Living Near Tacoma: University Place
Relocating to Pierce County? Explore University Place, Chambers Bay, local parks, dining, and home-buying options with the Laura Anderson and Kelsey real estate team.
Here is our guide to University Place, Washington.
University Place, often shortened to “UP,” is a separate city on the Puget Sound side of Pierce County, next to Tacoma and Fircrest. If you're relocating to Tacoma or the surrounding area, it's another place to explore as you compare homes and think about your everyday routine.
Chambers Creek Regional Park is one of University Place's most recognizable destinations. The park brings together public trails, open meadows, shoreline access, and views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. Chambers Bay golf course and its restaurant are also here, but you don't have to golf to enjoy the surrounding public park and trails.
Beyond Chambers Bay, University Place has neighborhood parks, shopping areas, cafés, and restaurants. Curran Apple Orchard Park adds something especially distinctive: a public orchard with volunteer opportunities and seasonal community activities. It gives you another reason to get outside and explore after a move.
For someone relocating to Pierce County, University Place is worth experiencing in more than one outing. Visit the waterfront park, explore the commercial areas around Bridgeport Way, and travel between a few homes and your expected daily destinations. That will tell you more than a city name alone.
Buying a Home in University Place
Homes in University Place range from older houses to newer construction, along with condominium and other attached-home options. Individual properties differ in layout, outdoor space, condition, and access to nearby destinations. Some offer views, but those features are property-specific rather than something to expect throughout the city.
If you're comparing University Place with Tacoma, we'll look at the homes themselves alongside your budget and priorities. For any future remodeling or accessory dwelling plans, we'll also identify the local requirements that need further investigation before you make a decision.
Our team enjoys helping people relocating to Tacoma and Pierce County understand their options, especially when they're getting to know the area from a distance. Laura Anderson is a Tacoma native with personal experience buying a duplex, remodeling homes, and building DADUs. Together, Laura and Kelsey help you feel informed about the home you choose and the steps involved in buying it.
Things To Do in University Place
Walk the public trails at Chambers Creek Regional Park.
Enjoy the meadows and Puget Sound views around Chambers Bay.
Book a round at Chambers Bay golf course.
Have a meal at The Grill at Chambers Bay.
Visit Curran Apple Orchard Park.
Check for seasonal orchard concerts and volunteer activities.
Explore the shops and dining options around Bridgeport Way.
Restaurants in University Place
The Grill at Chambers Bay
Lefty's Burger Shack
MOD Pizza, at The Village at Chambers Bay
Coffee Shops in University Place
Cutters Point Coffee, at 27th Street and Bridgeport Way
Parks in University Place
Chambers Creek Regional Park
Curran Apple Orchard Park
Homestead Park
Kobayashi Park
Moving to University Place or Pierce County?
We'd love to help you compare University Place with the other communities on your list. From the first conversation to your home search and purchase, our team brings local knowledge, thoughtful communication, and attention to detail. Reach out here to schedule a phone call, Zoom, or time to tour homes.