreage, and strong local schools, Yelm appeals to families, first-time homebuyers, and military households looking for affordable, spacious living just outside Olympia and JBLM.
