Neighborhoods - Pierce County
Neighborhoods in Pierce County
The area between Seattle and Tacoma used to be a rural escape from the "big city," but has now been virtually consumed by urban sprawl. Boeing and Weyerhaueser are major employers in the area, housing is more affordable and ethnic diversity is a way of life.
Some descriptions are from the Seattle PI
Sumner/Bonney Lake
In the shadow of Mount Rainier
Although these two once rural Pierce County towns are now home to increasing numbers of subdivisions and malls, much of the area retains a small-town flavor. Mount Rainier looms over both, providing breathtaking views whenever the clouds part.
Edgewood
Gig Harbor
Nestled in the south end of Puget Sound is the quiet waterfront village of Gig Harbor. Gig Harbor is a community rich in maritime history, quaint shops, and unparalleled recreation. The Gig Harbor Peninsula area is a haven for scenery lovers and those seeking an escape from the ordinary, including the awesome view of Mount Rainier that adorns calendars and travel books around the world.
Lakewood
From the Lakewood website:
Lakewood is the fifteenth largest city in Washington and the second largest in Pierce County with approximately 60,000 residents and eleven hundred businesses. Lakewood is surrounded by the beautiful lakes and scenery of northwest Washington including bountiful views of Mt. Rainier. Lakewood is just minutes away from Puget Sound and a short drive to Seattle and the Sea-Tac International Airport. Neighbors include the major military installations of McChord Air Force Base and Fort Lewis as well as the Washington National Guard's State headquarters at Camp Murray. Home to many popular tourist attractions, including the Grand Prix Raceway, Lakewold Gardens, Thornewood Castle, Fort Steilacoom Park, American Lake Park, and Lakewood Game Refuge. Originally settled in 1849 by the United States Army, Lakewood matured over the twentieth century into a bustling urban area south of Tacoma and incorporated in 1996. Please visit the link to the left to learn more about Lakewood's colorful history.
Puyallup
Mixing agriculture, residential, and industry
Puyallup was platted by Oregon Trail pioneer Ezra Meeker in 1877. Named after the region's indigenous Native American tribe, Meeker called the community "Puyallup," which translates into "generous people." Today Puyallup is a mix of residential areas, farms, and light industry and it is home to the fifth-largest fair in the United States. Each September more than a million people "Do the Puyallup."
Steilacoom
Tacoma
Finally living its destiny
Sometimes called the "City of Destiny," Tacoma was designated as the Northern Pacific Railroad's western terminus for its transcontinental route in 1873. Today, with its museums and waterfront, it is living up to that reputation. For those inclined to urban culture, the city is restoring its warehouse district into what it hopes will be a welcoming Museum District.
University Place
From the University Place Website:
University Place is a new city with a rich history. In the late 1800s it was proposed that a university be located and built in the community. Financial worries and concerns eventually canceled any plans to build a university here, nevertheless, the community became known as "university place," and the name stuck. Since then University Place has become a suburban residential community, proud of its history, eager to retain its unique quality of life and looking ahead to future challenges.
Approximately one hundred years after the community received its name, a movement began toward local government and local control. Groups formed to discuss incorporation; other factions opposed incorporation. In November 1994 proponents succeeded in passing a ballot measure which established 7.86 square miles of unincorporated Pierce County into the City of University Place.
This, of course, was just the beginning of the journey to cityhood. What followed were the struggles to meet the deadlines associated with legally establishing a new city and preparations to begin providing municipal services. Council members were elected, an interim city manager selected, and start-up staff hired. This group, with the help of literally thousands of hours of volunteer efforts, made the quantum leap from the dream of becoming a city to reality. Today University Place is a community of 31,440 people.