10 Things to Know Before Moving to Puyallup
Relocating to the Puyallup, WA area? Great choice! There are a variety of fun and exciting things to do in and around Puyallup. Here is a list of 10 of our favorites:
Pioneer Park is located in the heart of downtown Puyallup and is host throughout the year to many special events. The park has an 8600-square foot multi-purpose facility that can be used for weddings, receptions, and other celebrations and includes a full kitchen. During the summer, the park is host to Farmer’s Markets on a regular basis as well as the annual Meeker Days. Driving through the downtown area on Meridian street, the park sits right before the Western Washington fairgrounds.
Western Washington Fairgrounds is located at the base of South Hill and is home to two major fairs annually. During April, the fairgrounds hosts the Spring Fair including the famous Fair Scones. In September, the fairgrounds come to life for 23 days during The Washington State Fair. A full lineup of entertainment, rides and food booths overtake the central Puyallup area. The September fair ranks as one of the largest fairs in the world and covers 169 acres. The rest of the year, the fairgrounds are host to a number of other events including gun shows, R.V. shows and the Victorian Country Christmas.
Car shopping? Downtown Puyallup is home to auto row which is a collection of new and used car lots that extend all the way down River Road. From Lexus to Jaguar to Kia, the possibilities are endless. Whatever you’re in the market for, you will find in Puyallup.
Antique stores are another favorite in Puyallup. There are at least five different locations packed with vintage items including furniture and clothing. King’s Row Antiques and Victorian Antiques are just two of the many offerings Puyallup has available for those looking for treasure pieces from times gone by.
South Hill shopping is a world unto itself. Just up Meridian Street at the top of the long hill (above the fairgrounds) is the South Hill shopping community. Everything from Target to Kohl’s to Macy’s, the mall offers a huge assortment of shopping options. Further down the road you will find your favorite restaurants such as Outback Steakhouse, the Ram and many other crowd favorites. Once you’re immersed in the South Hill environment, you’ll understand why it feels like a community all its own.
Historical sites in and around Puyallup include the Ezra Meeker Mansion which was founded by Mr. Ezra Meeker back in the pioneer days of the early 1900s. The mansion offers daily drop-in tours and is especially popular when decorated for the Christmas holidays. Admissions go towards the restoration of the home which sits right off Stewart street in the downtown area.
Down home cooking is a staple of downtown Puyallup as Mrs. Turner’s off Main Street proudly serves great meals at reasonable prices. Just a jaunt down Valley Ave brings you to the small town of Sumner which offers delectable offerings at the Buttered Biscuit. You won’t leave hungry. They guarantee it.
Education/School Districts: One of the most prominent reasons for making Puyallup home is the exceptional school system that Puyallup has to offer. The educational experience is known over several counties as graduating some of the most successful students. The Puyallup High School and Sparks Stadium offers a unique educational experience for many students and families that live or work nearby.
Country living is evident just outside of downtown Puyallup. The green rolling hills full of farmland, including horses, sheep and even llamas can be seen for miles. Tranquil and peaceful but only a short car ride away from all the hustle and bustle of South Hill gives the Puyallup area the distinction of offering the best of all worlds. Housing in the area gives new residents access to all kinds of family friendly activities in the Pacific Northwest.
Gateway to Sumner and Eatonville: Just a short drive away is another rural community that is starting to bustle and grow. If you continue down Valley Avenue past the Old Cannery, you will find yourself in the small but quaint town of Sumner. Vintage shops and cute cafes line the streets of this nearby small town wonder. If you are in the South Hill area and looking for something to do, continue out past the mall towards Eatonville. There you will find Northwest Trek which is a 723-acre wildlife park. The park entrance fee includes a 45-minute tram ride through the free-roaming animal wildlife reserve as well as a walking tour highlighting many other species. Northwest Trek recently added zip line adventures to their venue of services for the more adventurous traveler.
Overall, Puyallup offers an eclectic assortment of activities for young and old alike. If you are considering housing options in the area, you will find a relaxed and inviting family atmosphere in and around the city.
Image source for cover photo of Meeker Mansion.
