University Place Apartments and Rentals

Home to 31,000-plus residents, the city of University Place is both a growing town and a serene escape from urban life. Known for its pristine natural beach front and rugged nature paths, University Place is perfect for any family or individual who is looking to settle into something a bit less urban. With the city continuing to experience growth, there are sure to be a number of University Place apartments for rent that will provide the perfect new home for any prospective resident.

University Place became a city in 1995, although the area's history goes much further back than a few decades.

For several thousand years, the area was home to several tribes of the Pacific Northwest, including the Nisqually, Squaxin, Muckleshoot and Steilacoom.

The area was named in the 1800s when the University of Puget Sound had purchased land here to build a new campus. However, while the university eventually terminated this decision due to financial constraints, the name stuck.

Developments originally grew out of the city's hearty lumber and gravel mining industries. However, the area continued growing as couples looking for great communities to raise their families settled into the area to make their homes and livelihoods. One of the more famous families of University Place is the Curran's, who owned the Curran Apple Orchard, which today remains a popular park filled with apple blossoms or fruit, depending on the time of year.

Despite what its name may lead outsiders to believe, there are no colleges or universities located within the city limits of University Place. However, being only a few short miles from the city of Tacoma, residents here can choose from a number of top notch schools to further their education. Liberal arts reigns at the University of Puget Sound, while Lutheran-based education can be found at Pacific Lutheran University. Those wanting the resources of a large state school without the longer commute to Seattle can take advantage of the range of programs offered at the University of Washington's Tacoma campus.

Top employment opportunities in University Place are largely found in the sectors of education, healthcare and government. University Place School District is the largest employer, while Franciscan Health System and Pierce County also make the top 10.

Being a rather isolated community, residents of University Place enjoy a deeper sense of tranquility in their neighborhoods than many other area communities, yet still reap the benefits of being near the metro areas of both Tacoma and Seattle.

Because of this isolation, University Place residents enjoy rent prices that are among the lowest in the area. According to city-data, the median gross rent for the state was $827, more than $150 lower than Seattle rent prices and $40 less per month than Tacoma median gross rent rates for the same period. No matter what your lifestyle, there is sure to be a perfect University Place rental by the shore's edge for you.

Being a relatively new city, University Place residents appreciate the wide expanses of well-kept natural habitats they have at their disposal. The city is home to more than 20 different parks, preserves and wildlife habitats, including Kobayahi Park, which includes creeks, wetlands and small groves of large conifers. Residents who prefer their natural settings to be well-manicured can head to the world-class Chambers Bay golf course.

If you are looking for an apartment for rent or a house rental in University Place, Wash., search for rental properties at Rent.com®.