Why So Many People Are Moving to Pierce County (2025 Relocation Guide)

If you’ve lived in Washington for a while, you’ve probably noticed it — Pierce County is growing. Fast.

Families from King County, military families PCSing to JBLM, and out-of-state buyers from California, Texas, Arizona, and the East Coast are choosing Pierce County for a very specific set of reasons.

After helping hundreds of clients move here, I’ve seen the patterns firsthand. People aren’t just moving to Pierce County because it’s cheaper — they’re moving because life simply feels more balanced here.

Let’s break down the biggest reasons Pierce County continues to be one of Washington’s most popular places to live.

1. It’s More Affordable Than King County — Without Sacrificing Lifestyle

Affordability is the #1 driver of relocation into Pierce County.

Home prices are significantly lower than Seattle and Bellevue, while still offering:

• Strong job access

• Walkable neighborhoods

• Highly rated schools in certain districts

• Newer construction options

• Larger lots

This affordability gives buyers more options — and room to breathe.

A great companion blog:

Most Affordable Areas in Pierce County — Ranked for 2025
And:

How Far Your Budget Goes in Pierce County (Price Brackets 2025 Guide)
 

2. Commute Flexibility — Especially for JBLM Families

JBLM is one of the largest military bases in the country, and many active-duty families want:

• Short commutes

• Family-friendly neighborhoods

• Strong community support

• Walkable or master-planned areas

Pierce County offers all of that.

Essential resources for PCS and military relocation:

The Best Neighborhoods Near JBLM for Military Families (2025 Guide)
PCS to Washington: The Complete Timeline Every Military Family Needs (JBLM Edition)
 

3. A Diverse Mix of Neighborhoods — Something for Everyone

Pierce County has more variety than most counties in Washington. Buyers can choose between:

Urban neighborhoods:

• Tacoma’s North End

• Hilltop

• Stadium District

Suburban communities:

• Puyallup

• South Hill

• Frederickson

Master-planned walkable areas:

• DuPont (border of Pierce/Thurston)

• Tehaleh (Bonney Lake)

Rural + acreage:

• Graham

• Orting

• Eatonville

Your neighborhood guides highlight this diversity beautifully:

Living in Pierce County, WA: Best Cities, Schools, Neighborhoods & Lifestyle (2025 Guide)
 

4. Strong Sense of Community

Pierce County has a down-to-earth feel that people appreciate. Neighbors talk to each other. Schools are community-centered. Local businesses are huge here.

Whether you're walking through Proctor, exploring farmers markets, or grabbing coffee in DuPont, people connect in a way that feels grounded.

5. Outdoor Recreation Everywhere

From mountains to lakes to waterfront trails, Pierce County is packed with outdoor opportunities.

Residents Love:

• Point Defiance Park

• Ruston Way waterfront

• Mount Rainier views

• Lake Tapps boating

• Bradley Lake Park

• Miles of hiking and biking trails

Supporting blogs:

Ruston Way Waterfront Living: The Complete 2025 Guide
Best Tacoma Neighborhoods for Water Views (2025 Guide)
 

6. Walkable & Lifestyle-Focused Communities

Buyers today want more than a house — they want a lifestyle. And Pierce County offers walkability in several areas:

• North Tacoma / Proctor

• Steilacoom waterfront

• Downtown Puyallup

• DuPont master-planned communities

• Fircrest

Supporting walkability content:

Best Walkable Areas in Pierce County (2025 Guide)
 

7. Schools With Strong Momentum

While every buyer’s priorities differ, many families move here for:

• Highly rated districts (e.g., Puyallup, Peninsula, University Place)

• Community-driven schools

• Access to sports, arts, and AP programs

Your UP and Gig Harbor blogs help families compare options:

Is University Place Worth the Price? (2025 Guide)
Living in Gig Harbor, WA: Neighborhoods, Schools, Waterfront Lifestyle & Real Estate (2025 Guide)
 

8. Housing Variety — From Historic Charms to New Construction

Whether you want:

• A 1900s craftsman

• A condo with low maintenance

• A suburban two-story

• New construction in Tehaleh or Graham

• A lakefront home

• A hillside home with views

Pierce County has options.

Your new construction–focused neighborhoods support this:

Living in Spanaway & Graham, WA: Affordability, New Construction & Lifestyle (2025 Guide)
 

9. A Balanced Lifestyle — Less Rush Than King County

People consistently tell me they move to Pierce County because life feels:

• More relaxed

• More affordable

• Less crowded

• More community-driven

• More connected to nature

You can still drive into Seattle for work or recreation — without paying Seattle home prices or living in the city’s daily intensity.

10. Out-of-State Buyers Find the PNW Dream Here

Many out-of-state buyers choose Pierce County for:

• Evergreen forests

• Water views

• Mountain scenery

• Walkable pockets

• True four-season living

• A calmer pace

Supporting lifestyle-focused content:

Best Cities in Pierce County With a Water View (2025 Guide)
 

11. Why Relocators Ultimately Choose Pierce County

After dozens of consultations, tours, and unpacked conversations, the reasons repeat themselves:

✔ More home for the money

✔ Shorter JBLM commutes

✔ Access to both nature & city life

✔ Family-friendly communities

✔ Strong school options

✔ A down-to-earth culture

✔ Views, scenery, and Washington’s best outdoor experiences

Pierce County truly offers a lifestyle many people don’t realize is possible until they see it.

12. Final Thoughts

Whether you're relocating for work, PCS orders, lifestyle changes, or simply wanting a fresh start, Pierce County gives you the opportunity to find a home — and a community — that fits.

If you're planning a move and want help narrowing down neighborhoods, comparing commutes, or understanding price brackets, I’d love to help you map out a plan that makes your move feel simple and intentional.

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