Roy, WA

Set in south Pierce County where rolling farmland borders Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Roy is a quiet rural community on the plains of the Nisqually Basin. It grew up as a railroad water stop and timber hub, and that laid-back agricultural spirit still defines the area today. Residents enjoy the peaceful pace of wide-open pastures, wooded acreage, and mountain views, all while staying within commuting distance of Tacoma, Puyallup, and Olympia.

ATTRChris Light / CC BY-SA 4.0

The heart of town holds onto its roots with early-1900s storefronts, a classic water tower, and beloved local diners. Roy is best known for its long-running Pioneer Rodeo, which brings big crowds and western heritage to town twice a year. While the incorporated downtown is home to only a few hundred people, the broader rural community covers miles of horse properties and scenic backroads, making it an appealing spot for anyone looking for space to spread out.