A quick look at this rambler shows the brand new roof, the large lot with its fenced back yard, the practical simplicity of the single-level layout and an attached garage. Look closer and the house will show you original oak hardwood floors, a big front window, French doors to the covered patio and a hallway full of closet storage. Give it a little more time and you’ll find a gas furnace new in 2021, the 2018 electrical panel and updated wiring throughout. The family room—2 steps down from the open living area—has easy access to a ½ bath. In spring the rhodies, lilacs and dogwood bloom. In summer there’s plenty of shade out back. All year long the waterfront town of Steilacoom is only 5 minutes away with a beach park, cafes and historic homes. Set on a street ending in a cul-de-sac, this Lakewood home is surrounded by parks, lakes and shoreline, with JBLM just over 4 miles away for a short commute.

Sunporches and a covered, wraparound deck invite you outdoors in all seasons at this move-in ready home in Lake Minterwood. Set on the Key Peninsula, this neighborhood offers a private lakefront park and access to wooded loop trails, while Key Center’s groceries, post office, library, health center, and spots to meet for coffee are just one mile away. Updates include a brand new roof, a heat pump for a/c, fresh interior paint, and the spacious deck with built-in bench seating. You’ll find many other thoughtful touches to sweeten life here from French doors and a sun tunnel skylight, to the hot tub and a row of cherry trees blooming each spring. The primary suite is a haven with its private bath, walk-in closet, dressing room and sliding doors to a covered porch. Host dinner on the deck and keep scattering seeds in the front garden so the wildflowers can welcome you home.

Summer: fleeting, fading, blossoming, full. Whatever summer is, it isn’t over yet. And you have my permission—nay, encouragement—to scorn all the advertisements and strikingly unseasonal displays that try to tell you otherwise. This article is like a home recipe for savoring summer in and around Tacoma. Mix the ingredients to your taste—sky gazing with a dash of free outdoor music, sun-warmed berries with a sprinkle of salty PNW beaches, roadside bouquets with a side of community festivals for spice. It’s a whole year until summer comes again so there’s no need to save room; go ahead and clean your plate.

This is not an ultimate, all time, best of the best, win or go home, top 5 list. No, we aren’t really bringing that kind of energy to life. This is the 5th edition of 5 things we like in Tacoma from a list of way more things we like in Tacoma. Sound good? A monthly free film, nacho cheese to balance your diet, the habit of drinking coffee where the seals can see you, an opportunity to notice and collect, and a very particular sort of blind date. Some of it’s free. All of it’s good. We’re not making any other claims (who needs all that best-stress anyway?).