$739,394Average Value$356Average Price per Sq Ft61Homes 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
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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 39 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in University Place, WA over the last 12 months is $675,000, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Beautifully remodeled 4-bedroom home in the highly sought-after Beckonridge community, known for its tree-lined streets, neighborhood amenities, & convenient location near Chambers Bay, parks, trails, shopping, & dining. Enjoy access to the community pool, tennis courts, and miles of walking trails that make this neighborhood such a special place to call home. Inside, spacious layout w/ natural
Welcome to Ketcham Knoll, where you'll discover a beautiful Murray Franklin home that offers the perfect blend of timeless style, comfort & functionality. Crisp white trim, fresh interior paint, rich hardwood floors, soaring ceilings, oversized picture windows & a thoughtfully designed floor plan create an inviting atmosphere w/room for everyone. The main level features formal living & dining
Located in gated Meadow View Estates, this exceptional one story walkout offers nearly an acre of park like tranquility on Leach Creek. The main level welcomes you with vaulted ceilings, skylights, and a seamless open concept kitchen, dining, and living area. Relax on the covered expansive deck, take in serene, private views of the wooded creek, manicured lawns, (riding lawnmower included) and
Welcome to easy, secure living in this spacious 1,116 sq ft first-floor condo offering true zero-step access and comfortable one-level living. Located in a well-built, established building, this 2 bedroom, 2 bath home combines convenience, peace of mind, and low-maintenance living. The thoughtful floor plan features a private primary suite with bath off the primary bedroom, generous living
IMPROVED PRICE! Meticulously maintained home in the heart of University Place & in the highly regarded UP School district. Enter into the living room w/gas fireplace, newer carpet & custom window treatments. Up 1/2 flight of stairs is the remodeled kitchen including granite counters, a large island w/bar seating, pantry storage, wine fridge, custom lighting & formal dining space. French doors
You need to see this beautiful 2498 sq it 2-story in the desirable Harvest Ridge neighborhood of University Place! Elegant entry with soaring ceilings lead into the open and vaulted kitchen/dining room/family room area with gas fireplace, hardwood floors, skylights and large windows that allow for tons of natural light. The main floor primary suite is a huge selling point and comes complete with
Welcome to this beautiful move-in-ready condo in the desirable University Place community. This home offers 3 bedrooms, 2.25 bathrooms, and 2,108 square feet of living space. Only 30 units, with your own private decks and backyard! The fully remodeled kitchen features modern finishes, and the bathrooms throughout have been updated. Bedrooms are located on both the main and lower levels, providing
Seller Pays One Full Year of HOA dues with a Full Price Offer!! 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
Beautifully remodeled 4-bedroom home in the highly sought-after Beckonridge community, known for its tree-lined streets, neighborhood amenities, & convenient location near Chambers Bay, parks, trails, shopping, & dining. Enjoy access to the community pool, tennis courts, and miles of walking trails that make this neighborhood such a special place to call home. Inside, spacious layout w/ natural
Serenity in the City! Tucked away on nearly an acre at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac in University Place, this beautiful 4-bedroom, 3-bath home offers the perfect blend of privacy, space, and convenience. Backing to peaceful woods and a creek, you'll enjoy a tranquil setting just minutes from shopping, golf, JBLM, and everyday amenities. Outdoor living shines with a spacious multi-level deck, hot
$400,000 in University Place! Opportunities like this are almost unheard. This 4-bedroom, 1.75-bath, 1,989 SF rambler on a 10,000 SF lot is ready for a full renovation and offers outstanding potential for investors, flippers, or buyers using rehab financing. Built in 1952, the home needs significant updating but provides the chance to create substantial equity in one of the area’s most desirable
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
Welcome home to the highly sought-after Oakbrook Country Club Condominiums! This beautifully maintained 1-bedroom, 1-bath home offers the perfect balance of comfort and convenience. Step into a bright, open living room featuring a cozy fireplace and a private covered deck overlooking the pool. The efficient galley kitchen includes a SS refrigerator, ample storage, and a washer/dryer. You'll love
One of the nicest ramblers in the area! This beautifully updated 1,298 sq ft home offers 3 bedrooms and 2 baths with thoughtful upgrades throughout. Featuring a new roof and new siding, this home is truly move-in ready. Step inside to a bright, open living space highlighted by a custom electric fireplace and designer finishes. The dream kitchen showcases stainless steel appliances, under-cabinet
Tucked away at the end of a private cul-de-sac in the heart of University Place, this stylish classic home offers a rare blend of timeless character and modern comfort. Situated on an expansive, oversized lot, the property greets you with immediate curb appeal and a sense of pride in ownership. Inside, the home is completely move-in ready, boasting a thoughtful layout that highlights its unique
At 27 West Apartments, experience modern living designed to match your lifestyle. Choose from brand-new garden-style homes surrounded by landscaped grounds or enjoy the elevated perspective of the tower building with expansive views. Located in University Place, the community places you close to everyday conveniences, commuter routes, and the natural beauty that defines the area-creating a
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 you're looking for.
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; it's 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
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
Conveniently located near Route 16, I-705 and I-5, The Boulders at Puget Sound provide the best apartment living that Tacoma has to offer. Shoot some hoops in our full-size, indoor basketball court, or enjoy year round swimming in our indoor pool. Enjoy views of Puget Sound and the famous Narrows Bridge, stroll down to Titlow Beach, or practice your swing at nearby Chambers Bay Golf Course,
Refined Living.Bayswater Apartments is a 34-unit community located in the desirable University Place neighborhood of Tacoma. Offering a mix of one- and two-bedroom floor plans, Bayswater blends peaceful residential charm with convenient access to local dining, shopping, and recreation.Units feature private balconies or patios, open-concept layouts, and functional kitchens. Covered
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
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
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, you'll find a year-round indoor pool and a large fitness center with strength and cardio equipment. If you've been searching for a
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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