Lakeside homes, waterfront parks and suburban subdivisions are woven between thick stands of evergreens in Bonney Lake, a small city situated on the banks of Lake Tapps. Located about 15 miles east of Tacoma, it’s one of the last stops on State Route 410 before the suburbs give way to the vast Pacific Northwest forests. “It’s close enough to get to Tacoma and Seattle, but it’s also a gateway to the Cascade Mountain Range. It’s only an hour to Mount Rainier and Crystal Mountain ski resort,” says Realtor Shawn Maxey of Terry Wise & Associates, who grew up in Bonney Lake. The city's location between big cities and natural scenery has helped put it on the map in recent years. “It was pretty rural when I was growing up. Now it’s a bit busier,” Maxey says.
Stunning estate home on the shores of Lake Tapps in Bonney Lake.
Lake Tapps Park North offers unprecedented views of Mt.Rainier for Bonney Lake residents.
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Waterfront parks and proximity to Mount Rainier
Bonney Lake sits at the southern edge of Lake Tapps, a chilly, glacier-fed reservoir. Activity around the lake livens up in the summer as people head to the waterfront for boating, fishing, swimming and water-skiing. Allan Yorke Park sits right on the water’s edge and features walking trails, a playground and a skate park. The city is 25 miles from Mount Rainier National Park, a massive wilderness park that’s situated around the tallest peak in the state.
The Edge's skatepark in Bonney Lake is friendly for skateboarders of all ages.
Lake Tapps Park is the perfect summer hangout in Bonney Lake.
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Midcentury and contemporary homes
The city features a diverse array of architectural styles, with everything from modest midcentury designs built between the 1950s and 80s to brand-new, contemporary homes. Many of the community’s older homes sit near the Lake Tapps shoreline, including some that look directly out across the water. Newer subdivisions are also available, the largest of which is Tehaleh, a sprawling master-planned community still being built out. When it’s complete, it will have more than 6,000 homes in addition to its own schools, grocery stores and shops. “You won’t have to leave the neighborhood. Everything you need will be right there,” Maxey says. The median price for a single-family home in Bonney Lake is $700,000, markedly higher than in nearby Tacoma.
Rows of new construction homes in Peaceful streets in the Bonney Lake neighborhood.
Newly built homes in Bonney Lake go for the more modern aesthetic.
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Big box stores and restaurants on Route 410
Commercial strips are found along State Route 410 in Bonney Lake, including a wide range of big box and grocery stores. Costco, The Home Depot, Walmart, Safeway, Fred Meyer, Target and Lowe’s are all found here. Restaurants include a mix of chains like Chick-fil-A and Denny’s alongside local favorites like Happy Pho Time, Trapper’s Sushi and Sumalee’s Thai Cuisine. For a wider selection, Tacoma’s dining scene is about 30 minutes away.
Bonney Lake residents can get their groceries done at Fred Meyer.
Trapper's Sushi has some amazing rolls to try in Bonney Lake.
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Highly rated Sumner-Bonney Lake School District
Students attend schools in the Sumner-Bonney Lake School District, which receives a B-plus grade from Niche. It’s rated among the top districts in Pierce County and is one of the reasons for Bonney Lakes rise in popularity. “The school district is phenomenal,” says Realtor John Hurlbut of Keller Williams Realty, a longtime resident of neighboring Puyallup.
Bonney Lake Elementary School Signage at front.
Older students move onto Bonney Lake High School that serves grades 9-12.
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Getting around Bonney Lake and greater Tacoma
Residents will likely need a car in Bonney Lake. The city has no bus service, and it’s about 15 miles to Tacoma and 37 miles to Downtown Seattle. Traffic heading into both cities is notoriously heavy, so residents may need to plan accordingly. State Route 410 is the major thoroughfare in the city, and Interstate 5 is about 12 miles northwest. The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is about 28 miles away. Bonney Lake has emergency room services, but the closest major hospital is about 8 miles west in Puyallup.
Low crime rates
Bonney Lake’s violent and property crime rates are well-below the state and national averages, according to FBI stats. The city’s violent crime rates have fallen slightly over the past decade despite adding thousands of new residents.
Written By
Daniel Berti
Photography Contributed By
Perry Cucinotta
Video By
Kristen Wilson
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Melissa Hess,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Bonney Lake, WA sell after 49 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Bonney Lake, WA over the last 12 months is $678,000, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Stunning 5-bedroom Tehaleh home with breathtaking Mt. Rainier views! Features include hardwood floors, BRAND NEW CARPET, a gourmet kitchen with granite counters, SS appliances (plumbed for gas), subway tile backsplash, and TWO pantries. The spacious family room, formal living/dining, and main floor office offer ideal living space. Huge primary suite with private covered balcony, walk-in closet,
Tucked away on a peaceful, park-like lot, this Bonney Lake gem blends comfort, charm, and convenience. This home features a new roof, fresh interior paint, a mini split system for efficient heating and cooling, room for the RV and a finished garage with plenty of options like a home gym, workspace, or storage. The private lot offers just the right amount of space for gardening, play, and
Peaceful rambler on large lot, loaded with comfort features & impeccable quality. Including Circulating hot water, generator, whole house surge protector, propane stove, heat pump/AC, pull-out kitchen shelves, sprinkler system, fenced garden area, ADA bathrooms. 1-3 yrs new: roof w/45 yr warranty, gutters w/leaf guard, appliances, water htr, generator, windows, paving, french drains (no mud). 2
Like new in Tehaleh. Thoughtfully maintained home surrounded by natural beauty! Great room concept. Gorgeous plantation shutters throughout! The kitchen features quartz counters, shaker cabinets, stainless appliances including double oven & gas 5-burner cooktop; generous pantry. Kitchen opens to family room and dining room. Gas fireplace with stone surround. Primary suite on main floor with 5
Enjoy the ease of rambler-style living w/ added bonus of rare upstairs loft in sought-after 55+ Trilogy at Tehaleh! Two main-floor primary suites w/private baths. Upstairs, a spacious bed/bonus room & full bath offer endless possibilities—guest suite/office/hobby. Expertly remodeled w/ high-end finishes. Fully updated kitchen/baths/laundry feature custom white oak cabinets & Quartz countertops.
Welcome to your ideal home at The Lookout! This modern residence offers a harmonious blend of comfort and style with its spacious 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. The open concept living area is perfect for both relaxation and entertaining, featuring abundant natural light and contemporary finishes. The kitchen is a culinary haven, equipped with sleek countertops, ample cabinetry & SS appliances.
Welcome to this charming 2-bedroom, 2-bath apartment nestled in a quiet, well-maintained apartment community in Bonney Lake, WA. The interior features a bright and open floor plan with large windows allowing natural light to fill the space. The living room is ideal for relaxing or entertaining. The kitchen includes modern stainless steel appliances complemented by ample cabinet storage and
Experience comfort and convenience in this brand-new home in Tehaleh. You'll be welcomed home by a bright and spacious living and dining area right through the front door. The fully loaded kitchen offers quartz countertops and is ready for all occasions. Upstairs offers two comfortable bedrooms, laundry room, full bathroom, and a primary suite w/walk-in closet. Apply now because this won't last
Hillside Apartments Bonney LakeWelcome to Hillside Apartments, located in Bonney Lake , WA.Brand. New. Apartments.Thoughtfully designed floor plans and amenities.We offer spacious One- and Two-Bedroom apartments.Easy access to local shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.Call us today to schedule a tour (and bring your furry friend)!
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