Best Pierce County Neighborhoods With the Lowest HOA Fees (2025 Guide for Washington Buyers)
For many Washington buyers — especially first-time homeowners, military families, and downsizers — HOA fees can make or break affordability. And in Pierce County, the range is huge. Some neighborhoods have no HOA at all, while others charge fees for amenities you may not even want.
If you’re looking for extra flexibility, fewer rules, or simply want to keep your monthly payment lower, you’re not alone. In fact, one of the most common questions I hear is:
“Where can I buy a home in Pierce County without paying a high HOA fee?”
This guide breaks down the Pierce County neighborhoods that consistently offer low HOA fees or no HOA at all, without sacrificing peace, convenience, or lifestyle.
If you’re comparing affordability across the county, this blog is also helpful:
Most Affordable Areas in Pierce County — Ranked for 2025
Let’s explore the best low-HOA options in the county.
1. South Hill (Puyallup) — Spacious Neighborhoods With Minimal Restrictions
South Hill is extremely popular for buyers who want:
No or very low HOA fees
Established neighborhoods
Quick access to shopping
Large lots and quiet streets
Most of South Hill’s older neighborhoods — and many even built in the early 2000s — have no HOA at all.
Learn more about living here:
Living in South Hill, WA (2025 Guide)
Best for: buyers wanting space + flexibility + suburban living.
2. Graham — Ideal for Land, Privacy & No HOA Requirements
Graham is one of Pierce County’s best low-HOA areas because much of it is:
Semi-rural
On larger lots
Outside of major master-planned developments
Most neighborhoods here allow:
RV parking
Shops and outbuildings
Animals (depending on zoning)
Explore more about Graham and nearby Spanaway here:
Living in Spanaway & Graham, WA (2025 Guide)
Best for: buyers wanting privacy + acreage + minimal rules.
3. Spanaway — Affordable Homes With Few HOA Restrictions
Spanaway offers some of the strongest affordability in Pierce County, and most of the area has no HOA at all. Even newer neighborhoods often keep HOA fees low.
This is especially appealing for:
First-time buyers
Military families
Buyers who want flexibility for parking, pets, or exterior changes
Learn more:
Living in Spanaway & Graham (2025 Guide)
Best for: affordability + easy JBLM commute + fewer restrictions.
4. Bonney Lake (Older Neighborhoods & Foothill Areas)
While some master-planned communities in Bonney Lake have HOAs (Tehaleh, etc.), the older foothill neighborhoods typically do not. These areas offer:
Peaceful, scenic views
Larger yards
More privacy
No strict rules
Explore the broader area here:
Living in Bonney Lake, WA (2025 Guide)
Best for: buyers wanting mountain views + suburban convenience + low HOA.
5. Orting — Small-Town Charm With Very Few HOAs
Orting’s scenic neighborhoods — especially in-town pockets and older hillside areas — typically have little to no HOA presence. The benefits include:
Quiet living
Room for outdoor hobbies
Larger lots
Beautiful views without the HOA price tag
Explore Orting here:
Living in Orting, WA (2025 Guide)
Best for: peaceful living + views + affordability.
6. Eatonville — Rural, Scenic & Rarely Any HOAs
Eatonville is one of the most flexible areas of Pierce County because:
HOA communities are extremely rare
Most homes sit on acreage
The rural zoning supports outbuildings, gardens, hobbies, and more
This town is perfect for buyers who want scenery and space without being told how to use it.
Learn more:
Living in Eatonville, WA (2025 Guide)
Best for: privacy + nature + total freedom.
7. Lakewood (Select Neighborhoods Without HOAs)
Lakewood has many quiet, established neighborhoods with:
Mature trees
One-level homes
Minimal restrictions
No HOA obligations
Popular non-HOA pockets include areas around:
Gravelly Lake
American Lake
Lake Steilacoom
Explore Lakewood lifestyle here:
Living in Lakewood, WA (2025 Guide)
Best for: buyers wanting convenience + lake access + no HOA rules.
8. Northeast Tacoma / Browns Point — Scenic Living Without High HOA Fees
While more suburban and scenic, the Browns Point/Northeast Tacoma area often surprises buyers because many neighborhoods:
Do NOT have HOAs
Have stable, well-kept homes
Offer excellent views and walkable streets
This pocket gives you the “North Tacoma feel” without the historic-district pricing.
Learn more about Tacoma’s layout:
Living in Tacoma, WA (2025 Guide)
Best for: suburban living + views + little to no HOA.
Which Low-HOA Neighborhood Is Right for You?
Here’s a quick breakdown based on what you value most:
Most Space + No HOA:
Graham • Eatonville • Spanaway outskirts • Orting rural pockets
Best Suburban No-HOA Options:
South Hill • Lakewood pockets • Browns Point / Northeast Tacoma
Affordable No-HOA Choices Close to JBLM:
Spanaway • Graham • Roy/McKenna (rare HOA presence)
Scenic Living Without HOA Fees:
Orting • Bonney Lake foothills • Browns Point
If you’re still exploring Pierce County living overall, this guide can help:
Where to Live When You're Moving to Washington for Work
Final Thoughts: Pierce County Is Full of Flexible, Low-Restriction Communities
Whether you're downsizing, buying your first home, or simply don’t want another monthly payment, Pierce County has an incredible range of neighborhoods with low or no HOA fees — and still offers the Washington charm, space, and lifestyle buyers love.
If you’re searching for a home with freedom, flexibility, and fewer monthly costs, I’d love to help you find the right Pierce County pocket that fits your lifestyle and your budget.
Whenever you’re ready, we can explore your best low-HOA options together.
Written by: Lani Fisher — Washington Realtor Helping Everyday Buyers & Sellers With Confidence