Moving to Tacoma/Puyallup, WA in less than a year (Seattle: home builders, neighborhoods)

[huma281]

Could anyone give me some insight on what new home builders are good around $500k or less in a good school district? Used home is okay too as long as it's not too old.

Looking to purchase around Tacoma/Puyallup, close to Fort Lewis (wife is in military).

Any general advice prior to the move or what to research/look out for?

Any advice is appreciated, thanks in advance.

[ScottStielow]

Check into Puyallup might be what you are looking for.
Puyallup is home of the State Fair in September. I went in 2017 when my wife in I visited the Seattle Area on Vacation. Had a good time. The fair had some Big time Entertainers during the month the fair was open that year.
Good luck with your move.
https://www.redfin.com/city/14679/WA...housing-market


https://www.realtor.com/realestatean...up_WA/overview

[mogon]

Take a look at Fircrest.

[huma281]

I'll check out Fircrest, thanks.

Any opinions on Lennar/Rush Residential/Richmond American homes?

[CrazyDonkey]

Steilacoom:

https://www.zillow.com/steilacoom-wa/houses/

[missc123]

But the light co almost doubles your bill with the delivery charge

[fassopony]

Any reason you are trying to buy from certain builders? I know Gordon Rush- his company generally builds good homes. WA State has a pretty tight inspection process for construction so there aren't too many slapped together homes. Now, I would be pretty careful buying from a flipper and make sure to hire your own home inspector during the buying process.


Good neighborhoods are the North End of Tacoma, Fircrest, most of University Place, Steilacoom, some areas of Puyallup, Gig Harbor. All of these except Steilacoom have horrible commutes to JBLM.



If you are stationed at Lewis I would look at Dupontand perhaps north Lacey, and there is plenty of work in Oly which is near Dupont and Lacey. For more rural feel Roy, McKenna, and Yelm.


AVOID Spanaway, Parkland, South side of Tacoma, etc.

[huma281]

Originally Posted by fassopony

Any reason you are trying to buy from certain builders? I know Gordon Rush- his company generally builds good homes. WA State has a pretty tight inspection process for construction so there aren't too many slapped together homes. Now, I would be pretty careful buying from a flipper and make sure to hire your own home inspector during the buying process

Good neighborhoods are the North End of Tacoma, Fircrest, most of University Place, Steilacoom, some areas of Puyallup, Gig Harbor. All of these except Steilacoom have horrible commutes to JBLM.

If you are stationed at Lewis I would look at Dupontand perhaps north Lacey, and there is plenty of work in Oly which is near Dupont and Lacey. For more rural feel Roy, McKenna, and Yelm.

AVOID Spanaway, Parkland, South side of Tacoma, etc.

No particular reason nor preference toward any builder. Those were the only builders with new homes being built in the area searched.

Thanks for all the suggestions, will look into all these areas.

When you say horrible commute, how horrible?

[huma281]

Anyone have experience with Rob Rice Homes?

[fassopony]

HORRIBLE. People up here are terrible drivers. There is congestion but we have the lowest skilled drivers of the nation possibly. Left lane campers abound, very timid, then get mad if they get passed. Check out Google maps on your phone and map out some trips from the base to whichever city around 6-8 am and then 3-6 or 7 pm.