Considering a move to Puyallup? Learn what life's like in this South Sound gem — from housing costs and commute times to the neighborhoods locals love most.
Moving to Puyallup means trading rush-hour noise for mountain views and community events. Nestled between Tacoma and the Cascade foothills, this South Sound city has become a favorite for families, commuters, and retirees alike.
Known for its parks, excellent schools, and central location, Puyallup offers a blend of small-town warmth and modern convenience — with a cost of living that's still more approachable than neighboring Seattle or Bellevue.
Where Exactly Is Puyallup?
Puyallup sits about 10 miles southeast of Tacoma and roughly 35 miles from downtown Seattle. It's part of Pierce County, surrounded by green valleys and framed by Mount Rainier to the east. The city has easy access to major routes like SR-512, SR-167, and I-5 — making commutes to nearby cities straightforward.
JBLM (Joint Base Lewis-McChord) is about a 25-minute drive, and Sound Transit's Puyallup Station offers train service north to Seattle, making it a strong option for those working in the metro area but wanting space and community at home.
Key distances from Puyallup:
- Downtown Tacoma: 10 miles (15-20 minutes)
- Downtown Seattle: 35 miles (45-60 minutes by car, 1 hour by Sounder train)
- Sea-Tac Airport: 20 miles (25-35 minutes)
- Joint Base Lewis-McChord: 15 miles (20-25 minutes)
- Mount Rainier National Park: 60 miles (90 minutes)
- Bellevue: 45 miles (50-70 minutes)
The Sounder commuter train runs weekdays from Puyallup Station to Seattle's King Street Station, with stops in Tacoma, Tukwila, and other key locations. This makes car-free commuting a realistic option for professionals working downtown.
Cost of Living in Puyallup
Compared to King County, Puyallup remains relatively affordable. Median home prices typically sit 15–25% lower than those in Seattle's suburbs, while utilities, groceries, and transportation costs align with Washington's state averages.
2025 Housing Market Snapshot:
- Median home price: roughly $575,000–$625,000
- Average rent (3-bedroom home): around $2,000–$2,400/month
- Property tax rate: approximately 1.1% of assessed value
- Sales tax: 10.3% (Pierce County rate)
- No state income tax: Washington has no personal income tax
Puyallup balances cost and quality: you'll find well-maintained neighborhoods, modern amenities, and a strong sense of value for your housing dollar. Compared to similar communities in King County or Snohomish County, buyers often get more square footage, larger lots, and newer construction for the same budget.
Other living expenses:
- Utilities: Electric, gas, water, and garbage typically run $200–$300/month for an average home
- Groceries: Slightly higher than the national average, consistent with Washington State
- Childcare: Full-time daycare averages $1,200–$1,600/month
- Gas prices: Tend to track with Seattle metro averages
Get a Personalized Relocation Consultation
Relocating involves more than finding a house — it's about finding the right neighborhood, understanding commute times, and connecting with local resources. I provide comprehensive relocation services to make your transition smooth and stress-free.
Contact Clif TodayBest Neighborhoods for New Residents
South Hill
Ideal for families and commuters, South Hill features newer developments, shopping centers, and parks. It's minutes from Good Samaritan Hospital and top-rated schools, making it one of the area's most sought-after ZIP codes.
Why newcomers love South Hill:
- Newer construction with modern layouts and energy efficiency
- Easy access to SR-512 and SR-167 for commuting
- Multiple shopping centers, restaurants, and services
- Highly-rated schools within the Puyallup School District
- Parks, trails, and recreational facilities nearby
Downtown Puyallup
Walkable, historic, and full of local flavor — downtown offers bungalows, craftsman homes, and access to the farmers market, city library, and train station. It's perfect for those who prefer walkability and community character over newer construction.
Why newcomers love Downtown:
- Walkable streets with sidewalks, shops, and restaurants
- Access to Puyallup Station for Sounder train commuting
- Historic architecture and established tree-lined streets
- Weekly farmers market and community events
- Proximity to Pioneer Park, library, and recreation center
Sunrise & Manorwood
Hillside neighborhoods with mature landscaping, scenic views, and established communities — perfect for buyers looking for space and quiet. These areas offer larger lots and a sense of permanence that appeals to families and retirees alike.
Why newcomers love Sunrise & Manorwood:
- Spacious lots with mature trees and privacy
- Quiet streets with minimal through-traffic
- Mix of original homeowners and new families
- Well-maintained homes with character
- Strong neighborhood associations and community feel
Commute & Transportation Options
One of Puyallup's biggest advantages for relocating professionals is its strategic location. Whether you're commuting to Seattle, Tacoma, JBLM, or working remotely with occasional office visits, Puyallup offers multiple transportation options.
Sounder Commuter Train: Weekday service from Puyallup Station to Seattle (approximately 1 hour), with stops in Tacoma, Tukwila, and other key locations. Many professionals use the train to avoid I-5 traffic and enjoy productive commute time.
Pierce Transit: Local bus service connecting Puyallup neighborhoods to downtown, shopping centers, and neighboring cities. Route 400 provides express service to Tacoma.
Major highways: SR-512 provides quick access to I-5 and I-405. SR-167 connects to Auburn, Kent, and Renton. Traffic typically flows well except during peak commute hours (7-9 AM and 4-6 PM).
Health Care & Daily Essentials
Health care access is one of Puyallup's strongest relocation benefits. MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital anchors the city's medical community, offering advanced care, 24-hour emergency services, and specialty departments like cardiology, orthopedics, and women's health.
Dozens of clinics and urgent care centers — including Kaiser Permanente, Indigo Urgent Care, and Franciscan Medical Group — are spread throughout South Hill and downtown. Pharmacies, grocery stores, and fitness centers are never more than a few minutes away.
For veterans, VA Puget Sound Health Care System's American Lake Division is about 30 minutes south in Lakewood, providing comprehensive care for service members and their families.
Shopping and services:
- South Hill Mall: Major retailers, restaurants, and entertainment
- Downtown Puyallup: Local boutiques, cafés, and services
- Grocery options: Fred Meyer, Safeway, Walmart, Costco, and WinCo
- Hardware stores: Home Depot, Lowe's, Ace Hardware
- Fitness centers: LA Fitness, Anytime Fitness, YMCA, and Puyallup Recreation Center
Lifestyle & Local Highlights
Puyallup is known for its friendly pace. The Washington State Fairgrounds host concerts, festivals, and events year-round — including the Washington State Fair (formerly Puyallup Fair), one of the largest agricultural fairs in the nation.
Pioneer Park, Bradley Lake Park, and the Foothills Trail invite outdoor recreation in every season. Whether you're into hiking, biking, fishing, or simply taking evening walks with mountain views, Puyallup provides ample opportunities to stay active.
The downtown core offers local restaurants, cafés, breweries, and boutiques. The Saturday farmers market (April through October) has become a regional favorite, featuring local produce, artisan goods, live music, and food trucks.
Nearby outdoor recreation:
- Mount Rainier National Park: 90 minutes away for hiking, camping, and scenic drives
- Lake Tapps: 15 minutes for boating, fishing, and waterfront dining
- Puget Sound beaches: 45 minutes to Gig Harbor and Vashon Island
- Crystal Mountain: 2 hours to skiing and snowboarding
Ready to Make the Move?
From virtual home tours to coordinating moving services, I provide full relocation support for families moving to Puyallup from across the country. Let's make your transition seamless and stress-free.
Schedule a ConsultationRelocation Tips for a Smooth Move
Moving to a new city requires planning and local knowledge. Here are insider tips to make your relocation to Puyallup as smooth as possible:
- Connect with a local agent early: Home inventory moves quickly in Puyallup's competitive market. Working with a local expert ensures you don't miss out on the right property.
- Research commute options before committing: Test drive your commute during rush hours or try the Sounder train to understand travel times and traffic patterns.
- Transfer utilities early: PSE (Puget Sound Energy) handles electricity and gas. City of Puyallup manages water, sewer, and garbage. Set up accounts 2-3 weeks before your move-in date.
- Register locally: Update your voter registration, driver's license (within 30 days), and vehicle registration through Pierce County within 30 days of establishing residency.
- Explore schools in person: If relocating with children, visit schools during the application process to get a feel for campus culture and programs.
- Join local groups: Facebook groups like "Puyallup Community" help newcomers connect, find recommendations, and learn about local events.
- Budget for moving costs: Professional movers within Washington typically charge $100-$150/hour for local moves. Long-distance moves vary based on distance and volume.
Frequently Asked Questions
Settling In: Why Puyallup Feels Like Home
Relocating can be a leap of faith, but in Puyallup, it feels like a soft landing. Between its beautiful scenery, accessible amenities, and strong community spirit, the city offers balance that's hard to find elsewhere in the region.
Newcomers often comment on how quickly they feel welcomed — whether it's neighbors introducing themselves, conversations at the farmers market, or the ease of getting involved in local activities. Puyallup isn't just a place to live; it's a place to belong.
If you're considering making Puyallup your home, I'm here to help every step of the way. From neighborhood selection to closing day and beyond, my goal is to make your relocation as smooth and stress-free as possible.