No university but lots of recreations and great schools
Despite being called University Place, this small Pacific Northwest city doesn’t have a university. What it does have are suburban homes, stunning waterfront scenery and some of the best schools in the Greater Tacoma region. “The number one reason people move there is the schools,” says Stephanie Patrick, Real Estate Broker at Re/Mas Exclusive. “It is a draw for families because of the highly rated schools.” It’s also home to the Chambers Creek Regional Park, which holds the Chambers Bay golf course, the site of the 2015 U.S. Open.
University Place mixes a suburban feel with waterfront scenery and some of the best schools.
Chambers Creek Regional Park in University Place holds the scenic Chambers Bay Golf Course.
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Chambers Creek for all outdoor fun
Chambers Creeks Regional Park is the largest park in the city and consumes the southwest corner of town. “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 is owned by Pierce County and is open to the public, though memberships are available. The 18-hole hilly course overlooks the mountains and is set to host the U.S. Amateur championship in 2033. Outside of Chambers Creek, there are neighborhood parks across the area, where amenities can include playgrounds, athletic fields or tennis and pickleball courts.
In University Place, people utilize the Chambers Creek Bridge to get to the waterfront.
University Place's Chambers Bay Golf Course is owned by Pierce County and hosts tournaments.
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Diverse selection of waterfront homes
While the city mainly has single-family homes, there are a handful of apartments and condos since about half of residents are renters. 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.
In University Place, single-family homes usually have two-car garages and trees for shade.
Water-view homes in University Place fetch the highest prices, like these near Day Island.
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"A" rated education from University Place Schools
University Place School District gets an A rating on Niche and has an average graduation rate of 96%. Niche also rates it the best of Pierce County’s 17 school districts. “It’s got great schools. It’s great place to raise a family,” says Realtor Colleen Dutmers of D2 Home Group, who grew up in the city.
Curtis Junior High School in University Place has an Honors Program for students to utilize.
At Curtis Senior High School in University Place, students can enroll in Running Start.
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Local bites on Bridgeport and 27th
Locals often head towards Bridgeport Way or 27th Street for a quick bite to eat. Happy Duo Café draws a smile on diners' faces for their latte art and welcoming environment, and locals come in droves to Lefty’s Burger Stand. Sweet tooths are satisfied by Bliss Small Batch Creamery, which provides classic flavors along with rotating seasonal ones. Tacoma’s only Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s are in the neighborhood. “We’ve got some nice, upscale grocery stores for a smaller city,” Dutmers says.
At Happy Duo Café in University Place, locals enjoy the welcoming environment curated there.
Bliss Small Batch Creamery in University Place offers rotating flavors as well as classics.
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Duck Daze Ahead
The city has several annual seasonal events, but Duck Daze is the most beloved. 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, people gather at the Village at Chambers Bay to participate in activities, gather around 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 6 miles away. Interstate 5 is 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.
Low local crime rates
University Place’s violent and property crime rates are well-below the state and national averages, according to FBI stats. Violent crime rates have fallen slightly over the past decade. The city maintains its own police force separate from the Pierce County Sherriff’s Office.
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.
