Founded like so many Washington burghs on a nearby lumber mill, Mill Town truly came into its own when it was renamed Milton, after a renowned poet.
There's nothing the Seattle-Tacoma area likes more than bedroom communities, and this small city of 7,000 proudly counts itself among their number
Founded like so many Washington burghs on a nearby lumber mill, Mill Town truly came into its own when it was renamed Milton, after a renowned poet.
There's nothing the Seattle-Tacoma area likes more than bedroom communities, and this small city of 7,000 proudly counts itself among their number. Though bedroom communities might not be the busiest centers of commerce and industry, they aren't exactly sleepy, and make stellar places to call home with relaxing atmospheres and plenty of recreational opportunities. Milton is no exception.
Where Commuters Roost
As with all bedroom communities, the name of the game in Milton is commuting. While a few small businesses and retail establishments exist within the city limits to cater to the immediate population, the great majority of its residents earn their bread and butter in nearby Tacoma and its other surrounding areas. Chances are you've already lined up a job in the area if you have your sights set on Milton, but if you haven't, get to it! You'll want to have proof of employment to show off to potential landlords.
House or Apartment?
Owing to its proximity to Tacoma, Milton property rentals are a diverse mix, with amenities and styles for everyone. Rental homes comprise the majority of available vacancies, but if you're looking to find an apartment there are still plenty of options available.
Double-Check That Paperwork
With an equal mix of long-time residents and temporary professionals, nothing will derail your quest for apts for rent like not having your paperwork up to snuff. Local landlords aren't going to be cutting any handshake deals here, so it's vitally important to have the appropriate records on hand. Stellar testimonials from previous landlords are always a plus, and proof of income, as well as employment and credit histories, are absolutely required.
The Mega-Commuter's Affordable Refuge
It's a telling symptom of the area's real estate market that many of Milton's residents actually make the commute to Seattle in order to enjoy Milton's much more affordable landscape. It's not a terribly arduous commute, though the normal 40-minute trip can double in length during the worst traffic times. Still, for many in the region a commute that long isn't unheard of, and the greatly increased likelihood of finding a stellar rental property at an affordable price makes it worth the time. If you've recently lined up a sweet gig within Seattle proper, it's well worth the effort to explore Milton's apartment offerings before making a commitment elsewhere.
Triangle Park: Named after the park that is (big surprise) a triangle, this neighborhood has the quaint residential street routine down. It's the densest area of the city, and also the closest to Tacoma and Interstate 5, providing quick access to the entire Seattle-Tacoma metropolis. Although the density of its residential lots means groceries and other sundry retail concerns aren't immediately available, there are plenty of options a few minutes away in any direction.
Surprise Lake: Less dense than the western half of the city, the area around Surprise Lake is prime territory for sprawling lawns and beautiful Washington landscapes. It also hosts an enormous apartment complex, which is beloved by its residents for its convenience, beautiful landscape, and unparalleled view over Surprise Lake itself. Though it may take a few minutes longer to connect with the area's traffic arteries from this neighborhood, the space and vistas more than make up for the extra time. How terrible is it to have a few more minutes driving through all this gorgeous greenery, after all?
North Milton: Known for its easy access to Hylebos Creek, this neighborhood provides an easy compromise between the density of Triangle Park and the apartment-oriented landscape of Surprise Lake. With plenty of townhouses and other single-unit properties available, this area is a favorite for families and singles looking for a bit more space.
Like all bedroom communities, the focus in Milton is on providing a relaxing getaway from the rest of the world. The city and its residents take real satisfaction in its quaint small-town vibe, and commuters from around the region appear to agree. When the place where you hang your hat is as spot-on gorgeous as Milton, the sacrifice of having to drive a bit to get to the bustle and amenities of city life seems like nothing.
