Best Pierce County Neighborhoods for Scenic Views (Non-Water View) — 2025 Guide

When people imagine living in Washington, they picture evergreen trees, rolling hills, mountain silhouettes, and peaceful territorial views. And while many buyers love water views, others want a quieter, more natural backdrop — something that feels green, grounded, and deeply Pacific Northwest.

The great news? Pierce County has some of the most scenic, non-water-view neighborhoods in the entire region.

Whether you dream of:

  • Mt. Rainier views

  • Forested backdrops

  • Valley and foothill landscapes

  • Quiet greenbelts

  • Sunrise or sunset vistas

…this guide walks you through the neighborhoods that consistently offer incredible scenery without waterfront pricing.

If you want to explore the Tacoma area more broadly, this is a great reference:
Living in Tacoma, WA: Neighborhoods, Schools, Lifestyle & Real Estate (2025 Guide)
Let’s dive in.

 

1. Bonney Lake (Foothill & Tehaleh Areas) — Stunning Mt. Rainier & Forest Views

Bonney Lake is one of the most scenic areas in all of Pierce County. The elevated terrain gives you:

  • Mt. Rainier views

  • Valley overlooks

  • Foothill backdrops

  • Greenbelt-protected homes

  • Sunrises that stop you in your tracks

Tehaleh, in particular, offers tree-lined neighborhoods, miles of trails, and peaceful outlooks over the forest canopy.

Explore Bonney Lake here:
Living in Bonney Lake, WA (2025 Guide)
 

2. Orting — Foothill Views & A Peaceful Valley Setting

Orting is known for some of the most breathtaking Mt. Rainier views in the county. You’ll find:

  • Quiet valley floor neighborhoods

  • Elevated hillsides with panoramic views

  • Peaceful, small-town charm

  • Trails and natural landscapes

  • Scenic farmland

It’s ideal for buyers wanting nature, affordability, and views all in one place.

Learn more:
Living in Orting, WA (2025 Guide)
 

3. Buckley — Mountain Views + Rural Charm

Buckley offers:

  • Some of the clearest Mt. Rainier sightlines

  • Quiet farmland and open space

  • Vista-filled drives

  • Homes with natural privacy

People who choose Buckley often want a slower lifestyle with unbeatable views.

Explore it here:
Living in Buckley, WA (2025 Guide)
 

4. South Hill (Certain Elevated Pockets) — Suburban Living With Territory Views

South Hill may be suburban, but it offers pockets with:

  • Greenbelt outlooks

  • Terraced neighborhoods

  • Quiet cul-de-sacs

  • Forested perimeters

Many South Hill homes back up to trees rather than neighbors, giving families the feeling of peaceful, natural privacy.

Learn more:
Living in South Hill, WA (2025 Guide)
 

5. Graham — Forested Lots & Natural Backdrops

Graham offers a mix of larger lots and semi-rural neighborhoods with:

  • Evergreen views

  • Forested surroundings

  • Territorial vistas

  • Quiet, natural environments

It’s a favorite for buyers who want a peaceful, wooded atmosphere.

Explore the area:
Living in Spanaway & Graham, WA (2025 Guide)
 

6. Eatonville — Ridge Views, Rolling Hills & Open Skies

Eatonville is known for:

  • Dramatic mountain views

  • Open, scenic landscapes

  • Rolling hills

  • Hobby farm properties

  • A true small-town feel

If you want a home where every drive feels like a postcard, this is it.

Explore more:
Living in Eatonville, WA (2025 Guide)
 

7. Edgewood — Quiet Hillside Neighborhoods With Beautiful Outlooks

Edgewood sits on a ridge, giving certain neighborhoods:

  • Sweeping territorial views

  • Quiet residential pockets

  • Mature landscaping

  • Peaceful streets

It’s a great choice for buyers wanting space and scenery while staying close to both Tacoma and Puyallup.

 

8. Northeast Tacoma / Browns Point — Elevated Territorial & Valley Views

While this area is known for some water views, many homes also offer dramatic NON-water outlooks such as:

  • Port of Tacoma valley views

  • Downtown Tacoma skyline views

  • Tree-lined territorial backdrops

  • Sunrise vistas

It’s a suburban, peaceful community with well-kept streets and strong curb appeal.

Explore Tacoma more broadly:
Living in Tacoma, WA (2025 Guide)

 

9. Frederickson — Quiet Greenbelts & Nature-Facing Lots

Frederickson is full of neighborhoods with:

  • Large greenbelt buffers

  • Nature-facing yards

  • Forest backdrops

  • Quiet cul-de-sac living

It’s one of the most underrated scenic pockets in the county, especially for buyers needing JBLM access.

 

10. Comparing the Best Scenic View Areas in Pierce County

Here’s a quick breakdown based on the scenery you prefer:

For Mt. Rainier Views:

Bonney Lake • Orting • Buckley • Eatonville

For Forested Views & Privacy:

Graham • South Hill pockets • Frederickson

For Territorial & Valley Views:

Edgewood • Northeast Tacoma • Bonney Lake foothills

For Scenic Suburban Lifestyles:

South Hill • Northeast Tacoma • Edgewood

If you're deciding between multiple Pierce County cities, this guide helps:
Where to Live When You're Moving to Washington for Work
 

Final Thoughts: Pierce County Has No Shortage of Scenic Views

Whether you want mountain vistas, forest tranquility, or rolling valley outlooks, Pierce County offers an incredible range of scenic neighborhoods — far more than most Washington counties.

Once we know what you want your home to feel like, we can narrow down the neighborhoods that match both your view preferences and your lifestyle.

 

If you're dreaming of a home with a beautiful Washington backdrop, I’d love to help you explore these neighborhoods and find the one that feels like home the moment you arrive.

Whenever you're ready, we can look at options together and build a plan that truly fits your vision.

 Written by: Lani Fisher — Washington Realtor Helping Everyday Buyers & Sellers With Confidence

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