Telephone: (253) 845-6755


Photo of Puyallup

Puyallup Visitors Center

Our communities offer a wealth of natural beauty, a vibrant economy and easy living.

Puyallup

Puyallup was incorporated on August 19, 1890 by well-known pioneer Ezra Meeker. Meeker took the name of his town from the local Puyallup Native-American tribe. It means “Land of Generous People.” Puyallup has grown to cover approximately 11 square miles and is home to nearly 36,000 citizens.

Agriculture has been an economic mainstay of the Puyallup Valley for more than 100 years, originally becoming known for growing hops and berries. That heritage has been celebrated every September since 1900 with the Puyallup Fair, which is the sixth largest fair in North America, attracting over one million visitors each year. After hops and berry growing waned, Puyallup became known for its production of daffodils. The annual Daffodil Parade and Festival is an acclaimed event.

From the first weekend in May through the last weekend of October, farm-fresh items are sold directly to the public at the Puyallup Farmers Market. More than 250 vendors mark the turning of the growing season with a wide variety of produce and hand-crafted products.

The last decade of the 20th-century saw rapid growth in the community’s residential, commercial and industrial sectors. The excitement, energy and conveniences of modern development have occurred while Puyallup has maintained the best aspects of its small town heritage and quality of life.


Sumner

The City of Sumner is combining the best of the past with a visionary future. Settled in 1853, the city was built on agriculture, especially daffodils, rhubarb, hops, berries, vegetables, and turf grasses. In fact, Sumner is still known as the Rhubarb Pie Capital of the World.

Sumner had retained its small-town charm even though it is now a city of 9,000 residents. Historic downtown Sumner welcomes you with a variety of shops and businesses and hosts many celebrations including the Daffodil Parade, Wine Walks, and Music Off Main. The East Main Street business district is a newer, vibrant business community with restaurants, shopping, services, and the community’s Sunset Chev Stadium. And, the industrial north of Sumner is home to many warehouses and industries that enjoy easy freeway access and other amenities suited to manufacturing.

With two major highways intersecting in Sumner and a commuter station for the Sounder train, it’s easy to get to Sumner. With stellar schools, beautiful parks and small town charm, it’s hard to leave. So, come on in and sample some of Sumner's hospitality.


South Hill of Puyallup

Puyallup’s South Hill is one of the fastest growing areas of Pierce County and the region. The area is well known for its strong quality of life, great schools and safe neighborhoods. South Hill has seen a dramatic increase in retail, housing and business over the past ten years, making it a magnet for young families.

South Hill is situated between the southern city limits of Puyallup to the Graham area. It is home to Thun Field Airport, many public golf courses, an excellent county library, an amphitheater, and numerous parks and play fields.

The Puyallup/Sumner area is a wonderful place to live.

The East Pierce County area, like the Pacific Northwest in general, has a fairly casual style.  You’re likely to see people in jeans and Gore-tex™ whether you go to the grocery store or the symphony.  Our laid-back style comes from our love of the outdoors and the need to stay dry in our rainy (it’s not as bad as everyone says) climate.

Our location on the Pacific Rim and our two major military bases (Ft. Lewis Army Base and McChord Air Force Base) bring us a diverse population from all over the world.  That mix of cultures is reflected in our area’s arts and food.

Along with the espresso stands you’ll find on nearly every corner are parks, museums and quaint shopping districts that invite you to relax or explore as you sip.  Major retail shopping is also readily available.


Places to Go, Things to Do

Eastern Pierce County is a wonderful place to live.

Nestled in the valleys and foothills to the northwest of Mt. Rainier, it is lush and green most of the year, with the scenic Cascade and Olympic Mountain ranges visible from most areas.

Take advantage of lower real estate prices, stronger communities and better schools by living in East Pierce County and commuting.  The Sounder, commuter train runs six daily round trips between Tacoma, Puyallup, Sumner, Auburn, Tukwila and downtown Seattle.  Avoid sitting in traffic and get an early start on your day’s work with high-speed internet ports, or catch some more sleep in the train’s quiet car.  For more information on the Sound Transit Sounder train, click here.

Recreational opportunities abound in East Pierce County.  Whether you’re looking for recreational sports teams fro adults or kids, parks to take a leisurely stroll or hills for a more ambitious hike, you’ll find them readily accessible.

A nearly full complement of regional and national retailers cater to shoppers from Puyallup or nearby Tacoma, and easy freeway access makes getting from one area to the fast and simple.

New residents will also find a wide range of churches, community groups, art associations and service clubs from which to choose.  Schools districts are student-focused and highly regarded.


Temperature

  Minimum (F) Maximum (F)
January 31.3 45.9
April 38.2 61.8
July 49.2 78.3
October 41.7 62.2
Yearly 40.1 61.9
Average temperature 53.3F
Average number of days below 32 (F) 33
Average number of days above 90 (F) 2
Growing season (county range) 145-220 days

Coffee, Doughnuts & New Colleagues

Chamber and community members are invited to stop by any Thursday morning for coffee and doughnuts between 9:00 - 10:00. With no agenda, no fee, lots of participants and yummy treats - this is a great networking opportunity.





Chamber Sponsors

Coldwell Banker Frontier Bank Good Samaritan Hospital Nationwide Rainier Pacific Bank