Milton is a city in King and Pierce counties, Washington, in the Tacoma metro area roughly midway between Tacoma and the city of Fife. Its population was 8,697 at the 2020 census. The community's roots reach back to the early 1900s, and it retains a small-town feel with tree-lined streets while sitting minutes from Interstate 5. Milton's position on the King–Pierce county line gives it a dual identity: its southern and eastern reaches lie in Pierce County, while its northern portion extends into King County. The city is closely tied to the neighboring communities of Edgewood and Fife, with which it shares schools and a local chamber of commerce, and together they form a corridor of smaller cities between Tacoma and the southern King County suburbs. Surprise Lake, within the city, is a local focal point, surrounded by residential areas and green space, and the city's parks and trails provide everyday recreation. Mount Rainier rises to the southeast, and its views are a defining feature of the Puget Sound lowlands here. Public schools are provided by Fife Public Schools, a small district serving Fife, Milton, and Edgewood, with Surprise Lake Middle School located in Milton. The district's compact size—around 3,900 students—offers a small-town alternative to the much larger neighboring systems. For commuters, Milton's location is a central asset: Interstate 5 and State Route 161 run along its edges, downtown Tacoma is minutes away, and Seattle is about 25 miles north. For homebuyers, Milton offers suburban convenience with a small-town character and easy access to the employment centers of both Pierce and King counties.