As Seattle's real estate market continues to skyrocket, the city of Tacoma is becoming an equally popular destination for new homeowners.
But for those who prefer to live outside this burgeoning metro area, there are several great Tacoma suburbs that suit buyers from different backgrounds.
Whether you're searching for a family-friendly community or looking for a quick commute into town, there's something for everyone just outside of the Tacoma city limits.
Best Suburb for Buying Your First Home – Lakewood
With many great real estate opportunities perfect for first-time homebuyers, Lakewood is an excellent choice for finding an affordable starter home. This beautiful suburb is the second-largest city in Pierce County, home to over 58,000 residents. With gorgeous lakes and scenic views, Lakewood is an ideal place to settle down, especially for young families. Over 42% of households in the area have children under 18, making it a family-friendly destination.
Currently, the average listing price in Lakewood is 13% lower than the Washington state average, making it an affordable choice for first-time buyers. With a stable real estate market, good schools, and low crime rates, homeowners in Lakewood can expect to see a return on their investment in a few short years.
Suburb with the Easiest Commute to Tacoma's City Center – University Place
For homeowners who want to enjoy the gorgeous views of Puget Sound as well as the convenience of a short commute into the heart of Tacoma, University Place offers the best of both worlds. Home to more than 31,000 residents, University Place is a large suburban center where you can make the quick 15-minute commute into Tacoma for work or school. Whether you carpool, bus, or drive, the daily commute will take 35 minutes or less.
Here, residents can enjoy a perfect balance of business and residential areas, including waterfront views, open green spaces, and a Scottish links-style golf course.
Suburb with the Best Public School System – Puyallup
Located just 10 miles outside of Tacoma, Puyallup is home to one of the best school districts in the region. The Puyallup School District has 38 schools, with high test scores and an 86% graduation rate, matching the state average. In addition to a top-rated school system, Puyallup is also one of the more affordable suburbs in the Tacoma metro area.
More than 46% of households in Puyallup have residents under 18, and 52% of residents are married, making it a great place to raise a family. The city is also home to the Washington State Fair, the famous Ezra Meeker Mansion, and one of the best farmers' markets in the area.
Best Suburb for When Your Family is Ready to Scale Up – Gig Harbor
Looking for a larger, more accommodating home? Gig Harbor is a beautiful and welcoming community that offers great real estate opportunities. With a stable housing market, excellent schools, and a variety of amenities, this affluent Tacoma suburb provides plenty of options for motivated homebuyers.
New residents will love Gig Harbor's location along Puget Sound, with many parks, boutique shopping, and fine dining options along the waterfront. This popular tourist destination offers beautiful views year-round, and with off-peak traffic, you can reach downtown Tacoma in just 5 minutes and Seattle in under an hour.
Best Suburb for City People – Auburn
For those looking for a suburb that's a middle ground between Seattle and Tacoma, Auburn is a great option. With a population of over 70,000 residents, Auburn is ranked as Washington's 14th-largest city. Urban couples and young families can enjoy an active lifestyle without the chaos of downtown Seattle.
Auburn offers a short 25-minute commute to downtown Seattle and a 35-minute commute to Tacoma via Sounder Transit Rail. With a strong sense of community, great shopping, diverse restaurants, and easy access to parks and the countryside, Auburn provides an affordable and stable housing market for city lovers.
Best Suburb for Country-Loving Folks – Edgewood
If you're searching for a more tranquil, rural setting, Edgewood is the perfect option. With a population of just under 10,000 residents, this small town offers a welcoming, close-knit community. Located just 15 miles from Tacoma, Edgewood gives homeowners the best of both worlds, with easy access to major roads like I-5 and WA-161.
Edgewood boasts a great school district with an 89% graduation rate, 3% higher than the Washington state average. It's also one of the most affordable and stable housing markets in the area, making it an ideal place to settle down for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
