Firstly why Fife, Washington?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Fife
• State: Washington
• Population: 11,000 people
• Fife’s quick summary would be celebrated for its local parks and diverse dining options this city promotes a lively community spirit through various events.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 500 annually
• While this many move-out: 214 annually
• Net Migration: 286 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 634
• Number of Homeless people: 50

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it features a blend of suburban living and access to urban amenities attracting families

Perk #1: Fife Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 29%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 61%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is White
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly Asian
• The median income is (and growing)  $73,113
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Fife is $74,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $887 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Fife’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 116 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $2,200
• Property Tax %: 1.25%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $2,000
• Rent for an average house: $2,100
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Fife
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Fife, Milton, and probably could include Puyallup
• Avg. Age of Homes in Fife: 29 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.3%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Fife’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Fife are  Manufacturing, Retail, and Transportation
• Fife Job Scene: stable job market focused on logistics and local services
• The General Tech Scene: limited tech presence mainly focused on logistics and local commerce , ,
• Fife Resident’s pay $1,400 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Fife: 8.1%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 120 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 2

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Fife

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $114 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-5 runs through Fife connecting it to Tacoma and Seattle
• Commute Time: 28 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: heavy traffic on Pacific Highway
• Transportation Score: 26 out of 100 described as Some Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Fife: 25,000
• Cars registered per Person: 2.3
• No. of Car Washes: 1 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Fife: dol.wa.gov
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 54 of 100
• Local Airport: Seattle-Tacoma International

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Fife’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Flood
• General Weather in Fife is best described as mild winters cool summers with abundant rain
• Winter Weather in Fife i’d describe as cool with rain
• Spring Weather in Fife can be described as cool with rain likely
• Summer’s in Fife are mostly mild and pleasant
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Fife is usually cool with sunny periods
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 12 days in summer
• Days in a row in Fife below Freezing: 5
• Average Annual Rainfall: 38 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality influenced by local emissions
• Fife Winter Air generally good air quality with minor pollution influences

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Fife Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Fife 2
• While the number of trade schools inside Fifes’s city limits are 1
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Fife Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Fife Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 10 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Fife only Doctors is about 30
• Local Hospitals here is  1
• Full-time Fife only Police Officers is about 40
• Crime Rate Index: 62/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Fife’s Monthly utility bill average is $185
• Fife’s Monthly Gym Membership: $28
• Fife’s Water Quality Score: 67

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Fife

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 3 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: small town community with a focus on family and local resources
• You might enjoy live performances at community centers
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Fife  offers local bars and dining options suitable for relaxed evening gatherings among family and friends

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Fife

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Includes local diners and a variety of fast food
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 40 scattered around Fife
• The Popular Sports Team is Local PickleBall Champs
• Top Level Political Climate in Fife can be described as politically mixed area with a focus on community development
• Fife’s Longer standing religious establishment is Fife United Methodist Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Fife Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Fife has 4 Parks?
• Fife Parks is Fife’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Fife Farmers Market normally open Saturday 9am-1pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, picnicking, and parks

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Fife Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Fife can be described as moderate suburban pace with a focus on community living
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Fife hiking trails exploring community gardens picnics at parks
• The Cities people commute to from Fife are Tacoma 14 miles away Puyallup 10 miles away Spanaway 11 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Fife or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: heavy traffic on Pacific Highway. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Fife’s Flood risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Fife is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Fife are Tacoma 14 miles away Puyallup 10 miles away Spanaway 11 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 62 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Fife has 5 days in a row below freezing and 12 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Fife people have an average (positive or negative) $887 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   50 homeless people living in Fife. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general politically mixed area with a focus on community development could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Fife.

Retiree & Senior Life in Fife

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can may receive tax breaks enhancing overall affordability
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is Willow Creek
• Fife Senior Center provides health services social programs and resources for older adults

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Fife, Washington?

If Fife, Washington ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Fife, Washington, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!