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West Fife

West Fife

Suburban Neighborhood in Fife, Washington

Pierce County 98424

$503,723 Average Value
$316 Average Price per Sq Ft
1 Home For Sale

West Fife’s commercial character with hidden homes

People who are just passing through West Fife might miss that there are houses in the neighborhood. “The character definitely changes as you go through the area,” says Colleen Dutmers, a broker with Keller Williams who has worked in the area for over 20 years. “Driving on I-5, it’s more industrial and you’ve got lots of semis driving through the area.” But behind the warehouses and truck stops, a small number of homes cluster together along a few neighborhood streets. Whether it’s the lower prices than many nearby areas or the highway that passes through the neighborhood, West Fife serves as more than just an industrial hub for those who live there.

I-5 cut through the West Fife neighborhood.
I-5 cut through the West Fife neighborhood.
Trucks await their cargo at a West Fife depot.
Trucks await their cargo at a West Fife depot.
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Older houses and new homes near the Puyallup River

Given its commercial character, West Fife residents may drive through a business park or past warehouses to their homes, many of which were built between the 1940s and 1950s. The scattered houses don’t conform to a unified aesthetic, but ranches and smaller cottages generally dominate the neighborhood. Adjacent to the Puyallup River, the southern tip of West Fife holds a development of contemporary Craftsman single-family homes and townhouses, built in the last 20 years. Those sell around $400,000, while the older builds in the neighborhood generally go from $300,000 to $600,000. “There are some pretty nice homes there, and definitely more affordable compared to surrounding areas,” Dutmers says.

A very unusual geodesic shaped home for sale in West Fife.
A very unusual geodesic shaped home for sale in West Fife.
This cul-de-sac in West Fife features beautiful Craftsman inspired homes.
This cul-de-sac in West Fife features beautiful Craftsman inspired homes.
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Easy access to I-5

The Pierce Transit System provides bus stops throughout West Fife, making it easier for residents to reach downtown Tacoma, and buses run from downtown Tacoma to Seattle as well. However, it’s easiest to get around from the neighborhood by car, as the I-5 cutting through the neighborhood leads directly to Tacoma in the west while the opposite direction heads towards Seattle. The 30-mile drive north to Seattle goes right by Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, one of the busiest airports on the West Coast.

Pierce County Metro has many options available for transportation in West Fife.
Pierce County Metro has many options available for transportation in West Fife.
Downtown Seattle can be accessed by bus from downtown Tacoma.
Downtown Seattle can be accessed by bus from downtown Tacoma.
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Plenty of fast food with local options like Poodle Dog

The warehouses of West Fife make it a logical place for wholesale retailers and outlet stores, and plenty of car dealerships line up on either side of Interstate 5, which extends east to west down the middle of the neighborhood. Fast food chains such as Jack in the Box and travel stops cluster together, as many truckers coming from the Port of Tacoma pass through West Fife to begin their journeys. Amid all this, some local mainstays have stuck around such as Poodle Dog Restaurant, a retro diner that has served up breakfast favorites for over 90 years. Meanwhile, residents head to Emish Market for groceries, just about a mile east of the neighborhood.

Poodle Dog Restaurant in West Fife.
Poodle Dog Restaurant in West Fife.
Emish Market in West Fife is a delightful Ukranian grocery store.
Emish Market in West Fife is a delightful Ukranian grocery store.
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Checking out Dacca Park and the Fife History Museum

West Fife’s industrial feel means the area lacks many green spaces for residents to enjoy, but there are a few parks hidden throughout the neighborhood, the biggest of which is Dacca Park. Residents play softball or baseball on the fields, or can check out the Fife History Museum located on the park’s grounds. On the north side of the neighborhood, the Hylebos Wildlife Trail follows its namesake creek. Walkers and joggers also enjoy following the Puyallup River on the Levee Trail.

Dacca Park is spacious and well maintained.
Dacca Park is spacious and well maintained.
Dacca Park is beautiful in any seasonof the year.
Dacca Park is beautiful in any seasonof the year.
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Highly rated Fife schools

Kids in West Fife attend schools in the Fife School District, starting with Discovery Primary School. The kindergarten through first-grade school was graded an A-minus by Niche. Students then move on to Hedden Elementary School for second grade until fifth and Surprise Lake Middle School for sixth and seventh, each given a B. The B-rated Columbia Junior High School is next for eighth and ninth grade before students finish up at Fife High School. The high school, which received a B-plus grade, has clubs such as Automotive Club, Future Business Leaders of America, and Pep Band.

Entrance of Columbia Junior High School in West Fife.
Entrance of Columbia Junior High School in West Fife.
Columbia Junior High School in West Fife.
Columbia Junior High School in West Fife.
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Fife Car Show and more

The city of Fife puts on plenty of events for its residents. While many of these are in East Fife, Fife’s yearly car show takes place in West Fife at the Fife History Museum. Held each June, the show includes local vendors and awards for the best cars. Other events include holiday celebrations and Movies in the Park each summer. Meanwhile, locals and out-of-towners alike visit Emerald Queen Casino in the neighborhood for entertainment, including a concert series.

Important to know

Like much of the broader Seattle area, the homelessness crisis has impacted West Fife. The city of Fife has prioritized working to clear encampments and has started a job and temporary housing program for unhoused people in the city.

Brendan Doyle
Written By
Brendan Doyle
Perry Cucinotta
Photography Contributed By
Perry Cucinotta
Bob Yukich
Video By
Bob Yukich

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Sheryl McLaren, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Seattle-Tacoma International

29 min drive

Bus

Pacific HWY E & 54th Ave E

Bus

54th Ave E & 20th St E

Bus

20th St E & Goldau Rd E

Bus

20th St E & 51st Ave E

Bus

20th St E & Industry Dr E

Bus

Pacific HWY E & Alexander Ave E

Bus

Pacific HWY E & 46th Ave E

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime West Fife US
Homicide 3 4
Sexual Assault 3 4
Assault with Weapon 3 4
Robbery 3 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 4 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 4 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$490,000
Median Single Family Price
$575,000
Median Townhouse Price
$349,950
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$387,500
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$316
Number of Homes for Sale
1
Last 12 months Home Sales
10
Months of Supply
1.20
Median List Price
$550,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
3%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
10%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
271
Median Year Built
1956
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,670
Below the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,117
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,291
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
13,068

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Sheryl McLaren, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
1,677
Median Age
37
Population Density
2 ppl/acre
Population under 18
26.7%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
13.1%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$59,482
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$74,647

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
86.2%
College Graduates
25.3%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
3.3%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
62.9%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
43''
Average Winter Low Temperature
33°F
Average Summer High Temperature
75°F
Annual Snowfall
7''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

38 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

27 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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Reviews

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
West Fife