Which Tacoma Suburbs Have the Easiest Commute to Seattle? (2025 Guide)
More and more people are choosing to live in Pierce County while working in Seattle — and it makes sense. The lifestyle, the affordability, the space you get for your money, the access to water and views… it’s everything Seattle buyers are craving but can’t always find in King County.
And as a Washington agent who helps families relocate between these two cities all the time, one question comes up constantly:
“Which Tacoma suburbs actually have the easiest commute to Seattle?”
This guide breaks down real drive times, Sounder Train access, traffic patterns, and which neighborhoods offer the smoothest experience for Seattle commuters who want Pierce County living.
Let’s dive in.
1. Why People Live in Tacoma Suburbs While Working in Seattle
Buyers who choose Pierce County typically want:
More space for their budget
A quieter lifestyle
Established neighborhoods
Walkable pockets with character
Access to waterfront, parks, and trails
A strong community feel
A commute that’s manageable — and ideally predictable
Where to Live When You’re Moving to Washington for Work
Now let’s talk specifically about commute-friendly suburbs.
2. The 5 Best Tacoma Suburbs for Commuting to Seattle
After working with hundreds of South Sound buyers, these are consistently the top-performing suburbs for Seattle commuters:
3. University Place: The Most Balanced Suburban Commute
Why It Works:
University Place offers quick access to I-5 via multiple routes and a straight shot to the Sounder Station in Tacoma. While it’s not the closest suburb to Seattle, it provides one of the most predictable commutes.
Drive Time to Seattle:
Light traffic: 40–50 minutes
Peak traffic: 60–80 minutes
Sounder Train Access:
15–20 minutes to Tacoma Dome Station
Why Commuters Love It:
Great schools
Walkable pockets
Water-view neighborhoods
Stable home values
Is University Place Worth the Price? (2025 Guide)
4. North Tacoma: The Best Access to Sounder + Fastest Routes
Why It Works:
North Tacoma offers the fastest access to I-705 and the Sounder Station, which cuts commute time significantly.
Drive Time to Seattle:
Light traffic: 35–45 minutes
Peak traffic: 55–75 minutes
Sounder Train Access:
5–10 minutes to Tacoma Dome Station (best in the county)
Why Commuters Love It:
Proctor District’s walkability
Stadium District’s charm
Old Town’s water views
Quick freeway access
For a deep look at these neighborhoods:
Living in Tacoma, WA: Neighborhoods, Schools, Lifestyle & Real Estate (2025 Guide)
5. Fircrest: Quiet, Central, and Surprisingly Quick
Why It Works:
Fircrest sits right between University Place and Tacoma, offering quick access to both the freeway and the Sounder.
Drive Time to Seattle:
Light traffic: 40–50 minutes
Peak traffic: 60–80 minutes
Sounder Train Access:
10–15 minutes to Tacoma Dome Station
Why Commuters Love It:
Small-town feel
Quiet neighborhoods
Tree-lined streets
Very central location
Living in Fircrest, WA: Neighborhoods, Schools, Lifestyle & Real Estate (2025 Guide)
6. Lakewood: A Strong Value With Multiple Route Options
Why It Works:
Lakewood gives commuters access to I-5, Hwy 512, and back routes — plus it’s close to JBLM, making it a good choice for dual-location families (one spouse Seattle, one spouse JBLM).
Drive Time to Seattle:
Light traffic: 40–50 minutes
Peak traffic: 60–85 minutes
Sounder Train Access:
15–18 minutes to Tacoma Dome Station
Why Commuters Love It:
Lakes and parks
Great affordability
Tons of shopping options
Access to multiple freeways
Living in Lakewood, WA: Lakes, Neighborhoods, Commutes & Lifestyle (2025 Guide)
7. Puyallup (South Hill): Best for Hybrid Schedules
Why It Works:
Puyallup is farther from Seattle, but the Sounder Train access and strong affordability make it a top choice for hybrid commuters.
Drive Time to Seattle:
Light traffic: 45–55 minutes
Peak traffic: 70–90 minutes
Sounder Train Access:
Quick access to Puyallup Station — one of the best assets for downtown Seattle commuters.
Why Commuters Love It:
Affordable housing
Established neighborhoods
Lots of shopping and schools
Ideal for families
Living in Puyallup, WA: Neighborhoods, Schools, Commutes & Real-Life Community Insights
8. Comparing Commute Options: Driving vs. Sounder Train
🚗 Driving:
Best for flexible schedules, non-downtown Seattle jobs, and people who don’t mind traffic.
🚆 Sounder Train:
Best for predictable schedules, downtown workers, and anyone wanting a stress-free commute.
Key advantage:
The Sounder bypasses I-5 entirely — saving time and reducing burnout.
9. What Traffic Is Really Like (Seasonal Patterns)
🌧 Winter:
Longest commute times
More collisions
Dark mornings → slower merges
🌸 Spring:
More predictable
Better driving conditions
☀ Summer:
Fastest commute season
Longest daylight
Less rain
🍂 Fall:
Traffic increases again
School schedules slow the morning commute
How Weather Affects Home Buying & Selling in Washington (2025 Guide)
10. Which Tacoma Suburb Is Best for YOU?
It depends on your lifestyle, your job’s location in Seattle, and how you prefer to commute.
Choose University Place if:
You want walkability + schools + balance.
Choose North Tacoma if:
You want the fastest Sounder access and charming neighborhoods.
Choose Fircrest if:
You want quiet, central living.
Choose Lakewood if:
You want affordability and flexibility.
Choose Puyallup if:
You plan to use the Sounder train regularly.
11. Final Thoughts: Can You Live in Tacoma Suburbs and Work in Seattle?
Absolutely — thousands of people do.
The key is choosing the right suburb based on your commute style, neighborhood preferences, and budget. Once you understand the true commute times and the Sounder advantages, the South Sound becomes an incredibly compelling alternative to King County prices.
If you're planning a move to Pierce County and want help finding the suburb that best matches your commute, your lifestyle, and your budget, I’d love to walk you through your options and help you build a plan that truly fits your goals.
Written by: Lani Fisher — Washington Realtor Helping Everyday Buyers & Sellers With Confidence