No university but lots of recreations and great schools
Despite being called University Place or U.P., it’s not a neighborhood with a university. It’s a larger city that looks like a suburb, but inside, there’s an abundance of outdoor recreation and great schools. “Number one reason people move there is the schools,” says Stephanie Patrick, Real Estate Broker at RE/MAX Exclusive. “It is a draw for families because of the highly rated schools.” The University Place School District ranks in the top 10 districts in the state by Niche. But besides the schools, it’s home to the Chambers Creek Regional Park, which holds the Chambers Bay golf course, where professional golfers played in 2015 for the U.S. Open. Residents also here receive a sense of place through the proximity to Puget Sound, allowing for a calm night; however, locals can quickly get to the excitement of Tacoma.
Chambers Creek for all outdoor fun
Chambers Creeks Regional Park is the largest park located on the southwest end. “Chambers Bay is the main spot for outdoor recreations; there’s a bridge where people go to the waterfront and walk along the course,” Patrick says. “There’s a clubhouse where people can eat and grab a drink. There are a lot of areas where people do walk around, like the dog park or two-mile walking trail.” Locals often head to the beach area to swim in the salt waters of Puget Sound or view the sunset. Chambers Bay Golf Course provides an 18-hole hilly course that overlooks the mountains. Outside of Chambers Creek, there are neighborhood parks across the area, where amenities can include playgrounds, athletic fields or tennis and pickleball courts.
Diverse selection of waterfront homes
While UP mainly has single-family homes, there are a handful of apartments and condos since about 50% of residents are renters. Condos are scattered but mostly inland; places near the water’s edge often have Olympia Mountain views. Two-bedrooms can cost around $250,000 and stretch above $600,000. Single-family houses are more widespread and usually have two-car garages and shaded trees for privacy. “There are a lot of traditional homes and water-view homes; people like water-view homes because they can see the sunset,” Patrick says. Ramblers under three bedrooms cost below $600,000, whereas split-levels and water or mountain view homes cost over $600,000 and peak around $2 million.
"A" rated education from University Place Schools
University Place School District rates an A on Niche and has an average graduation rate of 96%. The area has four elementary schools, but most students attend Sunset Primary School. The school received an A from Niche and serves preschool through fourth grade. Afterward, Narrow View Intermediate School serves grades five through seven, earning an A from Niche. Eighth and ninth graders study at A-rated Curtis Junior High. Students can enroll in 14 different clubs and activities after school. Students can earn diplomas from Curtis Senior High, which has an A from Niche.
Local bites on Bridgeport and 27th
Locals often dwell towards Bridgeport Way or 27th Street for a quick bite. Happy Duo Café draws a smile on diners' faces for their latte art and welcoming environment. Locals are standing in lines at Lefty’s Burger Stand for a comforting meal. “A friend of mine owns Lefty’s Burgers; it’s an old-fashioned burger place,” Patrick says. “You'll see people hanging outside and ordering burgers and fries.” Sweet tooths are satisfied by Bliss Small Batch Creamery, which provides everyday and vegan flavors along with rotating through seasonal ones. For retail shopping, Green Firs Towne Center holds a HomeGoods. Tacoma’s only Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s are in the neighborhood.
Duck Daze Ahead
U.P. has several seasonal events yearly, but Duck Daze is the most beloved occasion. Crowds draw to the area’s Market Street wearing their duck uniforms and blasting their kazoos to kick off the day-long event featuring literal ducks. Afterward, folks gather at the Village at Chambers Bay to participate in activities, eat from food trucks, and enjoy live music. As a kickoff to the fall season, residents drive to the city’s Curran Apple Orchard for Community Harvest Day. Usually held on the first weekend of September, the community arrives with their bags ready to pick apples from untaped trees.
Six miles from Tacoma
University Place is a car-dependent area. While interstates don’t run directly through the area, Route 16 is the main Tacoma route that’s 5 miles away. Interstate 5 is also 5 miles away east, where drivers can get to Seattle in 38 miles. “Most people work around Tacoma or stick around Pierce County; some could go up north to Seattle, but it’s a commute,” Patrick says. Seattle Tacoma (SeaTac) International Airport is the nearest metro airport, 30 miles away. Travelers can get nonstop services to over 120 destinations.
Photography Contributed By
Landon Gauthier
