Living in Pierce County, WA: Best Cities, Schools, Neighborhoods & Real-Life Lifestyle Insights (2025 Guide)
Pierce County is one of Washington’s fastest-growing, most diverse, and most desirable places to live — offering a little of everything: city life, quiet suburbs, rural acreage, waterfront communities, military-friendly neighborhoods, and some of the most scenic mountain views in the state.
Whether you’re moving here for JBLM, relocating for work, downsizing, or buying your first home, Pierce County has a community that fits nearly every lifestyle and budget.
Here’s your complete, deeply local guide from someone who lives here, raises a family here, and helps buyers navigate this area every day.
Where Pierce County Is Located
Pierce County sits just south of King County (Seattle) and includes cities like:
Tacoma
Puyallup
Bonney Lake
Gig Harbor
Spanaway / Graham
Lakewood
Edgewood / Milton
Orting
Sumner / Buckley
Eatonville
University Place
Plus dozens of smaller neighborhoods and micro-communities.
This area has everything from waterfront bluff homes to new construction suburbs to quiet mountain foothill towns.
For deeper city guides:
➡️ Living in Puyallup — Neighborhoods, Schools & Community Insights
➡️ Living in Spanaway (2025 Guide)
➡️ Living in Buckley (2025 Guide)
➡️ Living in Edgewood (2025 Guide)
➡️ Living in Milton (2025 Guide)
➡️ Living in Eatonville (2025 Guide)
➡️ Best Neighborhoods in Pierce County for First-Time Buyers (2025 Guide)
Why People Love Living in Pierce County
1. It Has the Best Mix of Lifestyle Options in the South Sound
You can choose from:
Waterfront living
Rural acreage
Suburban neighborhoods
New construction communities
Historic charm
Mountain foothill towns
Walkable urban areas
There’s truly something for everyone.
2. Strong Military Presence (JBLM)
Pierce County is home to thousands of military families.
It’s one of the most military-friendly regions in Washington, especially areas like:
DuPont
Lacey
Spanaway
Puyallup
South Hill
Graham
Tacoma (certain pockets)
For military-specific guidance:
➡️ Housing Near JBLM: Best Cities & Commutes for Military Families (2025 Guide)
➡️ Rent vs. Buy Near JBLM (PCS Guide)
➡️ VA Benefits in WA: What Military Families Should Know Before Buying Near JBLM
3. More Affordable Than King County
Compared to cities north of Pierce County, buyers get:
Bigger homes
Larger lots
More outdoor access
Lower purchase price
Lower cost of living
➡️ For affordability insights:
Most Affordable Areas in Pierce County — Ranked for 2025
4. Easy Access to Nature
Residents enjoy:
Puget Sound waterfront
Mount Rainier National Park
Chambers Bay
Tolmie State Park
Foothill trails (Orting → Buckley corridor)
Lakes, rivers, and hiking everywhere
5. Strong Job Access
Close to:
Seattle
Tacoma
JBLM
Olympia
Kent/Auburn
Port of Tacoma
Many residents work in King County but live in Pierce County for cost + lifestyle balance.
Best Places to Live in Pierce County (2025)
Here are the top areas — based on lifestyle, affordability, schools, and local demand.
1. Puyallup / South Hill (Most Popular for Families)
Known for schools, parks, and proximity to shopping.
➡️ Living in Puyallup (2025 Guide)
➡️ Living in South Hill (2025 Guide)
2. Tacoma (City Living + Culture + Water Views)
Neighborhoods like:
North End
Proctor
Old Town
Stadium District
Point Ruston
offer walkability, views, and charm.
➡️ Best Tacoma Neighborhoods for Water Views (2025 Guide)
➡️ Best Cities in Pierce County With a Water View
3. Gig Harbor (Waterfront + Upscale + Highly Desired)
Perfect for:
Retirees
Boaters
Views
Luxury buyers
➡️ Read the full guide: Is Gig Harbor the Right Fit? A 2025 Guide to Neighborhoods, Lifestyle & Real Estate
4. Spanaway / Graham (Affordability + Space)
Highly popular for first-time buyers and military households.
➡️ Living in Spanaway (2025 Guide)
5. Bonney Lake (Newer Construction + Shopping + Community)
Master-planned neighborhoods, big mountain views, and family convenience.
➡️ Living in Bonney Lake (2025 Guide)
6. Edgewood / Milton (Quiet + Strong Schools + Clean Streets)
Hilltop suburbs with great commuting options.
➡️ Living in Edgewood (2025 Guide)
➡️ Living in Milton (2025 Guide)
7. Sumner / Orting / Buckley (Small Town + Scenic + Safe)
Perfect for people who want:
Community feel
Views
Less traffic
Outdoor access
➡️ Living in Buckley (2025 Guide)
➡️ Living in Orting (2025 Guide)
➡️ Living in Sumner (2025 Guide)
8. Eatonville (Rural Living + Mountain Access)
Spacious, quiet, and perfect for outdoor lovers.
➡️ Living in Eatonville (2025 Guide)
9. University Place (Top Schools + Waterfront Lifestyle)
Home to Chambers Bay, strong schools, safe neighborhoods, and some of the South Sound’s most desired walkable communities.
Schools in Pierce County
Pierce County includes several major districts:
Puyallup School District
Tacoma School District
Bethel School District
Fife School District
Sumner-Bonney Lake School District
Peninsula School District (Gig Harbor)
Orting School District
White River School District
Eatonville School District
Families often choose an area based on school preferences + commute balance.
Lifestyle & Amenities
Pierce County offers:
Waterfront dining
Farmers markets
Walking trails
Parks and sports fields
Small-town festivals
Local breweries and cafés
Big-box shopping centers
Boutique historic districts
Popular lifestyle hubs include:
Point Ruston
Proctor District
Downtown Sumner
Bonney Lake shopping corridor
Sunrise Village (South Hill)
Outdoor Recreation
Residents love:
Mount Rainier access
Puget Sound beaches
Spanaway Lake
Chambers Bay loops
Orting Foothills Trail
Waterfalls + hiking trails everywhere
Real Estate in Pierce County (2025 Snapshot)
The county offers:
Waterfront homes
Ramblers
New construction
Townhomes & condos
Acreage properties
Updated suburban homes
Rural cabins
Historic Craftsman homes
Price ranges vary dramatically — from entry-level Spanaway/Graham homes to luxury Gig Harbor waterfront estates.
For first-time buyer education:
➡️ First-Time Homebuyer Guide for Washington
Commute Insights
Destination Avg. Time
Tacoma 5–25 minutes
JBLM 10–45 minutes
Seattle 35–75 minutes
Olympia 30–50 minutes
Kent/Auburn 20–35 minutes
Commutes depend heavily on I-5 and 167 flow.
Who Pierce County Is Best For
Pierce County is a great fit for:
First-time buyers
Military families
People wanting space
Waterfront lovers
Commuters to Tacoma or Seattle
Buyers wanting affordability
Retirees
Outdoor lifestyle buyers
Families wanting great schools
Final Thoughts
Pierce County is one of the best places to live in Washington — offering a powerful mix of value, scenery, lifestyle variety, community, and convenience. Whether you want city life, suburbs, or rural privacy, you’ll find your fit here.
If you're thinking about moving to Pierce County — or comparing specific cities like Puyallup, Bonney Lake, Tacoma, or Graham — I’d love to guide you with true hyperlocal insight grounded in real experience.
Written by: Lani Fisher, Washington Realtor & Pierce County Market Expert