Pierce County, WA | The Best Neighborhoods for Water Views
Pierce County has some of the most beautiful water-view properties in Washington — from Puget Sound panoramas to peaceful lakes and bays. Whether you’re relocating, downsizing, PCSing to JBLM, or buying your first home, water-view living is one of the most sought-after lifestyles in the region.
Here’s your complete guide to the best cities and top neighborhoods in Pierce County for water views in 2025.
1. Tacoma (Puget Sound Views + Iconic Waterfront Living)
Tacoma offers some of the most diverse and stunning water-view neighborhoods in the county.
Top Tacoma Neighborhoods for Water Views
Ruston Way + Old Town
Full Puget Sound views
Waterfront trails, restaurants, and beaches
Walkable, vibrant, and highly desirable
North End / Proctor
Upper-view homes
Craftsman charm + city conveniences
Close to Point Defiance
Point Ruston
Luxury condos + modern living
Panoramic Sound + island views
Steps from shops, dining, and recreation
Browns Point / Northeast Tacoma
Some of the best water and mountain views in all of Pierce County
Puget Sound + Mount Rainier combinations
Quiet residential feel
Thinking about Tacoma vs. nearby cities?
➡️ Cost of Living in Tacoma vs. Puyallup: Which Washington City Fits Your Lifestyle?
2. Gig Harbor (Best Overall for Scenic Waterfront Living)
Gig Harbor is known for its postcard-perfect harbor, relaxed coastal lifestyle, and some of the most beautiful Sound views in the region.
Top Gig Harbor Neighborhoods for Water Views
Historic Downtown Waterfront
Harbor views
Boats, restaurants, marinas
Walkable coastal lifestyle
Harborview Drive
True panoramic waterfront
High-value real estate
Direct downtown access
Point Fosdick / Artondale
Sweeping Puget Sound + island views
Great school options
Quiet neighborhoods
Wollochet Bay
Peaceful bay views
Kayaking + waterfront recreation
Gig Harbor remains one of the most premium water-view markets in Pierce County.
3. Steilacoom (Historic, Quiet, and Packed With Sound Views)
Steilacoom is a hidden gem offering some of the most beautiful water and island views.
Top Steilacoom Water-View Areas
Historic Downtown
Charming homes
Walkable to beaches + restaurants
Puget Sound + ferry views
Sunset Drive
High-elevation Sound views
Quiet and picturesque
Many military families choose Steilacoom for commute + scenery:
➡️ The Best Neighborhoods Near JBLM for Military Families
4. University Place (Water Views + Chambers Bay Lifestyle)
University Place delivers a perfect mix of views, parks, and suburban comfort.
Top Water-View Neighborhoods in UP
Chambers Bay
World-class views
Golf course, trails, sunsets
Grandview Drive Corridor
Long stretches of Sound views
Strong resale value
Narrows View Areas
Sweeping views toward the Narrows Bridge
Great school options
UP is perfect for buyers wanting stunning views with suburban convenience.
5. Lakewood (Lake Views + Waterfront Living)
Lakewood offers lake views instead of Sound views — but they are equally gorgeous.
Top Lakewood Neighborhoods for Water Views
American Lake
Waterfront + water-view homes
Boating lifestyle
Quick JBLM access
Gravelly Lake
High-end waterfront
Luxury estates + secluded lots
Lake Steilacoom
Affordable lake views
Easy commute to Tacoma + JBLM
Great for buyers wanting water without Sound-price premiums.
6. Bonney Lake (Lake Tapps + Mt. Rainier + Water View Combos)
Bonney Lake gives buyers a unique combination:
Lake Tapps water
Mt. Rainier views
Newer construction
Best Water-View Zones
Lake Tapps Perimeter Neighborhoods
Lake-access communities
Multiple view corridors
Panorama Areas
Rainier + water combos
Great for buyers wanting both scenery and space
If you’re comparing affordability in these areas:
➡️ Best Neighborhoods in Pierce County for First-Time Buyers (2025 Guide)
7. Dupont (Select Bluff Views Toward the Sound)
While limited, Dupont does offer a few ridge-top locations with partial water views.
View-Friendly Areas
Hoffman Hill (select lots)
Village area (small pockets)
For military families choosing between Dupont, Lacey, or Lakewood:
➡️ Best Neighborhoods Near JBLM for Military Families
8. Fox Island (Premium Sound Views + Privacy)
Fox Island is one of the best places for wide-open Sound views and luxury living.
Top Water-View Zones
East-facing Sound views
South-facing views of Mt. Rainier
Peaceful and private lots
Perfect for buyers seeking quiet luxury.
9. Key Peninsula (Rural + Affordable + Hidden Water Views)
Key Peninsula offers some of the most affordable water-view opportunities.
Top Areas
Vaughn Bay
Lakebay cliffs
Minter Creek / Taylor Bay
Great for buyers wanting value + scenery together.
Final Thoughts
Pierce County offers one of the most diverse sets of water-view communities in Washington — from Sound views in Tacoma and Gig Harbor to lakeside living in Lakewood and mountain-water combinations in Bonney Lake.
No matter your budget or lifestyle, there’s a water-view option waiting for you.
If you're hoping to buy a water-view home in Pierce County — or want help understanding which neighborhoods best match your lifestyle — I’m here to guide you with clarity, strategy, and deep local insight.
Written by: Lani Fisher, Washington Realtor & Local Market Expert