Moving to Puyallup.. (Kent, South Hill, Lacey: relocate, house hunting, rental)

[Danman]

Im in the Air Force and Im moving from Edmond OK. to Puyallup. I know its fairly close to Mcchord AFB but I know little else about the area. I plan on renting a house first before buying and Im curious on what the area is like in terms of crime, schools etc. Any info is appreciated.

[magrack]

Could be worse, could be better.

Depending on where you rent, the commute can be a real bear unless you drive off-peak.

Would reccommend avoiding having to drive on Meridian (So Hill) any time day or night.

Renting in the area is the best choice for determining where to finally settle.

You'll often see conflicting advice here about any particular spot in the Puget Sound area; my advice is to process it all.

Only you can determine if a place is right for you.

If you can't find a place to rent in "Pala-yoops", take a look at Lacy.

Should be comparable price-wise, easier commute.

[imgoinghome]

Danman, we are an army family getting relocated to Ft. Lewis after 13 years I am coming home. Puyallup is nestled in a valley that is a hive of activity. You have the Puyallup fair that runs through most of September, and one week in April. It has rodeos, art exhibits, 4-H exhibits, concerts, rides...It’s not your mom and pop fair. Off season there are car shows and many other events to keep you busy all year long. At the library in town during the spring - summer you have a farmers market. They have fresh fruit and veggies, all kinds of honey and jams, Lots of crafters set booths up, there jewelry, art, and many things that make you go hum... how many towns can boast that many things to do? You’ll here that traffic is a night mare but there is three other ways out of the valley and any local can get around traffic! We also spent two weeks there last year I did not think traffic was all that bad even up on South Hill. Although we have been residing in San Antonio and the traffic problem is as big as Texas. For some good School in formation check out this web site http://www.greatschools.net/modperl/...school/wa/1424
We have learned that if you can find a good high school than you have a good healthy town. Good luck with your transfer.

[Danman]

Lacey and Puyallup are our two top living choices, and Im excited about checking out what the area has to offer!

[Gubbinsgal]

Hi Danman,

Me and my husband just moved to Puyallup and are pleased with the area. Folk are friendly, there's plenty of amenities and if you are looking to rent I can recommend Windermere property rentals - we went through Barb from the Kent office. The traffic problems that you may have read about are true and I have already sought out alternative routes than Meridian - it is a pain - but other than that, very happy on our decision.

[soldbysloane]

Danman,
check out Dupont, Puyallup is great, but I've heard my fair share of horror stories. Lacey is a nice alternative, traffic is much better, although Puyallup has so much more to offer as far as activities. Dupont is a very desirable community.
Good luck on your house hunting