South Creek’s rural community keeps close
In South Creek, winding country roads cut through thick forests, branching off into residential neighborhoods and farmland along gravel roads. The rural and residential area is situated south of Graham, about 8 miles northeast, and Joint Base Lewis-McChord, around 16 miles northwest. “It’s definitely country over here. It’s a small-town vibe where everybody knows everybody,” says Danni Hall, a waitress at Roundup Bar & Grill. “I know all of my customers on a first-name basis.”
Single-family homes from the 1980s to 2010s
In South Creek, some properties sit on large lots surrounded by thick trees, while others are accompanied by farmland. Ranch-style homes built between the 1980s and 2010s are common. Some have a simple vinyl exterior, while others have farmhouse features like front porches and patios. There are also spilt-level and bi-level homes in the area. Traditional multistory homes and farmhouses from the 1980s and 1990s are also popular, with front porches and while pillars. Contemporary multistory homes in the area have Craftsmen features such as pointed roofs and stone accents. Some of the properties from the 2010s have tucked-in garages. Housing prices in South Creek range from $450,000 to $900,000, depending on property size and additional acreage.
The CAP Index Crime Score in South Creek is 1 out of 10; compared to the national average of 4.
Recreation on nearby farms, golf courses and wildlife preserves
Old McDebbie’s Farm and Jim’s U-Fish is a second-generation farm attraction with free roaming animals and two fishing ponds. Visitors can pet goats and pigs, as well as see the exotic animal exhibits, which include everything from tortoises to camels and kangaroos. The Classic Golf Club is open to the public. The 18-hole course isabout 8 miles north of the area and the home course of Ryan Moore, of the PGA Tour.
South Creek’s namesake flows through the entire area. Additionally, the Morse Wildlife Preserve is a 90-acre habitat for native species, around 4 miles east. Multiple walking trails explore the area’s forests, prairie and wetlands.
Convenience stores and commerce along SR-7 and 224th Street
Commerce is limited in South Creek. Barney & Bernie’s Grocery Deli is a small convenience store, located alongside a gas station on state Route 7, also known as Mountain Highway. Johnson’s Corner Grocery & Deli is another, to the south. Next door is Roundup Bar & Grill, a casual eatery serving breakfast and burgers. “I feel like a majority of our customers are farmers. We’re across the street from a feed store, so that should tell you,” Hall says. “We’re the only restaurant in the area.”
For more options, Bethel Station is about 5 miles north on SR-7, also known as Mountain Highway. The business center has Fred Meyer for groceries, plus a Dollar Tree and Rite Aid. Tonala Mexican Restaurant serves authentic cuisine. From Bethel Station, traveling east on 224th Street will lead to Graham Town Center. Amici Italian Eatery is a family-owned restaurant specializing in Italian fare and brick oven pizza. Fast-food options in the area include Jack in the Box and Papa Murphy’s. National retailers and big-box stores are found over by the Pierce County Airport, around 12 miles northeast of South Creek. This includes a Walmart Supercenter, Target and dozens of chain restaurants.
Getting educated at Bethel public schools
Children living in South Creek can attend schools in the Bethel School District. Rocky Ridge Elementary School earns a C-plus grade from Niche and Cougar Mountain Middle School scores a B-minus. From there, students can head to the C-plus-rated Bethel High School, which offers the Cambridge Program, allowing students the opportunity to earn the Cambridge AICE Diploma based on international studies standards. Students can also participate in the Air Force JROTC.
Traveling though South Creek and beyond
South Creek’s rural landscape has winding country and gravel roads – both require a vehicle to navigate. SR-7 travels north and south directly east of the area. Commuters can use this route to reach Joint Base Fort Lewis-McChord and downtown Tacoma, which is 23 miles north. The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, or SeaTac, is roughly 43 miles away.
