University Place Washington - Everything You Need To Know About Moving Here
Austin Robertson Real Estate AgentOctober 26, 2023
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All right, so you're thinking about making a move to Tacoma, and you keep hearing everybody talk about this place called University Place. But if you're not from here, you probably have no idea what University Place is. Is it a town around the University of Washington? Does it even have a university? Is it good for kids? Do they have great schools? Well, in this blog, I'm going to walk you through everything you need to know about living in University Place, Washington. I'm going to show you step by step, everything that you need to know.
All right, well, University Place, here we go. If you've been looking at Tacoma, chances are you've probably heard about University Place. And there are a few reasons this town comes up so often. One, it's right on the water, about as far west as you can go. Two, it has the best schools in Pierce County, according to niche.com and virtually any other website you'll check. And three, it's close to a couple of big golf courses. So, let's dive right in.
University Place is situated just south of Tacoma. To the west, you have the beautiful Puget Sound, and to the east, a bit more of a rural setting. Southeast, you'll find Joint Base Lewis-McChord. These are the borders of University Place.
In terms of proximity to other areas, it's essential to consider the distances you might need to travel daily. If you're connected to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, you can get there by taking Highway 16 and I-5 South. It's about a 25-30 minute drive, though the traffic can vary.
For commutes into Tacoma, you're looking at about 15-20 minutes via the same route. But remember, you'll encounter more traffic during these drives.
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If you're heading north to Seattle, you'll take I-5, and it's approximately a 55-minute drive into downtown, depending on traffic. Alternatively, you can go up Highway 167, which connects to I-5, but I-5 generally moves faster and has more lanes.
To reach Tacoma International Airport, you'll take Highway 16 and then I-5. The trip takes around 50 minutes, but remember to factor in time for parking and airport security checks.
University Place is known for golf, so let's check out Chambers Bay Golf Course, a Scottish-style course that hosted the US Open in 2015. It's a beautiful place to play, and if you're a resident, it'll cost you around $130 for a day of golf. If you're not a resident of Pierce County, it's about $185, and there are membership options available for around $110. The golf course also offers fantastic views.
Chambers Bay Golf Course sits adjacent to a lovely park with a great off-leash dog area. This is a popular spot for locals, and the views are stunning. It's also a great place to have a picnic while watching the sunset.
University Place boasts top-rated schools, and one of the most prominent private schools in the area is Charles Wright Academy. It's a co-ed K-12 school with a 6:1 student-teacher ratio. Over 70% of the students are involved in athletics, promoting a healthy lifestyle for young people.
On the south end of University Place, you'll find a Fred Meyer, a grocery store that makes shopping convenient. If you're looking for coffee, Ladybug Coffee is a local favorite. But be warned, it's known for topless coffee, as one client from LA told us.
Moving east, you'll find Chambers Primary School, a testament to the great school district in the area. University Place takes education seriously, and this is reflected in the school ratings.
The downtown area of University Place is charming, with great parking options. It's a perfect place to stroll and enjoy a meal or coffee. The University Place Public Library offers community-centered programs and activities for all ages.
If you're into fitness, you'll find options like Orange Theory Fitness and pilates studios. The cultural atmosphere in University Place promotes a healthy lifestyle, with numerous parks, trails, and sports activities.
Speaking of parks, University Place offers several options, including the beautiful Playground by the Sound and the Kieran Apple Orchard Park, where you can enjoy the outdoors.
Day Island is a unique little gem. It's a small island with stunning homes overlooking the Puget Sound. If you're looking for a picturesque setting, Day Island is a beautiful place to live, although not much real estate is available here.
For groceries, you'll find a Safeway and a Trader Joe's. There are also several restaurants in the area, including Ley's Burger Shack, which offers fantastic burgers. It's a must-visit place, and their cheeseburgers are top-notch.
University Place is close to the Chambers Bay Golf Course and also has its own urgent care, making it convenient for residents. There's also a Walgreens for your pharmacy needs.
Al's Hot Chicken is a new restaurant in the area, serving excellent chicken, though it can be a bit pricey. You're also close to a Chick-fil-A in nearby Fife, so you've got all your fast-food cravings covered.
And there you have it! That's everything you need to know about living in University Place, Washington. If you're looking to make the move to the greater Seattle-Tacoma area, we're here to help. Whether it's in the next 3 days or the next 3 months, reach out to us, and we'll make your transition as smooth as possible. We can't wait for you to experience all that University Place and the surrounding areas have to offer.
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