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Fircrest

Fircrest

Suburban Neighborhood in Washington

Pierce County 98466

Neighborhood Reviews
4.1
$639,460 Average Value
$331 Average Price per Sq Ft
9 Homes For Sale

Many homes have front yard sculptures

A unique characteristic of the City of Fircrest is the 30-plus chainsaw sculptures planted in residents' front yards. According to local lore, the sculptures became a way to deal with the area's abundance of trees. When a tree grew too big or was not wanted, residents would carve it, usually into a bear figure, as an act of partial preservation. It's common practice for residents to dress the bears in seasonal attire. Tucked between Tacoma and University Place, the city offers a popular golf course, several community parks and peaceful neighborhoods. "Fircrest offers so much," says Joyce Shipley, an 18-year Realtor with Windermere Professional Partners who sells approximately two homes a year in the city. "Most residents don't leave, so turnover is slow. Taxes are also lower here."

Go check out the famous front lawn bear sculptures in Fircrest.
Go check out the famous front lawn bear sculptures in Fircrest.
Play 18 holes at the Fircrest Golf Club.
Play 18 holes at the Fircrest Golf Club.
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A destination for midcentury homes

Douglas firs and dense vegetation line the winding streets, which do not have sidewalks. One of the characteristics of Fircrest — an effort by the town to distinguish itself — is the streets named after universities, such as Harvard Avenue, Columbia Avenue, Dartmouth Street and Princeton Street. The homes that populate these blocks and others around the city largely fit under the midcentury and modern architectural style categories — from ramblers to Colonial revivals. Most homes were built between the 1930s and 1970s, though newer houses continue to be developed. Yards run between 1,000 and 10,000 square feet, and most homes have garages. With prices that range between $450,000 and $855,000, Fircrest has been dubbed the Jewel of Pierce County.

Residential streets in Fircrest are lined with charming ramblers and cottage style architecture.
Residential streets in Fircrest are lined with charming ramblers and cottage style architecture.
Fircrest is populated by many mid-century and colonial revival homes.
Fircrest is populated by many mid-century and colonial revival homes.
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High school offers IB classes

Most of Fircrest is part of the Tacoma School District, but the city also bleeds into the University Place School District. Students can start their education at Whittier Elementary School, which has an overall score of C from Niche. Wainwright Intermediate School has a C-plus. Foss High School, which has a Niche score of C-plus, offers an International Baccalaureate program.

Students in Fircrest attend Foss Highschool.
Students in Fircrest attend Foss Highschool.
Whittier Elementary School serves Fircrest students from pre-kindergarten through 5th grade.
Whittier Elementary School serves Fircrest students from pre-kindergarten through 5th grade.
Entrance to main office for Whittier Elementary School.
Entrance to main office for Whittier Elementary School.
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Parks with lots to offer

Fircrest has multiple parks sprinkled in the area. Fircrest Park stretches about 10 acres and includes a playground, basketball court, swimming pool, wading pool and ball fields. Situated within the park is the Roy H. Murphy Community Center, a focal point of activity in Fircrest, which houses a fitness room, a gymnasium and a youth room. There's also the 7-acre Thelma Gilmur Park across town, which contains foot trails surrounding a wetland area. The 100-year-old Fircrest Golf Club is another recreation hub in town. The 18-hole golf course is considered one of the best in the state of Washington and plays up to almost 6,900 yards. The club also houses a restaurant, a pool area and a fitness facility.

Play 18 holes at the Fircrest Golf Club.
Play 18 holes at the Fircrest Golf Club.
Walking your pup is a normal site to see in Thelma Gilmur Park.
Walking your pup is a normal site to see in Thelma Gilmur Park.
China Lake Nature Area comprises 31 acres of trail and wetland.
China Lake Nature Area comprises 31 acres of trail and wetland.
Walking your pup is a normal site to see in Thelma Gilmur Park.
Walking your pup is a normal site to see in Thelma Gilmur Park.
Mother and child enjoying the Fircrest Park playground.
Mother and child enjoying the Fircrest Park playground.
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Espresso drinks are five minutes away

For basic grocery and retail needs, residents can drive 3 miles on back roads to the James Center, anchored by Fred Meyer. One of Shipley's favorites is Espresso Yourself, offering a full complement of coffee drinks, milkshakes, smoothies and more. "They make wonderful soups and sandwiches," Shipley says. Other restaurants within the community include Westside Pizza, popular for their customizable offerings; Spring Lake Cafe, known for their chicken and waffles; and Los Tapatios Mexican Taqueria, which offers one-of-a-kind taco varieties.

Stop for a hot drink at Cafe Elite in Fircrest.
Stop for a hot drink at Cafe Elite in Fircrest.
Get some work done and grab a coffee at Espresso Yourself in Fircrest.
Get some work done and grab a coffee at Espresso Yourself in Fircrest.
Choices, choices...so many things to choose from at the James Center Fred Meyers.
Choices, choices...so many things to choose from at the James Center Fred Meyers.
James Center Fred Meyers in Fircrest WA has what you are looking for.
James Center Fred Meyers in Fircrest WA has what you are looking for.
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Fun days for the whole family

In July, the Fircrest Fun Days is a signature community event — a two-day extravaganza with live music, a kid zone, a pet parade, a beer garden and much more. The event is held at Fircrest Park.

Close to SR 16

Easy access to California State Road 16 means residents can easily commute east into Tacoma, a 7-mile drive. To get to University Place, residents can drive 3 miles via local roads. There are also light rail stops throughout the area for those who want public transportation.

Fircrest has access to the Pierce Transit bus system.
Fircrest has access to the Pierce Transit bus system.
Residential streets in Fircrest are nestled among greenery and large fir trees.
Residential streets in Fircrest are nestled among greenery and large fir trees.
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Susan Pascal
Written By
Susan Pascal
Photography Contributed By
Noah Lubin
Lucas Dyke
Video By
Lucas Dyke

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 Thomas Lowe, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Seattle-Tacoma International

40 min drive

Bus

Regents Blvd & Golden Gate Ave

Bus

Emerson St & Berkeley St W

Bus

Orchard St W & Emerson St

Bus

Regents Blvd & Contra Costa Ave

Bus

Emerson St & Edwards Ave

Bus

Mildred St W & 22nd St W

Bus

Regents Blvd & Harvard Ave

Reviews

Niche Reviews
4.1 16 Reviews
4.0 Niche User
2/25/2015 Niche Review
Variety of eclectic businesses that are easy to walk to, amazing park and recreation center; golf course, Great place for families.
3.0 Niche User
2/25/2015 Niche Review
Near as I can tell most folks have jobs; businesses are generally active so the economy in area is strong.
3.0 Niche User
2/25/2015 Niche Review
Fircrest is a family friendly area to live in; people are friendly and generally speak when you pass them on the sidewalks.
4.0 Niche User
7/18/2016 Niche Review
This is an extremely safe and trustworthy area.
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Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Fircrest US
Homicide 4 4
Sexual Assault 4 4
Assault with Weapon 4 4
Robbery 4 4
Burglary 5 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 5 4
Larceny 5 4
Crime Score 4 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$620,000
Median Single Family Price
$627,000
Median Townhouse Price
$560,000
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$612,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$331
Number of Homes for Sale
9
Last 12 months Home Sales
71
Months of Supply
1.50
Median List Price
$624,975
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
2%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
2,212
Median Year Built
1963
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,925
On par with the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,675
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,379
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
9,147

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Apr 27
    12 - 3pm

    338 Contra Costa Ave, Fircrest, WA 98466

    $725,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 2,335 Sq Ft
    • 338 Contra Costa Ave
    • New 19 days ago

    This impeccably updated home blends elegance and functionality, featuring two gas fireplaces, high-end vinyl plank flooring, and custom LED lighting throughout. The seamless flow between living spaces is complemented by a stylish barn door in the front bedroom. The serene backyard offers three distinct entertaining zones, a trellis with roof and fan, and an upper grass field with garden. The

    Titus Catalan Berkshire Hathaway HS NW

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  • Sunday, Apr 27
    11am - 2pm

    502 Vassar St, Fircrest, WA 98466

    $489,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 1 Bath
    • 1,205 Sq Ft
    • 502 Vassar St
    • New 3 days ago

    Beautiful Cottage in Fircrest awaiting new owners. Situated on a spacious, landscaped lot, minutes from Downtown, Aquatic and Community Centers. Step inside to original hardwood floors and a welcoming living room that flows seamlessly into the dining area, complete with a built-in sideboard for added charm and functionality. Kitchen has all you need in modern conveniences. Two good size bedrooms

    Denice Jentlie Coldwell Banker Bain

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

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

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
7,103
Median Age
42
Population Density
7 ppl/acre
Population under 18
22.7%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
20.6%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$93,189
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$113,986

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
97.8%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
39.8%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
15.8%
% Population in Labor Force
65%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
42''
Average Winter Low Temperature
36°F
Average Summer High Temperature
76°F
Annual Snowfall
4''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

24 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

35 / 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.

Nearby Neighborhoods

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
Fircrest