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
Kimberly Harman,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Puyallup, WA sell after 47 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Puyallup, WA over the last 12 months is $577,000, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
MOTIVATED SELLERS!!! Lovely PRE-INSPECTED 2022 Craftsman home in sought-after Kilen Estates, South Hill Puyallup! This MOVE-IN READY 4 bed, 3 bath, 2,679 sqft home sits peacefully on its Cul-De-Sac and shows like a model. A double foyer entry welcomes you home. Featuring quartz countertops throughout, soft-close cabinetry, stainless appliances & walk-in pantry. The Chef’s kitchen w/ an 8ft island
**Quick Move-In**Discover this handsome Hemingway home. Included features: a welcoming covered porch; a quiet study with double french doors; a gourmet kitchen offering quartz countertops, a built-in microwave and oven, a walk-in pantry and a huge center island; a charming sunroom; a spacious great room boasting a fireplace; a beautiful primary suite showcasing a large walk-in closet and a deluxe
STUNNING & Beautifully Maintained 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath Home with Breathtaking 180-degree Views of Tacoma, Puyallup, and Auburn. Sitting high above the valley, this home features hardwood flooring throughout the main level & an open great room design connecting the living & dining rooms, and kitchen. The kitchen offers granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, an island eating bar, and a
Welcome home to this inviting end-unit condo, thoughtfully positioned to offer added privacy, natural light, and extra outdoor space while keeping you close to shopping, dining, entertainment, and major commuting routes.Inside, the open main-level layout creates an easy flow between the living, dining, and kitchen areas—perfect for everyday living or entertaining. Updated vinyl plank flooring
Location wins here — and this beautifully remodeled condo delivers. Steps from Good Samaritan Hospital with quick access to Hwys 512, 167, and 410, plus South Hill Mall, Bradley Lake Park, and the Puyallup Farmers Market right around the corner. This split level unit serves up sweeping views of Puyallup, Tacoma, the Olympic Mountains, and the valley from both the living area and deck — with a
Welcome to the Magnolia floor plan at Stewart Crossing! Better than new, this turn key home offers 2,501 SF, 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, bonus room & covered patio for entertaining on a premium lot!(7252 SF) Open-concept layout with beautiful kitchen including: quartz slab countertops, stainless appliances, Huntwood soft-close cabinets, and walk in pantry. Separate dining space with slider to back
GATED COMMUNITY, Completely remodeled, pre-inspected and truly move-in ready! This beautifully updated home offers the perfect combination of style, extensive improvements and added peace of mind. Thoughtfully remodeled throughout, the home features a gorgeous new kitchen with beautiful cabinetry and updated finishes, new LVP flooring, beautifully renovated bathrooms, fresh interior and exterior
Beautifully maintained rambler tucked away on a quiet dead-end street NO HOA in desirable Puyallup location! This move-in-ready 3 Bed/2 Bath home offers a spacious, functional floor plan with bonus room, perfect for a home office, playroom, or additional living space. The private primary suite is ideally situated at the back of the home, creating a peaceful retreat. Both bathrooms have been
Welcome to this beautifully refreshed home in the sought-after Walden Pond Community! Ideally positioned at the entrance of a quiet cul-de-sac, offering a welcoming presence with minimal through traffic this beautiful home offers 2,614 sq ft, 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. With brand-new interior and exterior paint and all-new windows, this home delivers the perfect combination of modern updates and
Welcome home to this beautifully updated 4 bedroom home with vaulted Bonus Room - 2.5 bath home located in the desirable Lexington Hills Woodbridge community. Well maintained home with stamped concrete covered patio and 2026 new roof. Very comfortable main floor, open walk through concept with relaxing family room and formal living - dining area and a full bedroom on the main floor. Extra cozy
Classic Craftsman style, generous living spaces & a beautifully landscaped corner lot come together in this inviting home within Puyallup’s desirable Redhawk community. A lush wraparound yard & covered front porch create a welcoming first impression. Inside, the entryway opens to an expansive home office & a light-filled open floor plan designed for everyday living & entertaining. The kitchen
Downtown Puyallup Gem! This charming 3-bedroom, 1.75-bath Craftsman offers 2,002 square feet of character and comfort. With a lot of original details, the home showcases beautiful hardwood floors, classic wood trim, and old-world craftsmanship throughout. The main level features a spacious living room with a cozy gas fireplace, a formal dining room accented by crown molding, and a well-appointed
Welcome to this beautifully upgraded 4 bedroom home with a large, fully fenced backyard—perfect for summer entertaining and everyday living! The main floor features newer luxury vinyl plank flooring and an inviting open kitchen with an island, quartz countertops, tile backsplash, and newer stainless-steel appliances. The spacious primary suite boasts vaulted ceilings and a newer modern bathroom
Looking for that conveniently located Downtown Puyallup rambler? Come see this refreshed mid-century home filled with charm and thoughtful updates. Fresh paint inside and out, updated light fixtures, new stainless steel appliances, and new LVP flooring throughout, with original hardwoods in two bedrooms. The light and bright living room features a unique hand-troweled fan-pattern ceiling and cozy
GREAT NEW PRICE on this beautifully refreshed rambler w/newly painted interior, ceilings & doors & highlighted by new broad baseboard trim & exquisite light fixtures. Enjoy comfortable leisure in the spacious great room tucked off the kitchen and expansive hardwood flooring throughout, also featured in the homey living/dining space, perfect for entertaining & complete w/a cozy fireplace. The
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
Beautifully remodeled 4-bedroom rambler available for rent in Puyallup! This well-maintained home features a fantastic floor plan with a spacious living room, generously sized bedrooms, and large windows that fill the home with natural light. Enjoy the convenience of a spacious 1-car garage, a long driveway with plenty of parking, and a large fully fenced backyard perfect for entertaining, pets,
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.
Situated near Linden Golf & Country Club in the beautiful Puget Sound region, Puyallup, Washington, offers an ideal setting for work, life, and play. Our pet-friendly one and two bedroom apartments place you near beautiful parks and trails to explore with your pup.
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
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,
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
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
Hillstone is a new, garden-style apartment community currently under construction, designed to set a new standard for modern suburban living within its submarket. With 236 residences across three-story buildings, Hillstone delivers scale, quality, and design in a way that's approachable and enduring. Hillstone is positioned as a best-in-class community, offering contemporary design, meaningful
Discover the feeling of home at The Heights Apartments. Peacefully tucked away in one of Puyallup’s most desirable neighborhoods, The Heights Apartments is a renovated community conveniently centered just moments away from the best that Puyallup has to offer. The Heights Apartments is a pet friendly community that offers a wide range of modern amenities for our residents to enjoy. Each one of our
LIMITED TIME OFFER: $2000 Visa Gift Card when you sign a 12-month lease! Contact us today for details! Welcome to The Valley. Enjoy comfortable, timeless apartment living just minutes from downtown Puyallup. Nearly walking distance to parks, shops, schools and services, these homes are ideally located, and have quick and easy access to anything you need. Location is key and we've got you covered.
Featuring picturesque, tree-lined river trails and lush community gardens, Riverside Park offers spacious, well-appointed 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartment homes with gourmet kitchens, full sized washers and dryers, private patios or balconies and bonus storage. Our convenient location on the Sumner/Puyallup border is minutes from schools, shopping, parks and Highways 167, 512 and 410.
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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.
