$721,284Average Value$352Average Price per Sq Ft46Homes For Sale
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.
University Place is a frequent choice for families drawn to A‑rated schools.
Families gather for Music on the Square before grabbing dinner nearby.
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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.
Chambers Creek Regional Park pairs workouts with Puget Sound and bluff views.
Chambers Creek Regional Park includes Chambers Bay Golf Course, host of the 2015 U.S. Open.
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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.
Hillside homes in University Place often enjoy treetop or water views.
Spacious single‑family homes are common throughout University Place.
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"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.
Foss High School welcomes students on cool winter mornings.
Evergreen Primary School sits within the A‑rated University Place School District.
Drum Intermediate School is part of the A‑rated University Place School District.
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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.
Winter days draw pedestrians along Bridgeport Way and 27th Street.
Tacoma’s only Trader Joe’s is located in University Place.
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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.
Written By
Daniel Berti
Photography Contributed By
Perry Cucinotta
Video By
Lucas Dyke
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Kent Beahler,
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.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in University Place, WA sell after 35 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in University Place, WA over the last 12 months is $668,749, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to the sought-after gated community of Pemberton Creek. This beautifully updated, open-concept home features an upgraded kitchen with newer appliances, farmhouse sink, quartz countertops and a striking backsplash. The Great Room offers a cozy gas fireplace, skylights, and a new slider to the patio and private backyard. With 2 bedrooms, 2 full baths, a home office/den, a primary suite with
Truly one-of-a-kind waterfront retreat on the coveted Day Island spit. Perfectly positioned at the furthest southern tip of the island, this property offers unmatched privacy with no neighbors to the south, east, or west—and unobstructed panoramic views of the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains. Watch eagles soar, seals play, and boats drift by from your front yard—an ever-changing masterpiece of
Step into modern elegance in this one-owner split-entry home, nestled in the heart of Lakewood’s desirable Oakbrook community. This fully renovated 4-bedroom, 3-bath home is a true showstopper, blending contemporary design with breathtaking views of Puget Sound, Chambers Creek Park, and the majestic Olympic Mountains.The open-concept main level is an entertainer’s dream, featuring seamless flow
Welcome to this charming rambler in the heart of University Place, just a short walk to parks, scenic trails, and the renowned Chambers Bay Golf Course. Tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac in the desirable Bristonwood neighborhood, this home offers comfort, privacy, and a wonderful lifestyle. Situated on a large, partially fenced lot, the property features beautiful landscaping and easy-to-maintain
Discover this well-maintained 2 bed, 1.5 bath top-floor condo nestled in a gated community. With 933 sq ft of living space, this home features a cozy wood-burning fireplace, private balcony off the eat-in kitchen, and an additional front deck to enjoy the outdoors. The spacious primary bedroom includes a walk-in closet and en-suite half bath. Convenient in-unit laundry adds practicality, while a
Step into comfort and style with this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home located in the highly sought-after Martha’s Vineyard gated community. Offering 2,091 sq. ft. of inviting living space on a 4,637 sq. ft. lot, this residence blends privacy, convenience, and elegance. Features include an open-concept layout with gleaming hardwood floors, a bright kitchen with crisp white
Comfortable living in a prime Oakbrook location defines this top-floor, end-unit condo with access to Oakbrook Golf Club, its on-site restaurant, and two swimming pools and community club house. Just minutes from shopping, dining, and nearby walking trails, this home offers both convenience and a peaceful setting. The light-filled living room features a cozy fireplace and sliding glass doors that
Charming, restored 1940s home showcasing expansive views of the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains. Tastefully remodeled throughout, this home blends classic character with modern updates. The gourmet kitchen features Bosch and Wolf appliances, a 6-burner gas range, newer cabinetry, countertops, and backsplash—plus sweeping views from every kitchen window. Refurbished hardwood floors run
Beautifully updated inside and out with Two Primary Suites! Located in Stonewood, fabulous University Place neighborhood. 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 2 car attached carport. Upgrades include creating the Primary Bedroom Suite on the lower level, remodeled 3/4 bath, new walk-in closet. New 1/2 bath on the lower level. Remodeled kitchen with Quartz counters, appliances, fixtures, new LVP flooring, new
Experience easy living in the largest single-level floor plan The Ranch has to offer. This 3 bedroom, 2 bath condo, features plenty of windows and skylights to create a warm atmosphere. The open layout connects the kitchen, dining, and living areas seamlessly. The spacious primary suite includes a walk-in closet and an ensuite bath with dual sinks and a walk-in shower. The second bedroom and bath
FULLY UPDATED 4 bed, 2.75 bath home in a prime University Place location! Situated at the top of a quiet cul-de-sac, this home is a MUST SEE! Boasting over 2660 sq ft, the main level offers great natural light, spacious masterbedroom w/updated bath, 2nd bdrm, modern kitchen w/new appliances, large island w/waterfall quartz countertops, & contemporary finishes. Downstairs includes a large rec room
Come and see all that this private and secluded sanctuary in the middle University Place has to offer! At the end of the dead end road this tastefully updated home on a nearly half acre lot blends charm with modern convenience. The oversized carport and detached garage with shop space make this property truly unique. High vaulted ceilings and large windows on the open concept main level
Beautifully maintained tri-level condo in a prime location! This 3-bed home features soaring tongue-and-groove ceilings, exposed beams, and an airy open layout. The updated kitchen boasts an oversized island and new appliances! Bonus room upstairs + extra storage off the lower bath. 2 bathrooms low Hoa dues!Private, fully fenced outdoor space with covered deck and patio—no lawn maintenance
Alta University Place provides a unique contemporary living experience with refined style and abundant amenities in a spacious community. Centrally located adjacent to Tacoma and Puget Sound, our apartments are everything youre looking for.
Welcome to peaceful living at Oakbrook Country Club. This beautifully maintained condo blends comfort, function, and modern style in one of the area’s most desirable communities. The thoughtfully designed floor plan features a spacious primary suite with a private full bath, elegant vanity, and walk-in closet. The bright kitchen is both stylish and practical, showcasing stainless steel
Welcome to The Rigney, a new garden-style community of modern homes curated for everyday comfort in University Place, WA. Here, timeless character meets contemporary living, giving you more than just an apartment; its a place to thrive.Our story begins with the Rigney family, who built their first home on this land generations ago. Today, that legacy continues with one, two, and
2 bedroom 1 bath townhouse style apartment for lease! 2 bedrooms and 1 bath upstairs. Main floor boasts a kitchen with room for dining table, laundry, and family room with decorative fireplace. Newer kitchen with Stainless Steel appliances, quartz counters, large single basin sink, garbage disposal range stove. Newer lighting fixtures, vanity, toilet & fixtures in bathroom. Bathroom has heated
Welcome home to Boardwalk at University Place Apartments, an idyllic retreat in University Place where you can find beauty and comfort. A sense of brilliance illuminates our newly renovated, spacious studios, carriage houses, and one- and two-bedroom apartments - glistening modern countertops, white cabinetry, wood plank flooring, stainless steel appliances, and wide windows of light. Encircled
Take your living experience to new heights and join us at the new Bridgeview 125 Apartments. Ideally located, our University Place apartments blend seamlessly with the fast pace of the city while also providing a tranquil environment for you to enjoy and unwind at. Pets welcome!Utmost relaxation and stress-free lifestyle, thats what comes attached with living on our finely landscaped
Discover the feeling of home at Hiddenvale Apartments. Located in Pierce County, Hiddenvale Apartments is ideally positioned in a quiet residential neighborhood between University Park, Lakewood, and Tacoma - tailored for comfort and convenience. Hiddenvale Apartments is a pet friendly community that offers a wider range of modern amenities for our residents to enjoy. Each of our 143-unit
At The Duo Apartments, we take urban living to new heights. Our apartments in University Place blend seamlessly with the city, giving you the perfect home to unwind at the end of the day. We are proud to offer residents a brand-new community jam-packed with shared commodities such as a newly designed fitness center, an outdoor patio lounge and barbecue area, and a rec room. Our friendly and
Welcome to laid-back living at Stonepointe, our community of classic University Place, WA, apartments. Upgraded 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartments feature spacious floor plans, custom cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and hardwood-style flooring. In the community, youll find a year-round indoor pool and a large fitness center with strength and cardio equipment. If you've been searching for a
Proudly presenting Latitude 47 Apartments, a community blending style and convenience to your delight. Make one of our University Place, WA, apartments your new home, and indulge in everything they offer. Starting with the long list of features and services to the impressively designed, spacious layoutstheres no room for disappointment.Cozy up with your four-legged companion in any of the
Experience the best that University Place and the South Sound have to offer. Boasting a variety of floor plans ranging from thoughtfully designed Studios to amazing Two-Bedrooms, all featuring indulgent finishes and high-end appliances. Larson residents are able to perfectly balance work and play with planned amenities like a private fitness and yoga studio, and reservable office space and
Welcome to Abbey Lane Apartments in University Place, where modern living meets a vibrant community. Nestled in a serene neighborhood, our spacious apartments offer a perfect blend of comfort and convenience. Residents enjoy easy access to beautiful parks, shopping, and dining, all while being part of an area served by an award-winning school system. Experience a lifestyle that prioritizes
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