Parkland, WA

Parkland takes its name from the open grasslands and Garry oak groves that originally blanketed this pocket of the South Sound. In 1890, a group of Norwegian Lutheran settlers chose this spot to build Pacific Lutheran University, conducting school business entirely in Norwegian during its early decades. As the region grew, residential neighborhoods filled in around the university, but PLU's wooded campus remains the heart of the community.

ATTRBen Cody / Public domain

Sitting directly south of Tacoma, Parkland is an unincorporated part of Pierce County. Most residents actually have Tacoma mailing addresses, even though local services and zoning are managed at the county level. Pacific Avenue serves as the main north-south strip, lined with grocery stores, casual restaurants, and direct bus routes into downtown Tacoma. Just west of the highway, the Garfield Street district by the university offers a more relaxed, walkable feel with local coffee shops, student hangouts, and small businesses. Housing throughout the area is diverse, offering everything from classic mid-century ramblers and newer subdivisions to quiet properties on spacious lots.

ATTRAlbert Henry Barnes / Public domain

Because Parkland is unincorporated, neighborhood infrastructure can vary quite a bit from street to street. One block might connect to public sewers and regional water systems, while the next relies on a private septic tank or a local water company. Taking a quick look at the Pierce County online property portal will help you confirm utility providers, zoning rules, and past permits for any home you are considering. It is also a good idea to pay attention to local drainage, since low-lying areas near Clover Creek can collect runoff during wet winter months.

ATTRUW Digital Collections / No restrictions

For recreation, locals have great options right in their backyard. On the south side of town, Sprinker Recreation Center is a huge community draw with an indoor ice arena, outdoor skate park, tennis courts, and athletic fields. Right beside it, Bresemann Forest offers peaceful walking trails that wind through tall timber along Spanaway Creek. Nearby, the Parkland Prairie preserve protects a slice of the area's native grassland and oak savanna, giving residents a quiet natural getaway close to home.