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Living in Puyallup Washington - EVERYTHING You Need to Know

View of Mount Rainier and Puyallup Washington

What is Living in Puyallup Washington Like?

Puyallup, Washington, is a small city in Pierce County, with a population of around 43,000. Situated about 10 miles east of Tacoma and 35 miles south of Seattle, the city is known for its annual Washington State Fair, which draws thousands of visitors yearly, and its charming downtown area. Puyallup has several parks for residents and visitors to enjoy. One of the most popular is Bradley Lake Park, which features a playground, walking trails, and a lake for fishing and boating. Pioneer Park is another popular destination, with its historic buildings, picnic areas, and a large playground.

One of the top attractions in Puyallup is the Washington State Fairgrounds. The fairgrounds host numerous events throughout the year, including concerts, rodeos, and the Washington State Fair. This event, which takes place each September, features carnival rides, food vendors, live music, and more. Another popular attraction is the Meeker Mansion, a historic Victorian home that has been converted into a museum. Visitors can take a guided tour of the mansion and learn about the history of Puyallup and the Meeker family.

The city is home to several major employers, including Boeing, which has a facility in nearby Renton, and the MultiCare Health System, which operates several hospitals and clinics in the area. Other major employers include the Puyallup School District, the City of Puyallup, and the Washington State Fair.

The cost of living in Puyallup is slightly higher than the national average but lower than many other cities in the Seattle-Tacoma area. Housing costs are the most significant contributor to the higher cost of living, but groceries, transportation, and healthcare are also slightly more expensive than the national average.

Suppose you're looking for a small-town feel with good access to larger cities, a charming downtown, excellent schools, and abundant recreational opportunities. In that case, Puyallup, Washington, might be the right spot for you! Keep reading to uncover more about living in Puyallup, Washington, including info on neighborhoods, schools, cost of living, and pros and cons of living in Puyallup so that you can decide if moving to and living in Puyallup, Washington, is the right choice for you.

The Moving to Puyallup Washington Team

Let our team of trusted professionals help you buy or/and sell a home in Puyallup, Washington. To connect with a local expert/real estate professional in Puyallup, Washington, CLICK HERETo start receiving emails with homes that match your criteria anywhere in Washington, CLICK HERE and sign up for Listing Alert. With a little info on what, where, and how much, you'll get newly listed homes matching your criteria sent to your inbox as they hit the market. This can give you a big leg up in your home search.

The first step in the home-buying process is getting pre-approved for a mortgage. Todd Davidson is an experienced mortgage broker and can help you get the best financing option for your home purchase. Not quite ready yet? Todd can help you put together a plan to get you there. Whether you're thinking a few months or a year or more if you want to buy a home, reach out to Todd and he can help. CLICK HERE to email Todd and set up a call to get the process started or just call him at 971-275-2465. 

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Todd Davidson

Mortgage Broker

What is the Cost of Living in Puyallup Washington?

If you're exploring a move to Puyallup, Washington, or any place, the cost of living would be a significant factor in your decision-making. I calculated the REAL cost of living in Puyallup, Washington, by factoring in today's costs for housing (rent and own), utilities, food, transportation, healthcare, and other necessities to live. To live in Puyallup, Washington, and rent, you would need to make $48,000 a year. To live in Puyallup, Washington, and buy a home, you would need to make $72,000 a year. Rental amount is based on current low end cost of studio or one bedroom, purchase is based on recent low end sales of a three bedroom and monthly payment with 20% down.

Cost of Living

Living in Puyallup Washington Tips/Info/Blog Posts

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Top Neighborhoods in Puyallup Washington

If you're moving to Puyallup, Washington, the neighborhood you pick will be a big part of your life. Puyallup, Washington, has some fantastic neighborhoods, each with its own unique charms. Here are some of the top neighborhoods in Puyallup, along with some information about each one:

  1. South Hill: Located on a hill overlooking Puyallup Valley, the South Hill neighborhood offers a mix of homes, apartments, and townhouses. The community is known for its parks, including Bradley Lake Park and Wildwood Park.

  2. Shaw Road: This neighborhood is located on the eastern edge of Puyallup and features a mix of residential and commercial areas. The neighborhood is home to several parks, including Clarks Creek Park and the Shaw Road Elementary School playground.

  3. Sunrise: This neighborhood is located on the southeast side of Puyallup and features a mix of homes and apartments. The neighborhood is known for its parks, including Sunrise Park and Southwood Park.

  4. Northbridge: Located on the north side of Puyallup, Northbridge is a residential neighborhood that offers a mix of homes and apartments. The community has several parks, including Wildwood Park and Grayland Park.

  5. Silver Creek: This neighborhood is located on the west side of Puyallup and features a mix of single-family homes homes, townhouses, and apartments. The neighborhood is known for its parks, including Silver Creek Park and Grayland Park.

  6. Lipoma Firs: Located on the southeast side of Puyallup, Lipoma Firs is a residential neighborhood that offers a mix of homes and apartments. The neighborhood is known for its parks, including Lipoma Firs Park and Clarks Creek Park.

Puyallup Washington Neighborhood

If moving to Puyallup, Washington, and you'd like to buy a home in one of these fabulous neighborhoods, CLICK HERE to sign up for LISTING ALERT to be the first to know when a home matching your criteria gets listed for sale in Puyallup, Washington.

20 Pros and Cons of Living in Puyallup Washington

Living in Puyallup Washington Pros

  1. Affordable housing: Puyallup has a relatively low cost of living compared to other cities in the Seattle metropolitan area, making it an affordable place to live.

  2. Good schools: Puyallup has a highly rated school district, with several schools that have received recognition for their academic performance.

  3. Access to outdoor activities: Puyallup is surrounded by natural beauty, including Mount Rainier National Park and several nearby lakes, providing plenty of opportunities for hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities.

  4. Proximity to Seattle: Puyallup is located within easy driving distance of Seattle, offering residents access to all the city has to offer, including its many cultural and entertainment options.

  5. Vibrant downtown: Puyallup's historic downtown area is home to various shops, restaurants, and other small businesses, making it a vibrant and lively place to visit and live.

  6. Family-friendly: Puyallup is a family-friendly community with a variety of activities and events designed for children and families, including a popular fair every September.

  7. Access to healthcare: Puyallup is home to several high-quality hospitals and medical centers, providing residents with top-notch healthcare.

  8. Strong community: Puyallup is known for its strong sense of community and civic engagement, with many opportunities for residents to get involved and make a difference.

  9. Transportation options: Puyallup has good transportation options, including access to major highways and several nearby airports, making it easy to travel to other parts of the state and beyond.

  10. Mild climate: Puyallup has a mild climate with mild winters and warm summers, making it a comfortable place to live year-round.

Living in Puyallup Washington Cons

  1. Traffic congestion: Puyallup can experience heavy traffic during rush hour, especially on the major highways leading in and out of the city.

  2. Limited public transportation: While Puyallup has some public transportation options, the service can be limited, especially outside peak hours.

  3. Weather: While Puyallup has a mild climate, it can be rainy and cloudy for much of the year, which may not appeal to everyone.

  4. Lack of diversity: Puyallup is not an exceptionally diverse city, with a relatively small population of people of color.

  5. Limited job opportunities: Puyallup's economy is primarily focused on retail, healthcare, and education, which may limit job opportunities for some residents.

  6. High property taxes: Property taxes in Puyallup can be high, which can be a concern for homeowners.

  7. Homelessness: Like many cities in the Pacific Northwest, Puyallup has a significant homelessness problem, which can be a source of concern for residents.

  8. Limited shopping options: Puyallup has limited options for shopping, particularly for those who are looking for more upscale or boutique options.

  9. Limited cultural offerings: While Puyallup has some cultural attractions, the offering is less robust than a larger city.

  10. Growing population: Puyallup's population has been growing rapidly in recent years, leading to increased traffic, higher housing costs, and other issues associated with urban growth.

FAQs About Living in Puyallup Washington

What is Puyallup known for? 

Puyallup, Washington, is best known for being home to the Puyallup Fair, also known as the Washington State Fair. The largest fair in Washington State and one of the largest fairs in the country, the Puyallup Fair features carnival rides, concerts, livestock shows, and many other attractions.

 

What cities are nearby Puyallup?

Puyallup, Washington, is in proximity to several other cities in the area. Some of the closest cities to Puyallup include Tacoma, which is about 10 miles to the north, and the city of Sumner, located about 5 miles to the east. Other nearby cities include Auburn, Kent, and Renton, which are all located within a 30-minute drive. Seattle, the state's largest city, is only 36 miles to the north.

What is the weather like in Puyallup?

Living in Puyallup, Washington, you can expect mild weather throughout the year. In the winter months, the average high temperatures range from 45°F to 50°F, and the average low temperatures range from 32°F to 36°F. The city occasionally experiences light snowfall during the winter, with an average of 4 inches of snowfall annually. Summers in Puyallup are typically warm, with average high temperatures ranging from 75°F to 80°F and occasional hot spells in the 90s. The city receives around 40 inches of rain each year, with the majority of it falling between October and April.

 

Does Puyallup Washington have good public schools?

Students in Puyallup, Washington, attend public school in the Puyallup School District, which serves the city of Puyallup and parts of neighboring communities such as South Hill, Edgewood, Fife, and Sumner. For the 2022-23 school year, Niche.com ranks the Puyallup School District #51 out of the 262 school districts it ranked in Washington, giving it an overall B+ grade. The district has strong academic programs, high graduation rates, and a commitment to providing students with a well-rounded education, including arts and athletics. Families living in Puyallup, Washington, can feel confident that their children will receive a quality education in the public school system.

Is Puyallup Washington safe?

Living in Puyallup, Washington, you'll find it a pretty safe place. Property crime rates in Puyallup are lower than the national average, and violent crime rates are significantly lower than the national average. NeighborhoodScout.com states Puyallup has a crime rate lower than 65% of all US cities. Puyallup, Washington, residents should feel relatively safe in their daily lives.

What is there to do living in Puyallup, Washington?

Living in Puyallup, Washington, you'll never run out of things to do. The city offers many outdoor recreational opportunities, including the beautiful Pioneer Park, perfect for hiking and picnicking and Bradley Lake Park, which offers playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas. The city hosts several annual events, including the Washington State Fair, which attracts over a million visitors yearly, and the Meeker Days Arts and Music Festival. Suppose you're in the mood for a day trip. In that case, Puyallup is conveniently located near various attractions, like Mount Rainier National Park, the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, and the Museum of Glass in Tacoma. Also, you're only 45 minutes away from Seattle, and all the amenities Washington's largest city offers.

Who are large employers in Puyallup, Washington?

If you're living in Puyallup, Washington, some of the top employers include the Puyallup School District, which employs over 3,000; MultiCare Health System, which employs over 2,600; and the Walmart Supercenter, which employs over 1,000. Other notable employers in Puyallup include the Pierce County government, the City of Puyallup, and the South Hill Mall.

I want to relocate to Puyallup.  How do I make it happen?

You've come to the right spot if you're looking to move to Puyallup.  There’s a lot of information on this website to help including some helpful links below. If you want to ask questions, try our Facebook Group > Moving to Washington  where we have broad group of locals to answer any question you might have. If you’re looking to buy a home in the Puyallup area, getting pre-approved for a mortgage should be your first step. For Mortgage Info, reach out to me. I would love to tell you more about what living in Puyallup is like as well as help with your mortgage if you decide to purchase a home.

Video's About Moving and Living in Puyallup Washington

Elizabeth Davidson - Realtor - About Me Video

Elizabeth Davidson - Realtor - About Me

Elizabeth Davidson - Selling Your House

Elizabeth Davidson - Realtor -  Listing your home

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