What Should I Know Before Moving to Fife?

Check the cost of living, housing, traffic, and public transit in Fife. Each neighborhood has its own vibe, so pick one that fits your lifestyle. Be prepared for Fife climate and weather.

How Much Do Movers Charge in Fife?

Moving within Fife usually costs between $300 and $1,500. Moving long distances can cost anywhere from $2,000 to more than $5,000. The price may go up if you need extra services like packing or storage. Fill out Movers.com quote form to compare the quotes easily.

What’s the Best Time of the Year to Move to Fife?

While moves happen year-round, spring and fall are often more comfortable in Fife. Booking outside of peak summer or winter seasons can save money and make scheduling easier.

Do Moving Companies in Fife Offer Packing and Unpacking Services?

Yes! Majority of moving companies in Fife offer full service moving, which means they will help you pack, unpack, and arrange your belongings.

When You Move from Fife, How Far in Advance Should I Schedule My Move?

You should plan your move from Fife at least 4 to 8 weeks in advance, especially if you're moving during the busy season (summer). You can get better availability, prices, and flexibility with your moving date if you book early. If you book at the last minute, you may have fewer choices or pay more.

Moving to Fife, WA | Find Trusted Movers & Services

Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Fife, WA

Considering a move to Fife, WA? With a population of about 11,690, Fife is a small community offering affordable living with a median home price around $398,000 and average rents of $1,650. Residents enjoy short average commute times of 27 minutes, access to local schools, and proximity to major healthcare facilities. While property crime rates are higher than average, the city’s moderate cost of living, mix of cultural backgrounds, and mild climate make it an appealing spot for those seeking convenience near Tacoma and Seattle.

Demographics - Fife, WA

Fife, WA is home to about 11,690 residents, with a youthful median age of 34.2 and a culturally diverse population where nearly 20% speak a language other than English. The city offers a balanced gender ratio and a mix of ethnic backgrounds, making it a welcoming community for newcomers.

Population:

11,690

Density:

1,220 per sq mi

Median Age:

34.2

Gender Ratio:

103 males per 100 females

Non-English Speakers Percentage:

19.5%

Ethnic Composition

White:

48.5%

Black:

8.8%

Asian:

12.3%

Others:

30.4%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Fife, WA?

Fife offers a moderately higher cost of living compared to the national average, with a median home value of $398,000 and average rents of $1,650. Utilities and groceries remain affordable, and Washington's lack of state income tax helps offset higher housing expenses.

Median House Value:

$398,000

Gross Rent:

$1,650

Monthly Electricity Charges:

$110

Auto Insurance:

$1,350

House Owner Cost With Mortgage:

$2,070

House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:

$680

State Taxes:

Low:

High:

9.0%

Cost Of Living Index:

116.5

Grocery:

109.0

Housing:

123.5

Utilities:

99.4

Transportation:

117.1

Health Care:

108.2

Miscellaneous:

102.3

Crime

Is Fife, WA a safe place to live?

While Fife's violent crime rate is lower than the national average, property crimes are more common, with residents facing a 1 in 31 chance of experiencing property-related incidents. It's important for newcomers to consider local crime prevention efforts and neighborhood safety when choosing a home.

Violent Crimes Per 100k:

310

Property Crimes Per 100k:

3,200

Crime Index:

3,510

Chance Of Violent Crime:

1 in 323

Chance Of Property Crime:

1 in 31

Weather

What is the weather like in Fife, WA year-round?

Fife experiences mild, temperate weather with warm summers averaging highs of 77°F and cool winters rarely dropping below 35°F. The city receives nearly 40 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 44% of the year, making it comfortable for outdoor activities most seasons.

Winter

Min:

35°F

Max:

47°F

Spring

Min:

44°F

Max:

62°F

Summer

Min:

53°F

Max:

77°F

Fall

Min:

45°F

Max:

64°F

Average Rainfall Inches:

39.7 inches

Sunny Days Percentage:

44%

Neighbors

Fife's residents benefit from a median household income of $66,800 and a relatively low unemployment rate of 4.8%. Most neighbors have at least a high school education, and the average commute to work is about 27 minutes, offering a good balance between affordability and convenience.

Median Income:

$39,500

Household Income:

$66,800

Family Income:

$73,400

Per Capita Income:

$30,200

Income Male:

$41,800

Income Female:

$36,300

Poverty Rate:

13.7%

Non English Speakers:

19.5%

Rent:

$1,650

Unemployment Rate:

4.8%

Public Transport Usage:

5.5%

Commute Time:

27.1 minutes

Education

High School or Higher:

88.6%

Bachelors or More:

20.1%

Education

How are the schools in Fife, WA?

Fife provides access to quality education through public schools like Fife High School and Columbia Junior High, as well as nearby colleges such as Tacoma Community College and the University of Washington Tacoma. Local schools offer reasonable student-teacher ratios and a supportive learning environment.

Public Schools

Name:

Fife High School

Street:

5616 20th St E

Phone:

253-517-1100

Students:

950

Student Teacher Ratio:

19.5

Name:

Columbia Junior High

Street:

2901 54th Ave E

Phone:

253-517-1600

Students:

800

Student Teacher Ratio:

17.8

Private Schools

Name:

All Saints School

Street:

504 2nd St SW, Puyallup, WA

Phone:

253-845-5025

Students:

210

Colleges

Name:

Tacoma Community College

City:

Tacoma

State:

Distance:

7 miles

Students:

6,000

Name:

University of Washington Tacoma

City:

Tacoma

State:

Distance:

6 miles

Students:

5,300

Healthcare

Fife residents have convenient access to major hospitals like MultiCare Tacoma General and St. Joseph Medical Center, both offering emergency services nearby. With 2.5 physicians per 1,000 people and over 91% health insurance coverage, the community enjoys solid healthcare options.

Major Hospitals

Name:

MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital

Address:

315 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Tacoma, WA 98405

Phone:

(253) 403-1000

Type:

General & Surgical

Emergency Services:

Yes

Name:

St. Joseph Medical Center

Address:

1717 S J St, Tacoma, WA 98405

Phone:

(253) 426-4101

Type:

General & Surgical

Emergency Services:

Yes

Physicians Per 1000:

2.5

Health Insurance Coverage:

91.8%

Health Care Index:

76.2

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Fife, WA?

The housing market in Fife features a median home price of $398,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $1,650. About 48% of homes are owner-occupied, and the area has seen modest appreciation, making it attractive for both renters and buyers.

Median Home Price:

$398,000

Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:

$1,650

Owner Occupied Rate:

48.2%

Rental Vacancy Rate:

6.1%

Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):

2.7%

New Construction Rate:

2.4%

Foreclosure Rate:

0.6%

DMV Information

Residents of Fife can handle driver and vehicle services through the Washington State Department of Licensing, located in Olympia. The DMV offers convenient online resources and in-person assistance for licensing and registration needs.

State:

Washington

Department:

Washington State Department of Licensing

Address:

405 Black Lake Blvd SW, Olympia, WA 98502

Phone:

360-902-3900

Website:

https://www.dol.wa.gov

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.