Buckley

If you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, Buckley is the perfect combination of cozy neighborhood and fantastic natural sights just 11 miles outside of Tacoma. “Buckley is a very nice little town that’s also a quiet area to live in,” says Ruben Gonzalez, a real estate broker with Riley Jackson Real Estate who has almost 20 years of industry experience. “It’s a very dense area, but the views are great.” Residents can enjoy the babbling brooks of the White River, plus the magnificent views of Mount Rainer off in the distance – all from the comfort of their homes.

Buckley is a compact town along Highway 410 with grid streets that expand out the further you get into the countryside. Once you travel past Ryan Road and move towards the creek, houses get more spread out with larger lawns and thick wooded areas. There’s not a lot in the neighborhood itself, so you will have to travel by car to get places.

Homes in Buckley are just as stunning as the surrounding scenery. “It ranges from smaller, older homes to larger, newer homes,” Gonzalez says. You can find Colonial Revivals and upscale ranchers for anywhere between $450,000 to $550,000. On the higher end of the spectrum, newly constructed contemporary homes with prairie-inspired architecture range from $675,000 to $875,000. These properties are found on the outskirts of downtown and have large windows that let you enjoy the natural setting. Vacant lots of land are available at the edge of the neighborhood past the creek for those who want to build a brand-new home.

Families moving into the area can send their kids to the White River School District. Elk Ridge Elementary School has an A-minus grade on Niche, and Glacier Middle School has a B grade. Grizzly athletes can enjoy a spectacular view of Mount Rainer while they practice on lighted fields after school. From there, your child can attend Enumclaw Senior High School in the Enumclaw School District. The high school has a B-minus grade, above-average test scores and a Running Start Program that offers dual credit courses for students who plan to attend college. Parents can rest assured that their children will be prepared for their future.

When you want to enjoy a beautiful day, the Foothills National Recreation Trail provides a lot of opportunities for residents to get active. The 21-mile-long asphalt trail starts in Tacoma and is considered a linear park that follows Route 165 and Highway 410 through the neighborhood. Runners, bicyclists, hikers and even families looking for fun can enjoy all the trail has to offer. Hop on at the large entrance by the Buckley Youth Activity Center and head towards the Buckley Basketball & Pickleball Court that you can find along it. Ride your skateboard at the Buckley Skate Park or bring your little ones to the playground area nearby. There’s even a Veteran’s Monument along the pathway that visitors can check out and pay their respects. Buckley hosts an annual Log Show every summer, starting with a parade down Main Street and ending when an “All-Around Logger” gets crowned on day two.

Downtown Buckley has a lot to offer as the neighborhood’s primary retail area. In addition to the multiple wedding venues and museums along River Road, Main Street has several boutiques and local eateries you can visit. Main Street Bistro is both a bar and restaurant. Stop by on the weekend for their bagel sandwiches and full espresso bar. Down the street is The Scoop on Main, where you can treat yourself to ice cream on a warm day. For your daily essentials, travel down Highway 410 and get to the bend where Route 165 splits off. You’ll find the Blue Max Meats butcher shop and Rainer Fresh produce market for quality cuts and just-picked fruits and vegetables. For more shopping options, travel four miles north to downtown Enumclaw. Get your groceries and snack food at QFC and Safeway. St. Elizabeth Hospital is along Porter Street, just half a mile from downtown.

When you’re ready to live a quiet and peaceful life, Buckley can give you the gorgeous natural surroundings and small-town atmosphere you desire.

Written By

Brittany Bell

Photography Contributed By

Perry Cucinotta

Video By

Celeste Thoms