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Fife, WA

Frequently asked questions

Fife, WA

Fife is a city in Pierce County, Washington, United States and a suburb of Tacoma. The population was 10,999 at the 2020 census. Fife is contained within the Puyallup Indian Reservation.

The lower Puyallup basin is the ancestral home of the Puyallup people, who were relocated after the signing of the Medicine Creek Treaty in 1854. The treaty ceded Puyallup lands and created the Puyallup Indian Reservation, which was expanded to include modern-day Fife. The land on which the city sits was lost after the signing of the General Allotment Act in 1887 and other land transfers that were later resolved in a 1990 claims settlement.

In 1940, Fife was described as "at a valley crossroads in the midst of a thickly settled berry growing and truck-gardening district is represented by a string of markets, taverns, shops, and a large, balloon-roofed dance hall along the highway." The 1940 population was 135. Fife was officially incorporated on February 11, 1957.

Due to the increased traffic volume traveling from Puyallup and Tacoma, Fife felt the need to establish itself as autonomous community, not just as an intermediate area between Interstate 5 (I-5) and State Route 167.

Fife may have been named for William J. Fife, a prominent Tacoma lawyer, Yukon prospector, once head of the Washington National Guard, and a lieutenant colonel in the field during the Philippine Insurrection. There is also a historic county of Scotland and former Pictish kingdom called Fife, which could also be a source of the city's name.

Fife is located at 47°14′4″N 122°21′35″W (47.234439, -122.359690). It is entirely within the Puyallup Indian Reservation created in 1854, but title is held almost entirely by non-Native Americans. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 5.83 square miles (15.10 km²), of which 5.69 square miles (14.74 km²) is land and 0.14 square miles (0.36 km²) is water.

Fife is also a tideflat community, residing in the low, flat area extending from the Port of Tacoma. This means the water table occurs only 10–15 feet (3.0–4.6 m) below ground in some parts. Consequently, during the day, as the tide rises and falls in the Puget Sound, so do parts of land slightly rise and fall.

The southern portions of the city are in the floodplain of the Puyallup River. Much of the city would be damaged or destroyed in the event of a lahar due to an eruption of Mount Rainier.

Fife places a strong emphasis on health and wellness to its residents. MultiCare Indigo Urgent Care Center offers comprehensive health services, including wellness check-ups and preventive care programs. Planet Fitness offers comprehensive fitness programs including cardio, strength training, and group exercise classes. For those who love the outdoors, Dash Point State Park provides excellent hiking trails and beautiful scenery. Indoor enthusiasts can head to Climb Tacoma for rock climbing adventures. Enhance your mindfulness and relaxation with yoga sessions at Elev8 Hot Yoga or at Expand Yoga.

Top sites in Fife, WA are Dacca Park Sports Complex, Colburn Park, LeMay - America’s Car Museum, and Brookville Gardens Community Park.

Population: 11,077 (2024). ZIP code: 98424. Area code: 253. Elevation: 20 ft (6.1 m). Area: 5.89 sq mi (15.25 km²).

FAQs

What is the crime rate in Fife, WA?

With a crime rate of 138 per one thousand residents, Fife has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes - from the smallest towns to the very largest cities. One's chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is one in 7. Within Washington, more than 100% of the communities have a lower crime rate than Fife.

Is Fife, WA an Indian reservation?

Fife is contained within the Puyallup Indian Reservation. The lower Puyallup basin is the ancestral home of the Puyallup people, who were relocated after the signing of the Medicine Creek Treaty in 1854. The treaty ceded Puyallup lands and created the Puyallup Indian Reservation, which was expanded to include modern-day Fife. The land on which the city sits was lost after the signing of the General Allotment Act in 1887 and other land transfers that were later resolved in a 1990 claims settlement.

Is Fife, WA a good place to live?

Fife is in Pierce County. Living in Fife offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents rent their homes. In Fife there are a lot of bars, coffee shops, and parks. Many families and young professionals live in Fife and residents tend to have moderate political views. The public schools in Fife are above average.

Sources

City of Fife

Wikipedia

Niche

Neighborhood Scout

Dacca Park Sports Complex

Colburn Park

LeMay - America’s Car Museum

Brookville Gardens Community Park

MultiCare Indigo Urgent Care Center

Planet Fitness

Dash Point State Park

Climb Tacoma

Elev8 Hot Yoga

Expand Yoga

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