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
When it comes to health, focus on progress, not perfection
If you want to live a healthier life, you’ve probably heard a lot of advice. Friends, family, social media – everyone has tips. It can feel overwhelming sifting through the amount of information that is out there, but turning to trusted sources is one way to streamline the noise. Enter the American Heart Association’s Life’s…
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 named O Bee Credit Union one of…
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…
The Harbor History Museum
Nestled on the Gig Harbor waterfront where Donkey Creek meets the bay, the Harbor History Museum is celebrating its 14th year of operation. Yet the Museum’s campus has a much deeper history, first as a village site of the sx̌ʷəbabš , or Swift Water People, a band of the Puyallup Tribe. In the early 1900s…
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…
Green Trike Tacoma: Nothing Without Joy
With an unwavering commitment to the power of play and learning, Greentrike continues to grow and improve their programs around Tacoma and JBLM. This commitment comes from thinking through what barriers exist and finding ways to create access for everyone. Celebrating their 40th anniversary, Greentrike is a nonprofit that advocates for and models equitable access…
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…
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…
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…
Inta Vintage Celebrates Five Years
When Inta Vintage moved into their new home in Sumner five years ago, Pam and Curt Johnson were thrilled by their purchase of the 100+ year old building. “It wasn’t an easy move because we were moving dozens of vendors at the same time we were bringing the building back to life,” said Pam recently.…
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,…
Light Dental Studios to Open Fatherland Forest
After years of planning, Light Dental Studios’ Puyallup location is ready for their grand reveal of Featherland Forest. Over six years ago, Lumi the Tooth Fairy began making appearances around the South Sound promoting good oral hygiene. The reception to Lumi was so amazing she inspired a book. Now a perfect replica of her home…
Asia Pacific Cultural Center: New Year Celebration featuring Cambodia
Music and the smell of food from the parking lot, two live stages, learning about a new culture, and being surrounded by families just like yours coming together for the new year — this is exactly what to expect on February 28, 2026 at the Tacoma Dome, thanks to the Asia Pacific Cultural Center. Each year…
Wholeheartedly Charlotte: A Young Leader on a Mission
When asked what she wants to be when she grows up, Tacoma fourth grader Charlotte Littleton will tell you she wants to be president. Her drive and ambition are immediately clear, and they are part of the reason Charlotte was inspired to apply to be an American Heart Association Youth Heart Ambassador. Another motivation is…
Distinctive Dentistry: Family Dentistry Goes the Extra Mile
In an era where there are various business models for dentistry, a family-owned practice in Tacoma stands out for its personalized care and strong community focus. Dr. Keith Phillips, a board-certified prosthodontist, and his daughter, Dr. Rachel Phillips, have joined forces to provide comprehensive dental care, emphasizing general and specialized dentistry with patient-centered service. Keith…
Northwest Winter Safety Tips for Seniors
During the winter months, slippery sidewalks and cold weather can cause a wide range of injuries and illnesses, especially for seniors. The following tips will help prevent common cold-weather dangers faced by the elderly population. Avoid slipping on ice. Icy, snowy roads and sidewalks make it easy to slip and fall. These falls often cause…