It’s no secret that Tacoma is a great place to live and work. But with so many options, how do you know which city is the right one for you? We’ve got some answers. We've compiled a list of 15 reasons why it's time to pack your bags and head north, up I-5 to Tacoma. You'll be glad you did!
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Parents want the best education for their children. Public schools provide the basics and some stand way above the rest, but to ensure that your children are learning certain values in a smaller, individualized setting, many parents choose to send their children to a private school. These can be religious-based or non-sectarian.
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Tumwater is a charming city located in the greater Puget Sound area in the state of Washington with a population of approximately 18,365. Living in Tumwater offers just about everything that one would need to live comfortably and has a lot of prospects for those who are looking for work.
If you're considering moving to Tumwater, here's a guide on what you can expect regarding real estate, amenities, education, and more!
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Bellevue, Washington, is a suburb of Seattle that has many advantages over living in the city. Bellevue has nearly 500,000 residents spread across a wide area with plenty of shopping and restaurants to keep people occupied and happy.
If you're thinking about joining the ranks of this fabulous suburb, here are 10 things you need to know about living in Bellevue, Washington:
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Making the decision to move to Thurston County, Washington, offers potential residents plenty of fantastic options to consider! Whether you’re looking for the quiet suburbs or a busier city, the county can provide.
If you’re considering moving to Thurston County, take a look at our list of the very best places to live in the area!
Olympia is the capital city of Washington and an incredibly popular choice for those looking to relocate to Thurston County! With a population of approximately 51,535, Olympia is the largest city in the county and gives residents a taste of the bigger cities, such as Seattle, with a dash of small-town charm.
The majority of homes found among the Olympia real estate listings are detached, single-family homes and the average cost of these homes is $535,000 (As of June 30, 2021). The second most popular style of home is mobile and manufactured homes, though there are also a number of apartment complexes and condominium buildings. The diverse range of housing design offers plenty of options for people of all lifestyles and age groups.
There are over 9,230 students enrolled in the Olympia School District ranging from kindergarten through twelfth grade. The district is made up of a total of eighteen schools: eleven elementary schools, four middle schools, and three high schools.
Olympia also has a number of post-secondary institutions including Evergreen State College and South Puget Sound Community College.
Olympia is filled and surrounded by artistic venues including Art in Ecology, which can be found in the nearby campus of Saint Martin’s University. This 322,000 square-foot establishment showcases numerous artworks commissioned by the Washington State Arts Commission.
Locals of Olympia can also easily access the Olympia Regional Airport which is found just south of Olympia in the neighboring Tumwater. Along with the regular flights, the airport hosts the Olympic AirShow, which occurs every Father’s Day weekend.
Nearby cities include:
Tacoma, WA - 31 miles via I-5 N (32 minutes)
Seattle, WA - 61 miles via I-5 N (1 hour, 14 minutes)
Portland, OR - 115 miles via I-5 S (1 hour, 48 minutes)
Centralia, WA - 25 miles via I-5 S (27 minutes)
Found along the Deschutes River and the Budd Inlet is the scenic town of Tumwater. Originally called “New Market” by American settlers, the name was changed in 1863 and the city was officially incorporated in 1875.
Tumwater is known for its picturesque scenery, cascading waterfalls, and general peaceful atmosphere. Anyone looking to get away from it all can find exactly that in this beautiful town!
The average cost of real estate in Tumwater is approximately $484,000 (As of June 30, 2021) and is mostly made up of detached, single-family homes. Another popular real estate option in this tranquil town is empty lots, perfect for potential residents to design their dream home out in the more rural land of Washington.
Students residing in Tumwater are provided education by the Tumwater School District, which is the third-largest district in Thurston County. Home to over 6,000 students, TSD operates out of eleven school buildings.
There are six elementary schools serving students in kindergarten through fifth grade, two middle schools serving students in sixth through eighth grade, and two high schools serving students in ninth through twelfth grade. There is also one alternative school found within the borders of Tumwater.
There are a number of excellent amenities available to the residents of Tumwater, including both indoor and outdoor excursions. One of the most popular destinations is the beautiful Tumwater Falls Park, home to a salmon run in the fall.
Among the many historical and educational attractions in and around Tumwater are plenty of exciting destinations. Locals and visitors alike can enjoy farmer’s markets, scenic parks, the State Capitol, and so much more!
Nearby cities include:
Tacoma, WA - 32 miles via I-5 N (40 minutes)
Seattle, WA - 62 miles via I-5 N (1 hour, 18 minutes)
Portland, OR - 112 miles via I-5 S / I-405 S (1 hour, 45 minutes)
Centralia, WA - 22 miles via I-5 S (25 minutes)
Located along Interstate 5 between Olympia and the Nisqually River is the beautiful city of Lacey. With a population of approximately 42,395, most of the residents of Lacey fall around the age of 35 years old. Lacey is an environmentally conscious city, receiving several awards and titles from both the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the National Arbor Day Foundation.
Most residents of Lacey own their homes and the population is made up of mostly families and young working professionals. The median cost of real estate is $464,000 (As of June 30, 2021).
Potential residents can find everything from mobile homes starting around $26,000 to large, single-family homes costing as much as $1,995,000 as well as everything in between! Plenty of options from open plots of land to charming multi-family homes and townhomes or detached, single-family homes can be found among the Lacey real estate listings.
Lacey is a part of the North Thurston Public School District and consists of twelve elementary schools, five middle schools, and three high schools. Some of these schools fall among the top-ranking institutions in the state.
Along with the excellent public schools, Lacey residents also have the option of private and religious-based schooling. There are a number of Catholic schools, Montessori schools, and alternative education programs to choose from.
As Lacey continues to expand, many new businesses have popped up, supporting the city’s economy. Locals can find a Regal 16 Movie Theater, LA Fitness, Best Buy, Costco, and Home Depot among the many businesses and strip malls found in and around the area.
Lacey is home to one of the Northwest’s first indoor malls, the South Sound Center, though it has recently been converted into a partial outdoor shopping center. The center includes retail, warehousing, a retirement community, and more!
Nearby cities include:
Tacoma, WA - 27 miles via I-5 N (32 minutes)
Seattle, WA - 58 miles via I-5 N (1 hour, 16 minutes)
Portland, OR - 119 miles via I-5 S / I-405 S (1 hour, 53 minutes)
Centralia, WA - 29 miles via I-5 S (31 minutes)
It’s clear to see that moving to Thurston County offers numerous fantastic selections of potential places to call home. These three are just a glimpse into the wonderful communities in the area!
Ron Rougeaux, located in Olympia, Washington is a highly skilled and knowledgeable real estate agent. PNW Homes Group are committed to their key core values of trustworthiness, integrity, and loyalty providing quality service is his highest priority. Whether you are buying, selling, or curious about the market, PNW Homes has the answers.
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Hilltop, Tacoma, is a diverse and historic neighborhood found in Washington with a total population of approximately 10,400. Located near the Downtown core of Tacoma, Hilltop is perfect for those who are looking to settle down in a quieter, suburban neighborhood and still enjoy all the amenities of the city.
The popularity of Hilltop has steadily grown over the last decade or so, with many new residents moving to Tacoma and living in this interesting neighborhood. Many of the locals consist of young families, though the area is perfect for just about anybody! Whether you’re looking for a starter home or finding the perfect spot to spend your retirement years, Hilltop will have something for you!
If you’re considering making the move to Hilltop, Tacoma, check out our guide to this fantastic community!
There are plenty of beautiful, historic homes found in Hilltop. Some of the top styles you’ll come across are Victorian, Craftsman, and Four Squares. These gorgeous homes have been well maintained over the years and add a certain enviable charm and character to the neighborhood. If historic homes aren’t exactly what you’re after, don’t worry! Hilltop also offers a number of apartment and condo units to consider.
The average cost of real estate in Hilltop, Tacoma, is approximately $395,750. Whether you’re seeking a detached, single-family home or a trendy condominium, Hilltop has something to offer. As the community continues to expand, more and more residential options have opened up, suiting plenty of lifestyle preferences and price ranges.
Hilltop falls under the jurisdiction of Tacoma Public Schools, which is the third-largest school district in Washington State. Serving more than 30,000 students from pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade, TPS also employs nearly 5,000 staff and faculty, making it one of Tacoma’s largest employers.
The Hilltop community is served by three elementary schools. This includes:
After the primary years, students move on to middle school, followed by high school. For Hilltop students, their options include:
Those seeking private school options can venture a little further into the city for plenty of privately run or religious educational options. These include:
Moving to Tacoma, Washington, opens up plenty of opportunities to engage in a variety of social circles, try new activities, and spend an evening out on the town with friends, new and old! Due to Hilltop’s proximity to the Downtown area of Tacoma, those who reside in the charming neighborhood have every opportunity that those living directly Downtown have.
That being said, the Hilltop neighborhood, itself, offers plenty of fantastic amenities for the locals to enjoy. Dining options include everything from craft cocktails to vegan restaurants. Eclectic cafes and pub patios line the streets as well, providing a little taste of everything to the locals.
When it comes to entertainment, resident Hilltopians can take to the lively Tacoma Comedy Club. Though this venue is smaller than those found in big cities, the club draws some of the top comedians in the country and also hosts stand-up comedy classes for those interested.
The Grand Cinema is another staple in the community and is the only independent, non-profit theater featuring indie films. Loyal patrons, volunteers, and exclusive members keep this beautiful art-house theater going and are dedicated to providing the community with a cultural boost through film.
There are also plenty of quaint, boutique shops found within Hilltop. King’s Books, for example, is a quirky local bookstore featuring new, used, and rare books of all genres. The shop even features works from local authors! With such a great selection, there is truly something for everyone at this charming little bookstore.
There are a number of beautiful parklands to be enjoyed throughout Hilltop. One of the most popular is Wright Park. Ideal for strolling along the tranquil walking paths and taking the kids out to get some exercise on the playground or cool off at the spray park, this 27-acre land is the perfect spot for families to spend a day out in the fresh air.
The W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory can be found within Wright Park. The conservatory is made up of more than 550 exotic plant species from all around the world. Guests can wander the scenic paths and soak in all the gorgeous colors and fragrances of a diverse collection of flora. With rotating exhibits, as many as 300-500 floral displays will be in full bloom at any time.
Neighbors Park and McCarver Park both offer grounds to keep visitors active. Though both parks are on the smaller side, they both feature modern playgrounds and athletic courts and fields. Neighbors Parks contains a small grassy area, perfect for a game of soccer or baseball, as well as a single-hoop basketball court. McCarver Park offers tetherball and a quiet reading garden and art installations.
People of all ages, of all lifestyles, and all budgets can find a place to fit in within Hilltop, Tacoma. The beautiful real estate, the dedicated school systems, and the fantastic selection of parks and amenities are enough to convince anyone to make the move to this charming area. The easy access to major freeways allows residents to venture out into the greater Tacoma area and explore more of the beautiful state of Washington. Hilltop is full of character and would make an excellent home to anyone looking for small-town charm in the heart of a fantastic urban city!
Ron Rougeaux, located in Olympia, Washington is a highly skilled and knowledgeable real estate agent. PNW Homes Group are commited to their key core values of trustworthiness, integrity, and loyalty providing quality service is his highest priority. Whether you are buying, selling, or curious about the market, PNW Homes has the answers.
CONTACT US
Curious about local real estate? So are we! Every month we review trends in our real estate market and consider the number of homes on the market in each price tier, the amount of time particular homes have been listed for sale, specific neighborhood trends, the median price and square footage of each home sold and so much more. We’d love to invite you to do the same!
You can sign up here to receive your own market report, delivered as often as you like! It contains current information on pending, active and just sold properties so you can see actual homes in your neighborhood. You can review your area on a larger scale, as well, by refining your search to include properties across the city or county. As you notice price and size trends, please contact us for clarification or to have any questions answered.
We can definitely fill you in on details that are not listed on the report and help you determine the best home for you. If you are wondering if now is the time to sell, please try out our INSTANT home value tool. You’ll get an estimate on the value of your property in today’s market. Either way, we hope to hear from you soon as you get to know our neighborhoods and local real estate market better.
