Residents of Tacoma (Pierce County’s largest city) are lucky to have access to so many different Farmer’s Markets throughout the spring, summer, and fall. There are four farmers markets in total, including the 6th Avenue Market, the South Tacoma Market, the Downtown Tacoma Market, and the Proctor Farmers Market. They all happen on different days of the week, which means residents of Tacoma and the surrounding area can enjoy fresh food, produce, baked goods, and other food items almost every day of the week!
Permanent link to this article: http://livingpiercecounty.com/2012/05/tacomas-farmers-markets-are-back-for-2012/
Apr
25
Tacoma Ranked 12th Most Peaceful City in the US

Have you heard the news? The Institute for Economics and Peace has released it’s list of the most peaceful cities and states in the United States, and Pierce County’s own City of Tacoma has come in at #12! Tacoma isn’t the only Washington city to show up on the list, Seattle-Bellevue-Everett came in at #3. Washington State ranked #7 out of 50 states!
The cities and states were ranked by measuring the following indicators:
Homicide rates (per 100,000)
Violent crime rates (per 100.000)
Incarceration rates (per 100,000)
Number of police employees (per 100,000)
According to the study, the United States is at it’s most peaceful point in more than 20 years with economic opportunity, health, education, and social capital being the factors most likely to correlate to a peaceful city.
Congratulations, Tacoma! For more information on the study, check out the info here.opportunity, health, education, and social capital showing the strongest correlation with peaceful cities.
Permanent link to this article: http://livingpiercecounty.com/2012/04/tacoma-ranked-12th-most-peaceful-city-in-the-us/
Mar
28
Artondale
In the town of Gig Harbor in West Pierce County, just off Wollochet Drive and a mere five minutes from Highway 16, shopping, and schools is the community of Artondale. “It’s location is prime to be in the middle of the town,” says local Realtor Maria Kalafatich. “At the same time, you really get to enjoy all the natural beauty that makes this community great.”
Artondale is known for it’s prime location and great schools. The area is served by Artondale Elementary, Kopachuck Middle School, and Gig Harbor High School. To research Artondale Schools click here.
Currently, more than 80% of the homes in Artondale are resale, with the rest being new construction. “I’m working with a builder doing custom homes in Artondale for 2012,” says Maria, “NDK Construction is a small, family run company that gives you a personal level of service.” If you’re interested in finding out about new construction homes coming on the market in Artondale in 2012, contact Maria.
Artondale Housing Market review:
6 For Sale, 4 Pending, 1 Sold
$147 average dollar per sqft
105 days on market
6 mo of inventory
Permanent link to this article: http://livingpiercecounty.com/2012/03/artondale-gig-harbor/
Mar
20
What’s so Great about Gig Harbor?
Gig Harbor is located just over the Narrows Bridge from Tacoma, (Pierce County’s largest city). Surrounded by Evergreens and the Puget Sound, Gig Harbor is known as The Gateway to the Olympic Peninsula. “Gig Harbor astounds newcomers with its rare beauty & rich maritime history,” says Maria Kalafatich, a Gig Harbor Real Estate Agent. “Gig Harbor claims unparalleled views of Mount Rainier and the town’s just an hour from downtown Seattle and a few minutes across the bridge from Tacoma.”
Gig Harbor was recently named “Best Harbor” by Coastal Living Magazine one of the premier locations in the country for waterfront living. To get a feel for the what it’s like to live and play in one of Pierce County’s most beautiful and unique towns, check out the following video:
Permanent link to this article: http://livingpiercecounty.com/2012/03/whats-so-great-about-gig-harbor/
Feb
28
Pierce County Relocation Resources
If you’re planning a move to Pierce County, you probably have lots of questions. Here at Living Pierce County we try hard to provide you with great information to help your transition to Pierce County easier. Here are some helpful links from around the web:
Researching Neighborhoods: It can be difficult when you’re in a new neighborhood to decide if a neighborhood is right for you. Local Realtors David Gala and the Hume Group recently posted some links to resources to research crime in various neighborhoods.
Things to Do: Local blogs Joint Base Living and Living Puyallup both have information about fun things to do around Pierce County. Blogs like FeedTacoma and Exit133 are also great resources for finding out what the latest events and happenings are. If golf is your thing, Pierce County’s Chambers Bay Golf Course will be hosting the US Open in 2015. Check out other reviews of Pierce County Golf here, and Puyallup Golf Courses here.
Pierce County Real Estate: There are many great resources for researching real estate in Pierce County. For information about real estate jargon, taxes, and more check out the “Terms and Jargon” section on WhyWindermere.com. You can check out reviews of Real Estate Agents and offices on Yelp here.
Cultural Offerings: Tacoma, (Pierce County’s largest city) has a higher than average number of museums for it’s population size. Check out our earlier post on Pierce County Museums. Joint Base Living has reviews of restaurants here, and Living Puyallup has their section on restaurants here. Check out A Big Mouthful for a locals take on food around Pierce County.
Lastly, don’t forget to check out these tips for a stress free move. If you have questions we can help you with, contact us!
Permanent link to this article: http://livingpiercecounty.com/2012/02/pierce-county-relocation-resources/
Feb
21
Children’s Museum of Tacoma Gets a New Location!
The Children’s Museum of Tacoma was established in the 80′s to support children around Pierce County. The museum supports children’s early learning by focusing on what it believes to be the most elemental factor in promoting a child’s development: PLAY!
The new museum facility is specially designed to engage children (and their parents and caregivers!) in a variety of self directed play experiences. From the super messy projects and art creation happening at the “Becka’s Studio” area to the wild playtime in the Voyager area, the childrens museum is offering a variety of different “Playscapes” to go beyond mere entertainment to engage and stimulate a child’s learning process.
In addition to the fun and adventure offered Wednesday – Sunday at the children’s museum (Monday is members only) there are also special workshops, programs, and events being offered regularly.
Permanent link to this article: http://livingpiercecounty.com/2012/02/childrens-museum-of-tacoma-gets-a-new-location/
Feb
12
3 Great Pierce County Restaurants
Whether for a romantic night out with your partner or a big family meal where someone else does the cooking and cleaning, going out to eat is one of life’s great pleasures. Pierce Couty has fabulous restaurants from end to end. Here are 5 we love right now:
Marzano - 516 Garfield St
Parkland
Tuesday-Friday lunch: 11am-2pm dinner: 4pm – 8:30pm
One of the best kept secrets around, Owner and chef Elisa Marzano has been delighting local palates for 20 years. Born and raised near the city of Vicenza in Northern Italy, Elisa brings with her the passion of cooking Italian cuisine. Make sure you make a reservation, because this incredibly intimate restaurant is small and consistently packed. Try the tortellini aurora and the homemade tiramisu. For more wonderful italian food in the Tacoma area click here.
Peanut Sauce Thai Cuisine: 5003 Tacoma Mall Blvd
Tacoma
7 Days/ Week – 11am-9pm
Located right off I-5 near Tacoma Mall, Peanut Sauce Thai’s delicious, well priced, and inventive Thai Food more than makes up for the strip mall setting. Peanut Sauce Thai takes the freshest ingredients and cooks them to perfection. If you’re easily bored their constantly changing specials mean you never have to eat the same delicious meal twice. This is our pick for delicious, affordable thai food at a great price! For more great Thai food in Tacoma click here.
HG Bistro - 1618 E Main St
Downtown Puyallup
Monday-Friday 11:30-8pm Saturday & Sunday 9am-8pm
A Puyallup institution located near the Daffodil Bowl, HG Bistro (formerly known as the Hungry Goose) offers up some of the most thoughtfully prepared and delicious food in the area. The restaurant itself is warm, inviting, and beautifully decorated, offering a cosy place for a date or a special night out. The bar features a fantastic happy hour daily and occassionally live music. For more Puyallup Restaurants, click here.
Permanent link to this article: http://livingpiercecounty.com/2012/02/3-great-pierce-county-restaurants/
Feb
04
Metroparks offers Aquatic Nightime Adventures!
This Thursday, February 9th MetroParks Tacoma will be hosting a “Pier Peer” at the Point Defiance Marina at 5912 N. Waterfront Drive. This is a great even for parents and kids and takes place at night. From 7:30pm-9pm parents and kids 8 years and older will observe and interact with the mysterious underwater life attracted to the lights mounted under the docks. Divers will bring up creatures for kids to explore.
Attendees are asked to bring their own flashlights, MetroParks will provide life jackets as well as scoops to catch sea creatures. All participants must wear life jackets! If you own a life jacket of your own you are encouraged to bring it.
Tickets cost $6 and must be purchased in advance by clicking here. Each child needs witheir own adult companion. Another event will be held at the Foss Waterway at 705 Dock Street on February 25th.
Permanent link to this article: http://livingpiercecounty.com/2012/02/metroparks-offers-aquatic-nightime-adventures/
Jan
13
Great Video Featuring Lakewood!
The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce has released a video they produced titled, “Welcome to Our Town.” The video highlights the very best businesses, attractions, and people that make up the City of Lakewood.
Lakewood the host community for Joint Base Lewis-McChord and shares its eastern boundary with the base. Lakewood became a city in 1996 and has a variety of neighborhoods and activities for its citizens. Lakewood is a city known for its bodies of water. Home to American Lake, Lake Steilacoom, Gravelly Lake, Lake Louise, and Waughop Lake, there are also a number of creeks including the largest, Chambers Creek, which flows out to Chambers Bay.
Permanent link to this article: http://livingpiercecounty.com/2012/01/great-video-featuring-lakewood/
Jan
10
Coastal Living Magazine Names Gig Harbor “Best Harbor”
Surrounded by evergreens and the Puget Sound, the town of Gig Harbor is known as The Gateway to the Olympic Peninsula. Coastal Living Magazine has just honored Gig Harbor with the number one spot on it’s “Top 10 Harbors for Boat Watching” list.
1. Gig Harbor, Washington
This lovely, slightly rustic town at the south end of Puget Sound lets you stay overnight in the harbor―on a docked houseboat. Once a busy center for commercial fishing, boatbuilding, and lumber, Gig Harbor lives a quieter life these days. It draws steady recreational-boat traffic, so lots of restaurants, shops, and land-based lodging cluster within walking distance of the docks. Mount Rainier makes a glorious backdrop; 888/843-9444 or gigharborguide.com. - Coastal Living, Top 10 Harbors
One of the premier locations in the country for waterfront living, Gig Harbor has multiple locations for mooring boats as well as many private homes with salt water access. The planned community of Canterwood, located 2 miles from downtown, boasts one of the finest golf courses in the country.
Permanent link to this article: http://livingpiercecounty.com/2012/01/coastal-living-magazine-names-gig-harbor-best-harbor/



