Living in University Place
University Place is Tacoma's polished western neighbor: tree-lined subdivisions, the Chambers Bay golf course (host of the 2015 U.S. Open) with its three-mile waterfront loop, and a town-center core that keeps adding shops and restaurants. It's consistently one of the safest-feeling, most predictable markets in the county.
UP's location above the Narrows means Gig Harbor is one bridge away and Tacoma's amenities are ten minutes east. The University Place School District is a major driver for families.
*Figures are approximate estimates for orientation only. Contact James for current market data on University Place.
Things to Do & Places to Be
⛳ GolfChambers Bay
U.S. Open golf course and 3-mile waterfront loop.
Curran Apple Orchard Park
Community orchard and open space.
UP Town Center
Shops and dining hub.
Around University Place
A snapshot of what's nearby — places of worship, coffee, food, parks, and more. Sourced from OpenStreetMap, so some spots may have changed; always worth a look in person.
Places of Worship
- Sunset Bible Church
- University Place First Baptist Church
- University Place Presbyterian Church
- Mt. Cross Lutheran Church · Lutheran
- NewLife Church
- United Church
- Neighborhood Church
- Olympic View Baptist Church · Baptist
- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints · Latter-day Saints
- Islamic center of Tacoma
- Providence Reformed Baptist Church
- Washington Masonic Center
- University place community of Christ
- St Andrew Episcopal Church · Episcopal
Coffee & Cafés
Restaurants
- Pine Cone Cafe
- Sapporo Japanese Steakhouse · Japanese
- Maria's Cocina Mexicana · Mexican
- Pizza Hut · Pizza
- Applebee's · American
- Grassi's · Italian
- Chile Thai · Thai
- Ginza Teriyaki · Japanese
- Salamone's Pizzeria · Pizza
- Royal Thai Bistro · Thai
- Wok V Teriyaki · Japanese
- Poke Pop · Hawaiian
Parks & Green Space
Attractions & Culture
Groceries & Essentials
Local places © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). A nearby snapshot, not a complete or endorsed list.
Why People Love It
- University Place School District
- Chambers Bay waterfront and golf
- Consistent, well-kept neighborhoods
What to Know Going In
- Limited inventory — small city, high demand
- Few large lots; suburban density
- Pricier than Tacoma next door
Neighborhoods & Schools
Where People Live
- Chambers Bay area — Near the golf course and waterfront loop.
- Sunset Terrace & Day Island — View homes above the Narrows.
- Town Center — Walkable shops and newer condos/townhomes.
Schools
School districts shown for orientation — verify current ratings and boundaries for any specific address. James can help you map homes to schools.
Official University Place Resources
Straight to the source — government, schools, healthcare, and getting around. Every link goes to the official site.
Government
Healthcare
University Place — Common Questions
How much does it cost to buy a home in University Place?
The median home price in University Place runs about $620K. That's an orientation figure only — prices move constantly, so ask James for current University Place numbers before you plan around it.
What's the commute from University Place like?
10 min to Tacoma · bridge to Gig Harbor.
What school district serves University Place?
University Place is served by University Place School District. Ratings and boundaries change, so verify the assigned schools for any specific address — James can map homes to schools for you.
Where's the nearest hospital to University Place?
The nearest full-service hospital is MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital. Confirm your insurance network and current services for any specific need.
Is University Place a good place to live?
University Place tends to fit Families, Golfers, and Buyers wanting turnkey suburbia best — the feel is tidy, established west-side suburb. The honest tradeoffs to weigh: Limited inventory — small city, high demand; Few large lots; suburban density; Pricier than Tacoma next door.
What is there to do in University Place?
Local favorites include Chambers Bay, Curran Apple Orchard Park, and UP Town Center — and that's just the short list.
Thinking about University Place? Let's talk.
Tell us a little about your move and James will follow up personally — no pressure, no spam. Whether you're six weeks or two years out, you'll get straight answers about neighborhoods, prices, and timing from a broker who lives here.
