$848,665Average Value$473Average Price per Sq Ft6Homes For Sale
Small community located off the Puget Sound
Located off the banks of Puget Sound, Ruston offers homebuyers stunning views of the water, Mount Rainier and the Olympic Mountains. Because of its waterfront location, Ruston provides outdoor green spaces where residents can walk along the shoreline, dine and be entertained with the Puget Sound as a backdrop.
“Ruston is a tiny city that most of Tacoma locals recognize as, well, Tacoma,” says Jim Pullin, the managing broker with Skyline Properties. “However, Ruston has its own local jurisdiction as it decided to split off on its own in 2012.”
Since then, Ruston has established itself as a Seattle suburb with over 1,200 residents. Niche grants the city a B-plus score with diversity, public schools, outdoor activities, nightlife and health/fitness garnering the most praise from locals. It is ranked No. 21 as the best place to retire in the state. The community features the Totem Yacht Club and is minutes from the Ruston Way Waterwalk, enhancing the waterfront experience.
The city is named after industrial-era icon William R. Rust, who owned the Tacoma Smelting and Refining Company. It was Rust’s idea for the new town, which the residents decided to name in his honor when it was incorporated in 1906.
Residents of Ruston enjoying the water walk.
Ruston Way Has A Thriving Retail & Community.
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Mountain and water views with a suburban feel
Rolling, hilly streets with wide, well-maintained sidewalks have unobstructed views of the water and mountains. Like the roads, properties sit elevated with well-maintained yards. Architectural styles range from modern-Craftsman, classic box Colonials and even some newly renovated modern properties. Buyers can expect a four-bedroom, three-bathroom, 2,700-square-foot home to sell from $700,00 and up to $850,000, with properties increasing to around $1.5 million for a modern waterfront adjacent property. “It has a small suburban feel,” Pullin says. “It is a desirable area even though the market moves a tad slower than average because of its property values and the starting and continued development of the Point Ruston.”
As Point Ruston continues to expand, it will reflect a waterfront resort-inspired village where residents can shop, live, dine, work and play. Currently, there are residential properties such as condos and apartments, as well as shops and restaurants. Residents can explore the area by heading down Ruston Way to take a yoga class, try a meal from the Twisted Fork or check out the latest Hollywood blockbuster at Cinemark Century Point Ruston movie theater. In this area, residents take a stroll on the Ruston Way Waterwalk, gather for live music during the Summer Concert Series, which happens on select Thursdays and patron the Farmers Market, held at the Grand Plaza every Sunday morning.
Ruston is known for its hilly streets and beautiful views.
Take a boat out on commencement bay in the Ruston neighborhood.
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Top-rated schools post-secondary education
Children attend Tacoma Public Schools, which earns a B-minus on Niche and is one of the largest districts in the state, serving around 28,000 children. Ruston students begin their education at Point Defiance Elementary, ascend to Truman Middle and then graduate from Silas High. Silas garners a Niche score of a B grade, and uniquely, the high school is one of the only ones in the country to feature a fully equipped glass-blowing hot shop. Students can begin their post-secondary education at the University of Puget Sound, located 4 miles away. This liberal arts institution has over 1,200 courses in 50 areas of study.
Looking Towards The Main Enteance Of Silas High School.
Truman Middle School Main Plaza In Ruston.
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Waterfront walkways, parks and amenities
Besides leisurely walks, Ruston Way Waterwalk offers residents much more. The paved pedestrian-friendly area has eye-catching pavement murals, tile mosaics and other art to view as residents explore the area. Rust Park is right in the heart of the city and provides a playground, baseball field and a green space for picnics right along the streets of Ruston. Located just north of the neighborhood is the 760-acre Point Defiance Park which has outdoor activities to keep residents busy for days, where they can enjoy time on the Puget Sound by visiting Owen Beach. Favorite pastimes include hiking or driving through one of the forested trails or strolling through one of the multiple gardens, including a Japanese Garden. The park is also home to the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, which has 367 animal species, including polar bear twins.
Residents of Ruston can enjoy the outdoors with easy access to trails and beaches.
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is an amazing zoo with lots of animals to see.
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Local eateries and shops
Since the city is primarily residential, residents will have to drive over to Safeway in Tacoma for weekly groceries. However, there are a few local spots to grab a bite to eat, including The Antique Sandwich Shop, which was originally a grocery store built in 1916 but has been serving sandwiches since 1973. Unicorn Sports Bar is a popular spot to catch up with a friend over a drink.
Featuring postcard-like imagery with ample amenities, Ruston is a small city on the shores of Puget Sound just outside of Tacoma.
Folks enjoying a pick me up at Jewel Box Cafe in Ruston WA.
WildFin American Grill Is A Popular Hangout For Hungry Visitors On Ruston Way.
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Transportation
Ruston residents primarily use personal vehicles for transportation, although public transit options are accessible in Tacoma. Pierce Transit serves the Tacoma area with several bus lines operating every half hour or hourly.
There is a commuter ferry which docks at Point Defiance in the Ruston neighborhood.
Bus's are also an option for residents of the Ruston neighborhood.
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Photography Contributed By
Perry Cucinotta
Video By
Taylor Noll
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Chris Bajuk,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Ruston, WA sell after 23 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Ruston, WA over the last 12 months is $809,500, down 13% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome home to this stunning, light-filled 3,048 sq ft modern craftsman perfectly situated on an expansive 10,167 sq ft lot overlooking the beloved neighborhood William R. Rust Bequest Park. Just 25 years young, this meticulously cared-for 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath gem boasts timeless Brazilian Cherry flooring, high box-beam ceilings, wainscoting, & formal living spaces that flow into the
Seldom available and truly exceptional—one of only 12 residences in this 62-unit luxury building. This side-entry residence offers the privacy of an end unit with spacious, open-concept living and high-end finishes. Perched on the 3rd floor, this sophisticated condo captures expansive views of Puget Sound, majestic Mt. Rainier, Point Ruston and the surrounding landscape. Located adjacent to
Luxury living meets the comfort of a single-family home in this exceptional end-unit condo overlooking Point Ruston. Enjoy panoramic views of Commencement Bay, Mount Rainier, the Tacoma skyline, Olympic Mountains, and breathtaking territorial scenery from expansive windows and outdoor living spaces. This light-filled residence offers the privacy of an end unit with spacious, open-concept living,
VIEWS! VIEWS! VIEWS! Perched on a quiet dead-end street in Tacoma’s coveted North End, this home captures sweeping water, mountain, and territorial views from light-filled living spaces and an expansive deck. Thoughtfully updated with a newer HVAC system, permitted retaining wall, permitted deck upgrades with new beams and supports, new carpet and a NEW roof (2026), experience peace of mind for
Look no more! Here is the building site you have always wanted with unobstructed views! Surrounded by quality neighboring properties, you can build the home of your dreams! Enjoy the lights of Seattle & Browns Point, the Cascades & the Olympic Mountains, Vashon ferry & Quartermaster Harbor. Create spaces to savor the quiet moments or spaces for entertaining lavishly or casually. Bring your
Rare development opportunity in North Tacoma with partial Sound views and strong upside potential. Large property with short plat in progress, completion pending buyer’s performance bond. Lot 5 includes a permitted plan ready to go, requiring updates to meet current energy code. Plans are also available for Lot 4. Zoning and layout offer flexible build options, buyer to verify: Lot 1 to support
Experience Pacific Northwest living in Ruston, with expansive bay views. This unique home offers you golden sunrises over Mount Rainier and vivid pink sunsets behind the Olympic Mountains. Unwind in a massive primary retreat with a private master balcony, fireplace, walk in shower, Jacuzzi tub, wet bar with wine rack and walk in closet, and 2 additional bedrooms on upper floor. Basement is fully
Modern luxury meets coastal living in one of the South Sound's most desirable neighborhoods. Completely reimagined with exceptional craftsmanship and designer finishes, this stunning home offers partial Commencement Bay views just moments from Point Ruston, waterfront parks, dining, and trails. Situated on a private, fully fenced corner lot, it features two primary suites, a detached 2-car
Among the BEST locations in Ruston, this updated 'turn-key' turn of the century VIEW home is charming, unique, larger than life, & comes with a beautiful 400+ sq ft mother-in-law unit for extra income needs! Abounding with character & filled with natural light & sound views from every window, this home is simply amazing. Walk just a few steps down to hill to watch gorgeous sunsets (or a movie) at
Quiet luxury meets commanding views in this exceptional residence, quality built and sited on the premier lot of the development. Designed for the discerning buyer, this 3,665-square-foot home offers a refined balance of scale, comfort, and craftsmanship in one of Tacoma’s most coveted neighborhoods. Soaring ceilings and a dramatic wall of windows frame sweeping vistas of the Puget Sound, Vashon
Experience luxury waterfront living in this waterfront 3-bedroom, 3 bath Point Ruston condo, crafted for comfort, style, and a true vacation like lifestyle. Sunlit interiors, high ceilings, and rich hardwood floors create an inviting atmosphere, while expansive windows showcase sweeping views of Puget Sound and passing ship traffic. The open chef’s kitchen features quartz counters, premium
Priced to Sell!! Luxury Reimagined in the Heart of Ruston. Sophisticated, fully remodeled, and ideally positioned in sought-after Ruston, this exceptional 2,000 sq ft residence delivers modern luxury with effortless Pacific Northwest appeal. Featuring 4 spacious bedrooms and 2.5 beautifully updated baths, every detail has been thoughtfully curated for refined, move-in-ready living. A bright,
Wake up to waterfront Pacific Northwest beauty at Copperline at Point Ruston. Our pet-friendly 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom apartments pair stylish interiors with inspiring Puget Sound, mountain, and village views. Inside, enjoy modern touches like wood-style plank flooring, oversized windows, stainless-steel appliances, custom cabinetry, breakfast bars, and quartz countertops in select homes. Step
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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.
