Letter from the Publisher
Welcome to the New Neighbors Guide!
On behalf of the local community, we welcome you to Pierce County. Whether you’re here temporarily or for the long haul, we know you’re going to love our region. With our natural beauty, lakes, streams and forested trails, this is the perfect location for outdoor fun. With some of the best coffee in the world and a vibrant food and entertainment scene, Pierce County has something for everyone.
Let’s face it, moving to a new city can be expensive and time-consuming—but it’s also exciting! This guide is written by a mix of perspectives from native Pierce Countians to people who moved here from out of the area. We created this guide with the things we wish we had known when we moved here.
This resource guide offers tips and reminders to get you settled and to get the nuts and bolts of your new home well underway. This guide will also help you get connected to your local community, schools and health care, and help you put down “roots” in your daily life here. From great ideas for your home and events to engage in the community, we have you covered.
As we put together this issue, we look forward to providing you with information and education about all the “best things” in Pierce County and we hope to give you a sense of place where you belong and can engage and feel connected. We welcome you, our “new neighbor,” to Pierce County.
Kindest regards,
Robin Lucas, Publisher
This Issue’s Content
Welcome to Pierce County
You’re a new resident of beautiful Pierce County — congratulations! But now there are some important tasks to take care of. Updating personal information is essential in order to become a productive part of your community. Listed below are some of the critical assignments for new residency. Register to Vote Get involved in your local…
The Washington State Fair Event Center Celebrates 125 Years!
The Washington State Fair Event Center celebrates 125 years of creating memories. Since 1900, they have welcomed guests to cultivate unforgettable experiences and lasting traditions. As the largest single event in the state, the Washington State Fair began as a neighborhood celebration of the harvest season and is now 175 acres of year-round bustle. The…
Life in Pierce County
Vibrant and diverse, Pierce County is made up of over 20 cities, including urban Tacoma, charming Gig Harbor and home of the Washington State Fair in Puyallup. The County is composed of historic structures and buildings, breathtaking waterfront views, lush rural land, quaint and welcoming suburbs, an ever-industrious energy, and is the neighbor to magnificent…
National Recognition for O Bee Credit Union
Readers of Showcase Magazine have told us for many years that O Bee Credit Union was something special. The proof is in their repeat wins as the magazine’s Best Credit Union in a reader poll. Well, what we locals know, now the nation knows — because Newsweek magazine just named O Bee Credit Union one…
Enrolling in School in Pierce County
Choosing the best academic environment for your child can seem daunting when you move to a new area. There are numerous traditional options to consider—your neighborhood public school, a charter school, or private school—in addition to currently popular options such as online programs and homeschooling. Pierce County is home to 16 public school districts and…
Tacoma Little Theatre Hosts Students on Stage
More than 105 years ago, an ambitious group of civic-minded community members founded the Tacoma Chapter of the Drama League of America, known today as the Tacoma Little Theatre. Even today, their goal to promote theater, the study of theatrical literature and culture as a means of community building, is alive and well. According to…
Giving Back in the 253
In any community, a sense of “community” is built on the connections made through unique groups of people that support one another. When I moved to Tacoma five years ago, I was wanting to know my neighbors, to feel that my community supported one another, and to find ways to give back. Quickly, I learned…
Making Your House a Home
Tips to transform a house into a home with decor and furniture from the heart Design tips provided by Sage Interiors in Tacoma Your entry is the initial introduction to your home and sets the stage for you and your guests. Place a cozy rug or floor mat inside the door to define the entry…
Getting Settled into a New Home
After the last box is moved into your new home, you might think the hardest part of moving is over. And you’re right, but there are still things to take care of before you can relax completely. Get Your Utilities Set Up You don’t want to arrive at your new place late at night and…
Ed Selden Carpet One: Three Generations of Evolving
“My name and reputation are very important to me, so I make sure the right product is selected for the environment it is going to be put in,” said Gayle Selden, President and owner of Ed Selden Carpet One in Lakewood. Pride in her name is a natural result when you are the granddaughter of…
Ranger Heating & Cooling
Ranger Heating & Cooling prides itself on their integrity. It just comes down to doing the right thing. According to Ranger’s President, David Kallander, “We approach every project as if it were our own house and we make sure the job is done right.” The heating and cooling industry is in Kallander’s blood as the…
Farmers Markets in the South Sound
Farmers Markets provide access to fresh, local, sustainable food and food products. At most of our local markets, you will find not only fresh fruits and vegetables, but also fresh-cut flower bouquets, garden and landscaping plants, artisan breads, farm fresh eggs and meats, and handcrafted items for gift giving, plus many markets have regular entertainment…
Boba Tea Bringing Joy to Their Community
Tammy Phan and her husband Timothy Yang grew up in the Tacoma area spending some of their first dates at boba tea locations. When the opportunity to open the franchise Bober Tea and Mochi Dough presented itself, they realized it was a wonderful combination of their desire to create joy with their love of boba…
Local Food Favorites
Pierce County is home to some of the best places to dine and enjoy a meal with loved ones. Below is a list of some of our favorite establishments that you should try now that you call Pierce County home. Crockett’s Public House Puyallup & Bonney Lake Voted as a reader favorite for People’s Choice,…
Tacoma Transplant Survivor Supports Go Red for Women
Macey Wright received a new heart in 2016 and will be participating in Go Red for Women’s annual initiative to elevate awareness and inspire action. Wright is proof that heart disease can strike at any age. Born with two congenital heart defects, Wright began her life impacted by heart disease. Although she had heartvalves that…
Health Starts Where We Live, Work and Play
Healthy choices should be convenient choices for everyone in Western Washington. That’s why Pierce County medical providers are helping families live healthier lives, through programs and services in medical clinics and hospitals throughout our communities. Tacoma health care quality comes down to access, affordability and outcomes. Out of 39 counties in Washington, Pierce County ranks…
Service and Convenience at the Heart of Light Dental Studios
We can all agree on the qualities for the ideal dental provider: round-the-clock service, free consultations, same-day appointments, entire-family bookings, empathetic service and affordable care. It’s nearly impossible to find a full combination of such attributes. But then there’s Light Dental Studios. Based in Puyallup, the dentist-owned company—with 30 locations in the Puget Sound—has customer…
Warm-Weather Wellness Tips for Seniors
Warmer weather often awakens a desire to get outside and be active. But seniors who have a higher sensitivity to heat need to use caution when making plans in the sun. Put on Your Walking Shoes Walking is an excellent physical activity. And doing so in a park or forest is a great way to…