Puyallup is about 10 miles southeast of Tacoma and 35 miles south of Seattle. This Pierce County city of about 42,000 is named after the Puyallup Tribe. The area has many rivers, parks and striking views of the snow-capped Mount Rainier. It developed into a small farming community after homesteader pioneers arrived in the 1850s and was incorporated as a city in 1890. In the past, commerce was mainly agricultural, focused on hops, berries, and flowers. Today, major employers, along with the Puyallup Tribe, include the local school district and MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital. Puyallup's downtown is along South Meridian Street.
According to Joshua Walden, a broker with NextHome Prolific, who grew up in the Tacoma area, some see Puyallup as a satellite city to Tacoma. However, Puyallup is less urban: It's more family oriented and less densely populated than some other cities in the region.
The gorgeous Puyallup River is the jewel of the area.
Mt. Rainier can be seen from all over Puyallup.
Puyallup is a neighborhood located about an hour west of Mount Rainier.
Puyallup is a very scenic neighborhood east of Tacoma and near Mount Rainier.
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Puyallup's median home prices above the U.S. median
Puyallup boasts a fairly competitive housing market, with homes selling after 35 days on average compared to nationally at 44 days. Builds in Puyallup include early 1900s Craftsmans, 1950s to 1970s ramblers and split-levels, and 2000s to 2020s contemporary subdivision-style homes. Single-family homes make up the bulk of real estate, although there are townhouses and condominiums, including those in the south and southwest of the city. Puyallup's average sales price over 12 months — $580,000 in October 2024 — was up 5% from the preceding year. Puyallup's median price of $550,000 is below Pierce County's median, at $608,000, and Seattle's, $849,000.
A row of newly built homes east of downtown in Puyallup.
A picturesque Puyallup home, across the street from Stewart Elementary.
A bungalow in a street corner in Puyallup.
Aerial view of housing options in Puyallup.
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Washington State Fair, Daffodil Festival and other events
Puyallup is home base for the 20-day Washington State Fair, which starts Labor Day weekend and is held again for eight days in April. With over a million visitors annually, it's one of the most widely attended events in the Pacific Northwest and one of the biggest fairs in the country. Joining the many deep-fried fair and carnival foods are the Fisher Fair Scones, a favorite for over 110 years. The fairgrounds host events year-round, including Oktoberfest, Washington State Horror Con, Washington State Toy and Geek Fest and a culinary gathering called The Taste Northwest. The historical import of the fair site is connected to the forced relocation of Japanese Americans during World War II, as it was previously used as an internment camp.
In early April, the Daffodil Festival celebrates the community's colorful culture and includes a Grand Floral Parade. The festival's Royal Court dons their brightest yellow attire before the coronation of the new Daffodil Queen. Other popular Puyallup events include Meeker Days, a downtown street festival in mid-June with vendors, a car show and family activities. BOO-Allup is the city's version of Halloween.
Ferris Wheel and rotating swings are available at the Washington State Fair in Puyallup WA.
Find a partner and join on the dance floor during Oktoberfest NW.
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Kids are all smiles while watching Professor Smart during the Washington State Fair.
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Lots of shops downtown, South Hill Mall and more
Downtown Puyallup has more than 20 shops, many of them locally owned. There are just as many food options, from pubs and pizza, Japanese and Mexican, to cafes and a cake shop. South Hill Mall, a few miles from downtown, has over 100 stores, restaurants, a movie theater and a bowling alley with an arcade. The Catapult Adventure Park is in Valley Plaza.
Past South Hill Mall, farther down state Route 161, there's a retail corridor with shopping centers and brand-name stores, including Target, Walmart Supercenter, Kohl's and Fred Meyer. Regional and national chain restaurants and some independently owned options are available as well.
A customer awaits his caffeine fix at Anthem Coffee & Tea.
Head to South Hill Mall in Puyallup to take care of your shopping needs.
Puyallup has a large retail hub on the south side.
Enjoy access to big box stores and retail in Puyallup.
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Highly rated Puyallup School District is 6th largest in state
Earning a B-plus grade from Niche, the Puyallup School District (PSD) is the sixth largest in the state, with nearly 23,000 students and around 3,700 employees. "You'd buy a house in Puyallup because you have three kids and want them to go to a good school district," Walden says. Higher education options in the area include Pierce College Puyallup.
Northwood Elementary School entrance.
Puyallup High School with views of Mt. Ranier.
Ferrucci Jr High School provides education in the neighborhood of
Puyallup
Aylen Junior High School entrance view.
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The Puyallup Tribe's contributions and culture
The Puyallup Tribe has lived on the Puget Sound for thousands of years. The Puyallup Reservation encompasses nearly 30 square miles, overlapping parts of Puyallup, Tacoma and other smaller communities. Though the land is under the jurisdiction of the Puyallup Tribe of Native Americans, most people living here are not members.
Community engagement is a priority for the tribe, which has a motto, "Generous and welcoming to all people." The tribe facilitates educational and recreational programming, and there's a Puyallup Tribal Museum in Fife. The Puyallup Tribal Language Program's mission is to share and revitalize the Twulshootseed language, a southern dialect of Lushootseed, a Coast Salish language.
The tribe is one of Pierce County's Top 10 employers. Tacoma has the Emerald Queen Casino, which opened in 2020, and Kenmore Air on Ruston Way Puyallup Tribal Air Terminal, which opened in 2023 and provides seasonal seaplane flights.
Recreation at Pioneer Park and on the Riverwalk Trail
Puyallup has over 20 recreational sites and features, including a skatepark, dog park and community gardens. Pioneer Park downtown has a playground, spray park, chess tables and a large pavilion for events. At the park is a statue of Ezra Meeker, a 19th-century Oregon Trail pioneer some later called the "Hop King of the World" for his brewing success. Meeker was Puyallup's first mayor, serving from 1890 to 1891. Pioneer Park is also the setting for the city's summertime Family Concert Series. Additionally, the Puyallup Farmers Market is held there on Saturdays from April until October.
Wildwood Park is over 80 acres, with picnic areas, a trail system and a playground. Bradley Lake Park is 59 acres and includes a mile-long lakeside loop for walking and jogging, a large picnic area, ball fields and a playground. The Puyallup Riverwalk Trail extends 5 miles from the city's west edge to the east Main Street bridge. Proposed plans to connect to Pierce County Foothills Trail would link regional trails connecting to Mount Rainier National Park, Tukwila, Sumner and the Interurban Trail.
Puyallup residents enjoying a quiet lunch in a city park.
Public Library in Pioneer Park in Puyallup.
Pioneer Park is in the center of downtown Puyallup.
Watch the colors change for fall at Veterans Park.
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Pierce Transit, Puyallup Station and crime
Puyallup is bisected by state Route 512, which runs west to meet Interstate 5. State Route 167 runs north through Auburn and Kent to Renton. Though most residents drive to get around, Pierce Transit offers bus services, with a route heading to downtown Tacoma. The South Hill Park & Ride is on Ninth Street. On-demand service via Pierce Transit Runner vehicles operates in some areas that previously had fixed bus routes. Puyallup Station on Main Avenue has Sound Transit Sounder commuter rail service on the S Line. The Sounder train to Lakewood Station takes about 30 minutes, with stops in Tacoma. The train to Seattle's King Street Station usually takes under an hour, with stops at stations in Sumner, Auburn, Kent and Tukwila.
Pierce County Airport-Thun Field in south Puyallup provides various services, including charter and business flights and a flight simulator that's open to the public. For domestic and international flights, it's about 22 miles from downtown Puyallup to SeaTac, the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
FBI data from the Puyallup Police Department shows the city's violent crime reports at the end of 2023 were 97 per 100,000, compared to a state rate of 89 and a national rate of 121.
Written By
Robin Silberman
Photography Contributed By
Howard Snyder
Video By
Taylor Gilbert
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Cari Franklin,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Puyallup, WA sell after 45 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Puyallup, WA over the last 12 months is $577,000, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to this beautifully designed home in the coveted Red Hawk community, perfectly situated in the heart of Puyallup. With 2,147 sq ft of thoughtfully planned living space, this home offers comfort, flexibility, and style for today’s lifestyle. The main floor features a bedroom with double doors which could also be used as a den/office, ideal for working from home. Enjoy abundant natural
New home community minutes from Fruitland Elementary & downtown Puyallup. Designer selected finishes & lighting in popular floorplan by local builder, JK Monarch. Features include 8' interior doors, wrought-iron rails, 4" millwork, and heat pump (A/C). Main level flex room w/adjacent 3⁄4 bath. Great room has linear electric FP and opens to outdoor covered living w/ private back yard. Includes
A refined semi-custom New Construction by award-winning local builder JK Monarch, perfectly positioned on a beautiful lot in the heart of Puyallup. Thoughtfully designed with curated finishes, this elegant home features a main-level den with adjacent 3⁄4 bath—ideal private office. High-end details include 8’ interior doors, wrought-iron railings, 4” millwork, custom lower built-ins at the
Stylish, Updated & Move-In Ready! This beautifully remodeled 3-bedroom home with a loft/bonus room is filled with modern upgrades throughout. Featuring 2.5 baths, soaring vaulted ceilings, fresh interior and exterior paint, and brand-new flooring, this home truly shines. The sleek two-tone kitchen boasts grey quartz countertops and contemporary finishes. The spacious primary suite offers a
Charming starter home in the heart of downtown Puyallup! This beautifully updated home features a brand-new roof (2025) and remodeled LVP flooring throughout, offering a fresh and modern feel. The updated bathroom adds to the home's move in ready appeal. Outside you'll find a detached garage with potential to be used as a shop, plus a large, fully fenced yard-perfect for pets, entertaining, or
Welcome home to this inviting 3-bedroom, 1.75-bath home offering 1,528 sq. ft. of comfortable living space. Enjoy brand-new vinyl plank flooring throughout the main living areas and new carpet in all three bedrooms. The updated tile walk-in shower adds a modern touch, while the cozy pellet stove creates the perfect atmosphere for relaxing evenings. A newer roof provides added peace of
Discover affordable, worry-free living in sought-after downtown Puyallup at a 55+ co-op community! This move in ready charming 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom home offers 800 sq ft of comfortable, modern space—perfect for relaxed retirement. With Key features and multiple upgrades such as Remodeled kitchen with gleaming granite countertops, back splashes, new sink/faucet, and newer stainless steel
Welcome home to this well-maintained tri-level in the desirable Kempton Woods neighborhood of Puyallup. Sitting on a generous .25-acre corner lot, this 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath, 1,783 sq ft home offers space, comfort, and flexibility both inside and out. Step inside to find brand new carpet throughout and an updated kitchen that opens to an eat-in dining area, perfect for everyday living. Multiple
Come experience highly sought after 55+ community of Harvest Gate. This 2 bedroom & den floorplan is a favorite of many. Huge living room with gas log fireplace, formal dining along with large dining area in the gourmet island kitchen. The primary suite is spacious with a sitting area, big walk-in closet and bright bathroom. Guest bedroom is quite large too. Enjoy the big covered patio and large
Amazing condo/townhouse located within the gated, quiet, park like setting of the Ashlyn Condo Community in Downtown Puyallup. Featuring new vinyl floors in kitchen, dining & powder room, new carpet & interior paint. Gas fireplace for those cooler nights. All appliances stay. Primary bedroom w/double closets & full bath. Huge 3rd bedroom or could be bonus room. Oversized 2-car garage. HOA covers
Hurry to this lovely 3 bedroom Harvest Gate home. Huge open living and dining room combination with a freestanding gas log stove! Large bright kitchen with all appliances, lots of cabinets and a dining nook too. Primary bedroom features a huge closet and a slider out to the patio and backyard. Two other spacious bedrooms, laundry room and big 2 car garage with pull down ladder to attic storage.
Wonderful 3 bedroom Silvercrest home. Lovely open living room with freestanding gas fireplace, dining room and large bright kitchen with breakfast bar. Big primary suite with 5 piece bathroom and a slider to oversized back patio. Large guest room feels like its own primary space!! Great floor-plan with laundry room and big garage. Beautiful landscaping on this perimeter lot. .spacious covered
Welcome to this well cared for home in Frederickson Estates. This 2 story home has an open concept living area with a gas fireplace on the main level with a den/office at the homes entry along with the half bathroom. The laundry room is on the main level between the kitchen and the garage. The kitchen appliances will all stay with the home. Upstairs you will find all the bedrooms including the
Welcome home to this beautifully situated end-unit condo offering both privacy and convenience. Tucked away in a peaceful setting while remaining just minutes from major freeways, shopping, dining, and entertainment, this home presents an excellent opportunity for homeowners and investors alike.The thoughtfully designed floor plan features an open-concept layout that maximizes both everyday
Great Puyallup Valley lot in a great commuter location with easy access to the freeway and train station. This large lot is ready for you to build your custom home. Builder had ready for permits and never moved forward with the project. their loss is your gain! Water, Power, Gas, and even sewer are available and are just down the street.
From the moment you walk through the front door you'll feel the comfort that makes our residents happy to call Meridian Pointe home. Cutting edge amenities, meticulously-groomed grounds, our new interiors and a dedicated staff contributes to a higher standard of living.
Welcome to this beautiful two-story home located in a highly desirable neighborhood. This spacious home offers 5 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms with a thoughtfully designed open floor plan that is perfect for comfortable living and entertaining. The home features energy-efficient appliances, granite countertops, wood cabinetry, and brushed nickel hardware, creating a modern and stylish kitchen and
At Heritage Square we strive to provide our residents a quiet and comfortable place to live. Our uniquely designed 4-Plex buildings feature three beautiful and spacious Two-bedroom floor plans, each including an attached single car garage. Plus, there is no one living above or below you in any of our apartments. We are conveniently located in the valley in Puyallup, close to schools, shopping,
Updated 3 bed, 2 bath rambler in the gated Tustin Ranch community of Puyallup. This refreshed home features new laminate flooring, new carpet, A/C, and thoughtful custom touches throughout. Functional single-level layout with light-filled living spaces. Enjoy a partially fenced yard, large storage shed, spacious garage, and driveway parking for up to 4 vehicles. Conveniently located on 176th just
At Canyon Park you can enjoy the scenic vistas of the Pacific Northwest, in the friendly community of Puyallup, Washington. We offer large one-two-and three-bedroom apartment homes, a resort-styled clubhouse with full wi-fi so you can work or scroll while relaxing in our resident lounge, playing in the pool or taking a break in the spa. Indoor basketball, fitness center and tanning salon will
Just in time for summer!! Clean rental with A/C!! Great Puyallup home with 4 beds & 2.5 baths. Open floor plan on the main with Great Room/Kitchen/Dining Room design + den/office. Nice fenced yard with sprinkler system & patio off the sliding glass doors. Upstairs-Primary Suite with private bath & Walk in Closet along with secondary Beds & laundry room. Terms: 12 month lease. No Smoking in home
Experience the oasis that is Cavalier Park Apartments in Puyallup, WA. Tucked away on Stewart Avenue Cavalier Park Apartments is a quaint and quiet community with an ideal location. One mile connects Stewart Avenue to N Meridian the main street that runs through downtown Puyallup leading to many of Puyallup’s most popular hot spots including Pioneer Park, Washington State Fairgrounds, Fred Meyer
Just in time for summer! New rental located in the Rainier Ridge area with A/C and 220V EV-ready outlet in the 2-car garage! Great Puyallup home with 5 beds & 2.5 baths (5th bedroom can used as a bonus room.) Open floor plan on the main with Great Room/Kitchen/Dining Room design. Patio off the sliding glass doors and fully fenced backyard with garden space. Upstairs-Primary Suite with private
Lipoma Firs Townhomes is a new townhome community nestled along the greenbelt in South Hill. You will be proud to call one of our state-of-the-art spacious homes your home with features like quartz counters, stainless steel appliances, real wood cabinets, condo quality finishes, air conditioning, fireplaces, oversized garages with lots of storage, and more. Each home has spacious open concept
Conveniently located 2-bedroom, 1-bath home offering a blend of tasteful updates and original character. Enjoy comfortable living with functional space, plenty of parking, and easy access to nearby schools, shopping, and everyday amenities. Terms: 1st and 1 month rent security deposit. 12+ mth lease. Washer and Dryer are located in the backside of the home and shared between both units. No
Embark redefines rental living with 86 brand-new, detached townhomes nestled within the established Uplands master-planned community. Here, you'll find the privacy of your own entrance and attached garage with EV charging capability, the quality of modern construction, and the lifestyle of a connected, nature-forward neighborhood. The community has its own dedicated clubhouse with a catering
Conveniently located 2-bedroom, 1-bath home offering a blend of tasteful updates and original character. Enjoy comfortable living with functional space, plenty of parking, and easy access to nearby schools, shopping, and everyday amenities. Terms: 1st and 1 month rent security deposit. 12+ mth lease. Washer and Dryer are located in the backside of the home and shared between both units. No
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