Historic farmland meets modern industry in Pierce County
Once known as an agricultural landscape dominated by farms, Fife has grown – and changed – considerably in recent years. The city retains notes of its past and small-town charm, though, through the scent of freshly tilled earth that lingers in the air from nearby pastures and longstanding community staples such as the Poodle Dog Restaurant. “That whole area is growing quite a bit, but Fife has arguably grown the most,” says Dennis Folk, Broker with Terrafin Real Estate and lifelong resident of the Tacoma area. “It’s still a really small, inviting place, but it’s also home to a lot of commercial options too – it’s not quite rural but not quite urban, either.” Fife provides easy access to Seattle and Tacoma while serving as a gateway to rural Washington’s natural beauty.
From residential to industrial in West Fife.
Dacca Park has some small paths for folks to get some exercise riding their bikes in East Fife.
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Small selection of established and new traditional homes
Most of Fife’s residential neighborhoods are found north of Interstate 5, making up a fairly compact portion of Fife overall. “You have some nice neighborhoods there, some of which are older and have more historical, traditional houses,” says Ben Eklund, Broker with Skyline Properties. “You also see a lot of newer construction, especially with how much it’s grown – but overall, Fife is a more commercial or industrial kind of place.” Ranch-style homes, some of which still feature front porches that look out onto farmland, are found along the outskirts of town. Newer construction takes the form of new traditional two-story builds and townhouses. The median price in Fife is $550,000, which is higher than Tacoma, but below the Seattle median. “People aren’t really moving out here for lower prices,” says Folk. “You might get a little more house for your buck, but it’s the larger lots and mountain views that lead to people leaving the city in favor of places like Fife.”
Single-family homes in East Fife often have large, expansive driveways and garages for cars.
A very unusual geodesic shaped home for sale in West Fife.
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Students can choose their path at Fife High School
Families are served by the Fife and Puyallup School Districts, which earn Niche grades of B and B-plus, respectively. Fife High School offers vocational and trade-skill programs that partner with local businesses to introduce students to manufacturing, logistics and agricultural careers. Students commuting to University of Washington, Tacoma or Bates Technical College are just over five miles from either campus.
Hedden Elementary School offers students the ability to start out their academic career strong.
Fife High School has an impressive, modern aesthetic for students to enjoy.
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Take in views of the mountains from local parks
Though close enough to Seattle and Tacoma to be popular with commuters, Fife is just as well-known for its greenery and proximity to the Cascade Range, east of the city. Dacca Park, near the city center, features baseball diamonds and a skate park. The Puyallup River snakes along the edge of Fife and allows anglers to catch salmon. On clear days, the snowcapped mountains punch through the tree line to offer views of Mount Rainier. The Fife Harvest Festival celebrates the city’s agricultural heritage each spring, while Puyallup puts on the Daffodil Festival each April and the Meeker Days street festival every June.
Check out the numerous parks near East Fife and enjoy some quality time with your kiddos.
A short drive from East Fife, North Shore Golf Course offers residents top notch facilities.
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The Emerald Queen Casino is home to all sorts of options
Though Tacoma is home to broader retail choices, Fife’s location along Interstate 5 means those looking for a bite can choose from plenty of national chains. Even so, the town still has several mom-and-pop spots – some of which have been in the community for decades, like the Poodle Dog Restaurant. The old-school diner has been serving classic breakfast and American fare since 1933. For more dining options, many locals opt for nearby Puyallup, where the Farm 12 restaurant – a farm-to-table eatery where 100% of the profits aid pregnant women and mothers – is a popular meeting spot for lunch or dinner. “The Emerald Queen Casino – or EQC – is another popular spot in Fife,” says Eklund. “It has restaurants and regular performances.”
Looking for high quality velvety latte pours? Then Beware Coffee just outside West Fife is it.
No anchor needed At Climb Tacoma just outside West Fife WA.
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Strong local economy with easy access for commuters
Agriculture once defined Fife, but modern development has reshaped much of the landscape. While still featuring a few farms and ranches, warehouses, distribution centers and trucking operations have become Fife's central means of commerce—thanks largely to being right next to the Port of Tacoma and having Interstate 5 bisect the city.
Gateway to Seattle, Tacoma and the Cascade Mountain Range
Taking I-5, Fife is six miles east of downtown Tacoma and 30 miles south of Seattle. State Route 167 and State Route 509 provide links to Puyallup, Federal Way, and the Tacoma waterfront. Pierce Transit runs limited bus routes through Fife. The Amtrak station is in Tacoma, while Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is 20 miles north.
Crime
According to information provided by the FBI, crime rates in Fife – both violent and property – are considerably higher than state and national averages. As a result, local initiatives aimed at reducing both the crime rates and the number of people experiencing homelessness within the town have been instituted.
For over 25 years, you, my clients, have been at the heart of my career. I am Roger Bintner, and I have crafted a rewarding journey in real estate and retail by focusing on what matters most: Our guide helps empty nesters in the South PugetSound make a stress-free move using our "SimpleLife Strategy". Our SLS Guide link is below.
Living in the Redondo Beach neighborhood of Des Moines, WA, with my wife Kerry, has deepened my appreciation for the community and the personal impact of every real estate decision. This personal insight, combined with my passion for family, love for golf and football, and enjoyment of the beautiful Northwest lifestyle, enriches the service I offer. These passions reflect my understanding of the balance between a home and a fulfilling life. My partnership with Windermere is more than a professional alliance; it is a commitment to continue providing you, my clients, with the informed, compassionate, and dedicated service you deserve.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
