Ideally located between Seattle and Mount Rainier, Sumner provides easy access to three major highways and public transportation in the region. It boasts a vibrant economy buoyed by a bustling business district and an industrial area hosting manufacturing businesses and warehouses. Yet, it has managed to preserve its unmistakable small town charm, with a historic downtown filled with vintage homes and buildings, and long standing traditions that live on to this day.
Formerly an agricultural town, Sumner is still known today as the Rhubarb Pie Capital of the World, and the area around the city remains the largest producer of rhubarb for fresh markets. The community continues to hold festivals and events in honor of this versatile vegetable, along with other traditional celebrations.
As with the rest of the Pacific Northwest, Sumner is surrounded by nature attractions, giving the community a relaxed, tranquil vibe and plenty of options for outdoor recreation.
Sumner, WA Real Estate
The vast majority of the housing stock in Sumner are single-family homes coming in a wide range of sizes and prices. There are acreage properties with one or more acres of land and expansive houses, perfect for starting your own farm or equestrian property. There are also plenty of opportunities for starter homes with spacious lot areas for possible expansion.
The typical home size is around 1,900 to 2,000 square feet with three to four bedrooms, and lot sizes of around 2,000 to 5,000 square feet. The most popular architectural styles are ranch and traditional, but there are also plenty of homes in the contemporary style. Waterfront homes along the Puyallup and White Rivers are some of the most desirable properties here.
Homes in Sumner come in various ages. Some are historic properties that are more than 75 to 100 years old but have been excellently preserved and updated over the years. If you’re looking for new construction homes, you’ll find numerous options in the many new upscale developments around the city.
Living in Sumner, WA
- Cost of living The cost of living index in Sumner is slightly lower than Washington state’s but higher than the national average. As a highly desirable area to live in, home prices in Sumner are generally on the upper end of the scale, and this is the main factor that drives up cost of living in the city.
- Education Sumner School District is highly rated, with students getting above average scores in standard tests. The school district includes nine elementary schools, three middle schools, and two high schools. Top rated schools include Emerald Hills Elementary School, Crestwood Elementary School, Maple Lawn Elementary School, Sumner Middle School, and more.
- Employment Many Sumner residents commute to nearby Seattle and other business centers for work. According to these stats, only around 17.1% of the city’s workforce also live here. Sumner is an employment center. In the daytime, the population increases by 86.3% as workers come to the city to work in various industries, such as manufacturing, construction, and retail and wholesale trade.
- Healthcare facilities Sumner is home to several private healthcare facilities, providing emergency, primary, and specialty care, including senior healthcare services.
- Attractions and recreation The city’s historic Main Street draws thousands of visitors for its nostalgic Americana feel. You’ll find shops selling clothing, antiques, crafts, and other items, housed in buildings that have been around since the 1800s. There’s also a wide choice of restaurants, many featuring the city’s trademark rhubarb cake.Downtown Sumner is the venue for many of the city’s well-loved events, including the Daffodil Parade, Rhubarb Days, Classy Chassis Car Show, Street of Treats Halloween celebration, the Santa Parade, and more.Outdoor activities are a way of life in Sumner. The city has numerous parks and recreation centers where residents can enjoy various sports, as well as activities like hiking, biking, fishing, and camping. The Puyallup River and White River are popular not only with the locals but tourists from various parts of the country, as well.
Interested to know more about North Tacoma, WA? Get in touch with me, Lori Lewandowski, to inquire about housing options, learn more about the community, consult about community resources and facilities, or discuss related concerns.
I’m a Top Producing agent at John L Scott KMS, and I work seven days a week to help you achieve your goals. Call now at 253.617.5922 or email me at LoriLewandowski@gmail.com.
You can also view your housing options in other fine WA communities like North Tacoma, Buckley, and University Place.