Living in South Hill Washington - EVERYTHING You Need to Know
What is Living in South Hill Washington Like?
South Hill, Washington, located in Pierce County, is home to approximately 52,000 people. The city offers its residents a mix of suburban and rural living, making it an attractive location for those who want to be close to nature while still having access to urban amenities. Located south of Seattle, South Hill offers good access to outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and skiing. The city is near State Route 512, which provides easy access to other towns and attractions. South Hill embodies the Pacific Northwest lifestyle with its lush greenery, mountain views, and proximity to Puget Sound. South Hill residents and visitors enjoy recreational activities such as kayaking, hiking, and exploring the nearby Wild Waves Theme Park. The Best of South Hill includes family-friendly parks, scenic hiking trails, and residential neighborhoods with stunning views of Mount Rainier.
One of the main attractions in South Hill is Bradley Lake Park, which boasts hiking trails, fishing, and a playground for children. South Hill has several other parks, including Wildwood Park and Meridian Habitat Park. These parks offer amenities such as sports fields, picnic areas, and walking paths, providing plenty of opportunities for residents to enjoy the outdoors.
There are several large employers in and around South Hill, Washington, including MultiCare Health System, which operates a hospital and several clinics in the area, and the Puyallup School District, which employs thousands of teachers and staff members. In addition, several retail and hospitality businesses are in the area, such as Target and the South Hill Mall, which employ many in the local area.
The cost of living in South Hill, Washington, is lower than the national average, making it an affordable option for those looking to live in the Pacific Northwest. Today, the average home value in South Hill stands around $450,000, making homeownership accessible for many individuals and families living in South Hill, Washington. If you are looking to rent, you'll find the average cost for a one-bedroom apartment in South Hill is around $1400 a month. There are various housing options available for South Hill residents, including single-family homes, townhomes, and apartments.
If you're searching for a suburban community with a family-friendly atmosphere, great schools, and easy access to big-city amenities, South Hill, Washington, might be the perfect place for you! Read on to discover more about living in South Hill, Washington, including information about its neighborhoods, schools, cost of living, and some pros and cons of living in this charming city. This knowledge should assist you in determining whether South Hill, Washington, is the right spot for you.
The Moving to South Hill Washington Team
Let our team of trusted professionals help you buy or/and sell a home in South Hill, Washington. To connect with a local expert/real estate professional in South Hill, Washington, CLICK HERE. To 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.
Todd Davidson
Mortgage Broker
What is the Cost of Living in South Hill Washington?
If you're exploring a move to South Hill 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 South Hill, Washington, by factoring in today's costs for housing (rent and own), utilities, food, transportation, healthcare, and other necessities to live. To live in South Hill, Washington, and rent, you would need to make $48,000 a year. To live in South Hill, Washington, and buy a home, you would need to make $70,000 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.
Living in South Hill Washington Tips/Info/Blog Posts
23 FAQs A REALTOR GETS ASKED > CLICK HERE
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FREE HOME OWNERSHIP GUIDE > CLICK HERE
Top Neighborhoods in South Hill Washington
Here are six wonderful neighborhoods in South Hill, Washington. Each has its own unique character, amenities, and attractions, contributing to the overall diversity and charm of the city:
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Sunrise: Located in the eastern part of South Hill, Sunrise is a family-friendly neighborhood with a mix of single-family homes and townhouses. The neighborhood is home to Sunrise Village, a shopping center with a variety of stores and restaurants. There are also several parks in the area, including Bradley Lake Park and Wildwood Park, which offer playgrounds, walking trails, and picnic areas.
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Manorwood: Manorwood is a quiet neighborhood located in the southern part of South Hill. The area is known for its large, upscale homes and well-manicured lawns. The neighborhood is home to Manorwood Elementary School and is close to several parks, including Heritage Recreation Center and South Hill Community Park.
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Lipoma Firs: Lipoma Firs is a newer neighborhood located in the northern part of South Hill. The area is known for its modern, energy-efficient homes and proximity to Lipoma Firs Golf Course. The neighborhood is also close to several parks, including Meridian Habitat Park and South Hill Park.
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Puyallup Valley: Located in the western part of South Hill, Puyallup Valley is a historic neighborhood with a mix of older homes and newer developments. The area is home to the Puyallup Fairgrounds, which hosts the annual Washington State Fair, as well as several parks, including Pioneer Park and Bradley Lake Park.
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Silver Creek: Silver Creek is a gated community located in the eastern part of South Hill. The neighborhood is known for its large, luxurious homes and private amenities, including a clubhouse, pool, and tennis courts. The area is also close to several parks, including Wildwood Park and South Hill Community Park.
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Gem Heights: Gem Heights is a family-friendly neighborhood located in the northern part of South Hill. The area is known for its mix of single-family homes and townhouses, as well as its proximity to several parks, including South Hill Park and Meridian Habitat Park. The neighborhood is also home to Gem Heights Elementary School.
If moving to South Hill, 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 South Hill, Washington.
20 Pros and Cons of Living in South Hill Terrace Washington
Living in South Hill Washington Pros
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Beautiful Natural Surroundings: South Hill is known for its scenic beauty, with lush green landscapes, forests, and stunning views of Mount Rainier. Nature lovers can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and camping in nearby parks and trails.
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Family-Friendly Community: South Hill has a welcoming and family-friendly atmosphere. It offers safe neighborhoods, excellent schools, and numerous community programs and events for children and families to enjoy.
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Strong Sense of Community: South Hill has a strong sense of community spirit, with residents actively participating in local events, volunteer programs, and supporting local businesses. It's a place where people feel connected and engaged.
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Access to Amenities: The area offers convenient access to a wide range of amenities. South Hill has shopping centers, grocery stores, restaurants, healthcare facilities, and other essential services within close proximity, making it convenient for residents.
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Recreational Opportunities: South Hill provides ample opportunities for recreational activities. It has parks, sports fields, community centers, and recreational facilities where residents can engage in sports, fitness, and leisure activities.
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Good Schools: The area is served by reputable school districts, offering quality education to students. South Hill has a range of public and private schools known for their academic excellence and extracurricular programs.
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Growing Economy: South Hill has experienced economic growth in recent years, attracting new businesses and creating employment opportunities. This can result in a vibrant local economy and job prospects for residents.
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Proximity to Tacoma and Seattle: South Hill is conveniently located near major cities like Tacoma and Seattle. This provides residents with access to a wider range of employment opportunities, cultural events, entertainment options, and transportation hubs.
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Diverse Dining and Shopping Options: The area offers a diverse culinary scene and a variety of shopping options. Residents can explore a range of restaurants, cafes, and specialty shops, catering to different tastes and preferences.
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Proximity to Outdoor Recreation: South Hill is close to several outdoor recreational destinations. Residents can easily access Mount Rainier National Park, state parks, lakes, and rivers for activities like hiking, fishing, boating, and camping.
Living in South Hill Washington Cons
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High Cost of Living: South Hill, like many desirable areas in Washington, has a relatively high cost of living, especially when it comes to housing, utilities, and certain goods and services.
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Traffic Congestion: South Hill's growing population has resulted in increased traffic congestion, particularly during peak commuting hours. This can result in longer travel times and frustration for residents.
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Limited Employment Opportunities: While there are some local job opportunities, residents may find that the employment options in South Hill are limited compared to larger cities, potentially requiring commuting to nearby areas for work.
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Limited Cultural and Entertainment Scene: South Hill may have a limited cultural and entertainment scene compared to larger cities. Residents seeking a vibrant arts, theater, or nightlife scene may need to travel to nearby urban centers for more options.
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Extreme Weather Conditions: South Hill experiences a range of weather conditions, including cold and wet winters and hot and dry summers. Extreme temperatures and occasional storms can be challenging for some individuals.
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Limited Diversity: South Hill may have a more homogenous population compared to larger cities, resulting in a lack of diversity in terms of culture, cuisine, and perspectives.
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Limited Shopping for Specialty Items: If you are looking for specific specialty items or niche products, you may find that the options in South Hill are limited, and you may need to travel to larger cities for a wider selection.
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Potential for Increased Development: South Hill has experienced significant growth and development in recent years. While this brings opportunities, it can also result in changes to the community's character, increased population density, and potential strain on infrastructure and resources.
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Lack of Sunlight in Winter Months: South Hill's location in the Northwest means fewer daylight hours during the winter months, which can impact mood and productivity for some individuals.
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High Taxes: Washington State has one of the highest sales tax rates in the country, which can add to the overall cost of living in the Seattle metro area.
FAQs About Living in South Hill Washington
What is South Hill Washington known for?
South Hill, Washington, is most known for its annual Daffodil Festival, which takes place every April and celebrates the blooming of millions of daffodils in the Puyallup Valley. The festival attracts visitors from all over the world and features various events and activities such as daffodil field tours, art shows, live music, and a street fair. The vibrant fields of daffodils are a sight to behold and have become an iconic symbol of South Hill and the surrounding region.
What cities and attractions is South Hill close to?
South Hill, Washington, is situated in Pierce County, which is part of the Puget Sound region in the northwestern part of the state. The city is approximately 40 miles south of Seattle and 10 miles east of Tacoma. South Hill is close to several other cities in the area, including Puyallup, about 5 miles to the west, and Auburn, about 15 miles to the north. The city is also within easy driving distance of other popular destinations in the region, such as Mount Rainier National Park, Olympic National Forest, and the Pacific Ocean. South Hill's central location in Pierce County makes it an excellent starting point for exploring the surrounding natural beauty and nearby cities.
What is the weather like in South Hill Washington?
Living in South Hill, 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 35°F. The city occasionally experiences light snowfall during the winter, with an average of 7 inches of snowfall annually. Summers in South Hill are mild, with average high temperatures ranging from 70°F to 75°F and occasional hot spells in the 80s and 90s. The city receives around 33 inches of rain yearly, with most precipitation occurring in the fall and winter months.
Does South Hill have good public schools?
Students in South Hill, Washington, attend public school in the Puyallup School District, which serves the city of South Hill and some surrounding areas. 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 is committed to providing a well-rounded education, including arts and athletics, and offers a variety of programs for students with different interests and needs. The district has a diverse student body and strong partnerships with local organizations and businesses. Families living in South Hill, Washington, can feel confident that their children will have access to a quality education.
Is South Hill Washington safe?
Living in South Hill, Washington, you'll find it a pretty safe place. Property crime rates in South Hill are lower than the national average, and violent crime rates are significantly lower than the national average. NeighborhoodScout.com states South Hill has a crime rate lower than 68% of all US cities. South Hill, Washington, residents should feel very safe.
What is there to do living in South Hill Washington?
Living in South Hill, Washington, you will always have things to do. The city is surrounded by natural beauty, including the Puyallup River and the Cascade Mountains, offering ample opportunities for hiking, biking, and fishing. South Hill boasts several parks, including South Hill Park and Wildwood Park, which feature playgrounds, picnic areas, and scenic walking trails. There are several annual events in the area, including the Pierce County Fair, held in neighboring Graham, Washington, which attracts visitors from around the region, and the South Hill Festival, offering carnival rides, live music, and local vendors. If you're looking for a day trip, South Hill is located near attractions like Mount Rainier National Park and the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. Whether you enjoy outdoor activities or cultural experiences, there is always something to do in South Hill, Washington.
Who are the large employers in South Hill?
If living in South Hill, Washington, some of the top employers include the MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital, which employs over 2,000 workers, the Puyallup School District, which employs over 1,500 people, and Pierce College, which employs over 500 people. Other notable employers in and around South Hill include the Boeing Company, Amazon, and various retail companies. With a diverse range of employers, residents of South Hill can find opportunities in healthcare, education, aerospace, e-commerce, and more.
How is the healthcare in South Hill Washington?
Living in South Hill, Washington, puts you near the MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital, which is a level III trauma center and has 286 beds. This hospital would likely be able to provide you with most of your medical needs. If looking for a specialist and can't find them in the South Hill area, you're around 10 miles away from the MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital, which is the largest hospital in Pierce County and has over 400 beds.
I want to relocate to South Hill. How do I make it happen?
You've come to the right spot if you're looking to move to South Hill, Washington. 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 South Hill 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 South Hill, Washington, is like as well as help with your mortgage if you decide to purchase a home.