Community Amenities That Make University Place Unique

Community Amenities That Make University Place Unique

What makes University Place a great place to live? University Place, or "UP", is a small city just west of Tacoma. It's known for Chambers Bay, a 930-acre regional park and championship golf course on Puget Sound. It also has free summer concerts, respected schools, and a wide range of homes, all 15 to 20 minutes from downtown Tacoma.

As a Tacoma-based real estate team, we show homes in UP all the time. Here are the amenities that win buyers over.

Chambers Bay: Your 930-Acre Backyard

Chambers Creek Regional Park covers 930 acres and more than two miles of Puget Sound shoreline. Here's what you'll find there:

• Chambers Bay Golf Course: The nationally recognized public course that hosted the 2015 U.S. Open.
• The Chambers Bay Loop Trail: A 3.2-mile paved path through wildflower meadows and rolling hills, with water views the whole way.
• The Chambers Bay Overlook: On a clear day, you can see Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountains, and Mount Rainier from one spot.

Whether you're training for a 10K, walking the dog or catching a sunset, Chambers Bay quickly becomes part of your routine.

Free Summer Concerts

UP's summer concert series is one of the best parts of living here. Starting in early July, the city hosts free outdoor shows two nights a week:

• Wednesday nights at Market Square in Town Center
• Thursday evenings at Curran Apple Orchard Park

Bring a lawn chair or a picnic blanket, grab a bite, and settle in with your neighbors. It's an easy, budget-friendly night out, and a great way for newcomers to feel at home fast.

Waterfront Hangouts

Titlow Beach, Boathouse 19, and Narrows Brewing are all just down the road:

• Titlow Beach: A local favorite for beach walks, tide pools, and views of the Narrows Bridge.
• Boathouse 19: Serves up seafood and Puget Sound views on its waterfront deck.
• Narrows Brewing: A waterfront taproom right next to the Narrows Marina. Grab a Hwy 16 Lager or an Octo IPA and soak in the water views. The waterfront spot is 21+, but bringing the kids? Their kid-friendly taproom in Tacoma's Proctor District is a short drive away.

Market Square and Hidden Green Spaces

Market Square is the heart of University Place Town Center. It's home to the University Place Library and hosts farmers' markets and festivals throughout the year.

For quieter moments, Kobayashi Park offers wooded trails along a gentle stream. Cirque Bridgeport Park has 21 acres of soccer fields, playgrounds, and forest paths.

Schools Families Seek Out

The University Place School District is a big reason families plant roots here. Kids can grow up in the district from start to finish, with options like these:

• Narrows Co-op Preschool
• Sunset Primary and Chambers Elementary
• Drum Intermediate
• Curtis High School, a true point of community pride

Everyday Conveniences and Easy Access

University Place has both a Trader Joe's and a Whole Foods, and Pierce Transit serves the city. Getting around is easy, too:

• Downtown Tacoma and JBLM are each 15 to 20 minutes away.
• Gig Harbor is a quick trip via Highway 16 and the Narrows Bridge.
• Seattle and Olympia are within reach via I-5.

Day Island: UP's Waterfront Hideaway

Day Island is one of University Place's most unique neighborhoods. It sits on the Tacoma Narrows and is reached by a small bridge, which gives it a tucked-away, island-life feel.

Here, homes sit right on the water, and boats are part of everyday life. The Day Island Yacht Club anchors the community, and the calm lagoon is a favorite for kayaking and paddleboarding. Picture sunsets over the Narrows from your own deck. If waterfront living is on your wish list, Day Island is worth a look.

Homes in University Place

One of UP's biggest draws is its variety of homes. You'll find a few historic homes, but most UP neighborhoods were built from the 1950s to today. That gives buyers a lot of choice:

• Midcentury homes: Classic ramblers with timeless character and room to make them your own.
• '80s suburban neighborhoods: Established streets with mature trees and family-friendly layouts.
• Newer spec homes: Move-in-ready homes in housing developments.
• Custom view homes: Homes facing Puget Sound's incredible sunsets.

Whether you're a first-time buyer, growing your family, or dreaming of a sunset view, there's a home in UP for you.

Find Your Home in University Place

University Place gives you world-class views, great schools and a strong sense of community in one place. Our team knows UP's neighborhoods street by street, from homes minutes from the Chambers Bay trail to waterfront retreats on Day Island. 

The best UP homes sell fast, so be first in line. Register on our website for personalized listing alerts. You'll get new University Place listings that match your must-haves as soon as they hit the market.

Questions about UP? Call Harber Home Group at 253-256-1556. We'd love to help you find your place in University Place.