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…
Procrastination is NOT a Financial Plan
One of those catchy new phrases used to describe demographic groups is the “Sandwich Generation.” The title refers to middle-aged adults (often in their 40s and 50s) who are caring for both elderly parents and their own children. According to Crystal McMahon, CFP®, EA, the Managing Director of Arrowroot Family Office in Tacoma, “Typically in…
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…
Your Guide to Summer Around the South Sound
Summer in the Pacific Northwest is a great time to get out and enjoy a concert, festival, farmers market or a community signature event. You can check out a sample of the over 240 events in the area between June and September 2026 below. Yelm Prairie Days Yelm’s signature summer celebration, Prairie Days, is 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…
Boys & Girls Club Gives Back
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, a study was done in 2019 that compared youth who participated in activities outside of the classroom versus children who didn’t. The study found that “the percentages of students who attended an event sponsored by a community, religious, or ethnic group with their parents in the past…
Saint Martin’s University Announces Chef Renee Erickson as Gala Host
Saint Martin’s University has announced that the 2026 Saint Martin’s Gala will feature James Beard Award-winning chef and restaurateur Renee Erickson as its celebrity chef host. The Saint Martin’s Gala, the University’s signature fundraising event for student scholarships, will be held Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, in the Hal and Inge Marcus Pavilion on Saint Martin’s Lacey…
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…
Tristate Roofing: We Got You Covered!
Tristate Roofing is more than just a roofing company. With five locations in the Puget Sound, having just added a new office on the Olympic Peninsula in Sequim, Tristate Roofing also offers windows, siding, gutters, doors and — just recently added — patio covers and decks, just in time for summer, to their inclusive array…
Procrastination is NOT a Financial Plan
One of those catchy new phrases used to describe demographic groups is the “Sandwich Generation.” The title refers to middle-aged adults (often in their 40s and 50s) who are caring for both elderly parents and their own children. According to Crystal McMahon, CFP®, EA, the Managing Director of Arrowroot Family Office in Tacoma, “Typically in…
Crockett’s: Memorable Dining
Known for its rustic atmosphere, Puyallup’s Crockett’s Public House is located on East Stewart Avenue. Housed in a former feed store, it serves a full bar, burgers, hand-cut fries, and comfort food. Crockett’s celebrates the history of Puyallup as a train town through their décor, memorabilia and menu. “Customers love to look at photos and…
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…
Pediatrics Northwest’s New Allergy and Asthma Location Serving Tacoma
We are excited to announce that Pediatrics Northwest is serving patients at a location in Tacoma exclusively dedicated to allergy, asthma, and immunology care. The clinic is located in Building B on the Allenmore Hospital and Medical Center campus. This expansion comes as a direct response to the growing need for specialized allergy/immunology and asthma…
Physical Therapy with Fun & Family
Owners Kim Bisson and Susan Jankelson wanted to create a clinic that felt like home. Their goal was for each person who walked through the doors, whether patient or employee, to feel like part of the family. Welcome home to Rainier Family Physical Therapy. What started over a cup of coffee in 2007 has transformed…
Is Refractive Surgery Right for You?
As we age, our eyesight can become a bigger focus of our overall health. Maybe you now need to wear readers, or your long-held eyeglass prescription has been increased. Maybe you are worried about cataracts. Whatever the concern may be, Evergreen Eye Centers are here to help evaluate your overall eye health and provide the…
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…