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
Jeffrey Knight
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Tessa Migrala,
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.
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On average, homes in Bonney Lake, WA sell after 66 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Bonney Lake, WA over the last 12 months is $690,000, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
The 2,949 square-foot Shenandoah plan is a true standout! The sunny, open main floor showcases a well-equipped kitchen with a center island and a huge walk-in pantry, steps away from a dining area and a spacious great room with access to the covered patio. A private study sits toward the front of the home. Upstairs, you’ll find the bright and airy primary suite, boasting a walk-in closet and a
The 2,949 square-foot Shenandoah plan is a true standout! The sunny, open main floor showcases a well-equipped kitchen with a center island and a huge walk-in pantry, steps away from a dining area and a spacious great room with access to the covered patio. A private study sits toward the front of the home. Upstairs, you’ll find the bright and airy primary suite, boasting a walk-in closet and a
Now selling at Glacier Pointe, a brand-new D.R. Horton community nestled inside the award-winning Tehaleh masterplan community in Bonney Lake. The Fir is a stunning floorplan with thoughtfully laid out living space that lives larger than its footprint. The open-concept main floor flows effortlessly from a bright, welcoming great room straight into a well-appointed kitchen featuring a center
"Better Than New" Isn't a cliché - it's a PROMISE. This exceptional home delivers proof: a pre-listing inspection with 100% follow-up completed, a free 13-month home warranty and thoughtful upgrades throughout - all meticulously maintained. Fresh paint, new flooring, updated appliances and quality finishes at every turn. The curated kitchen is the heart of it all, featuring an entertainer's
Absolutely stunning Richmond resale with 6 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and a two-story layout with a fully finished basement across three levels. Over $100K in post-construction upgrades and in excellent, move-in ready condition. Located in the Sumner–Bonney Lake School District with a greenbelt directly behind and open mountain and Mount Rainier views. Bright, open floor plan features a custom
Beautiful Bonney Lake rambler on 5 fully fenced acres welcomes you with a charming covered front porch and warm hardwood entry. Spacious great room showcases vaulted ceilings, abundant natural light, and a cozy wood-burning stove—perfect for everyday living and entertaining. Open-concept kitchen features updated kitchen with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, center island, recessed
Enjoy 55+ Living in Tehaleh at its finest with this highly desirable home with incredible Mount Rainier views, greenbelt and retention ponds views too, close to walking trails, parks and all the amenities of this amazing master-planned community. This home has every possible upgrade and improvement to make it so comfortable and relaxing. This home features over $360,000 in upgrades compared to
Welcome to beautiful Verterra in Tehaleh, a premier 55+ community offering resort-style living. This home is better than new, with landscaping and so many upgrades! Enjoy this premium lot overlooking the broad green grass park, this Muros model features 2 spacious bedrooms, 2 baths with walk-in showers, and a versatile home office/den with built-in cabinetry and countertops, with green park
Beautifully appointed, former Richmond American model home in sought-after Upper Tehaleh. The Hemingway spans 2,787 sq ft of upgraded living & was built to impress. At the heart: a chef's kitchen anchored by an absolutely massive island w/ seating for the whole crew, plus two pantries for effortless storage. The main floor also offers the dining rm, living rm, office, w/ brand-new floors
Open-water, western exposure waterfront living on Lake Tapps! This exceptional home captures stunning sunset views & offers seamless indoor-outdoor living with a sprawling patio/deck, private dock, & boat lift—perfect for enjoying lake life to the fullest. Step inside to a grand marble entry with a striking barrel-vaulted ceiling, leading into an expansive open-concept layout. The chef’s kitchen
INTEREST RATE BUY-DOWN paid by sellers to help you get into & love this wonderful Pinnacle Ridge of Tehaleh home, where this truly exceptional 5-bed, 4-bath home offers over 4,100 sq ft of gorgeous! Amazing spaces on three floors are delivered in a perfect blend of comfort, style, and functionality for everyone!! The main floor sports a great room, flexible to a variety of furniture layouts. A
Stunning Lake Tapps Luxury Waterfront Retreat! Welcome to a breathtaking waterfront estate offering 77 feet of prime Lake Tapps shoreline, a private dock, & a boat lift—all w no HOA! This 3-bedroom, 5-bathroom home showcases vaulted ceilings & gourmet kitchen, perfect for entertaining. Indulge in luxury living w tiered home theater featuring six recliners, a full bar, & a wine cellar. The
You've earned a lifestyle of comfortable luxury and unmatched amenities, and you deserve that lifestyle to be wrapped in value! This distinctive duplex, with $126K of exciting upgrades brings impressive flair, function and affordability to Trilogy's finest 55+ resort-style community. Majestic Mt Rainier fills the window of the unique junior suite area, and every drive home frames a
Rare opportunity to own a well-maintained duplex in the highly desirable Lake Tapps area, tucked away on a quiet dead-end street surrounded by mature trees and a peaceful neighborhood setting. Purchased from builder by sellers in 2003, this property has been an exceptional long-term investment with strong appreciation, reliable tenants, and steadily increasing rental income. Each spacious unit
Welcome to a better-than-new Valletta in Trilogy at Tehaleh-Premier 55+ Resort Living! MOVE IN AND START ENJOYING THE TRILOGY LIFESTYLE FROM DAY ONE! Elegant comfort WITH OVER $100,000 IN UPGRADES! This gem is impeccably maintained offering 1,693 sq ft living with a private backyard featuring an attached 2-car garage and upscale finishes throughout. The chef’s kitchen impresses with pristine 42"
Convenient to Highways 410, 167, 512 and prime shopping, dining and entertainment locations, Renwood's garden style setting features spacious 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartment homes featuring airy, open floor plans, gourmet kitchens, and full sized washers and dryers. With a large seasonal pool, outdoor community area, a modern fitness center, playground, BBQ, business center, and luxurious community
Brand new, conveniently located Bonney Lake apartments. At Hillside you'll find thoughtfully designed floor plans and amenities. Choose between spacious one- or two-bedroom apartments and enjoy easy access to local shops, restaurants, and entertainment.
Four Lakes is the newest premier luxury apartment community in the beautiful Lakeland Hills, just a stone's throw away from Lake Tapps. Convenient to Highway 167 and prime shopping locations, Four Lakes features spacious 1, 2 and 3 bedroom units, some with attached garages, some with views of Mt. Rainier, and all with microwaves, washers & dryers, and extra storage. The deluxe clubhouse and state
If you're looking for a comfortable and convenient living experience in Bonney Lake, WA, Northwest Terrace Apartments are perfect for you. With a great location and top-notch amenities, these apartments are designed to provide you with a peaceful and hassle-free lifestyle. The apartments come with a range of modern amenities such as a fully equipped kitchen, washer and dryer, and private balcony.
Welcome home to this beautifully maintained rental located in one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Pierce County! This spacious home combines comfort, convenience, and thoughtful upgrades in a community that truly has it all. Inside, you’ll find stylish accent walls, a functional open layout, air conditioning for year-round comfort, a generator for added peace of mind, and an electric
Beautiful Bonney Lake home with 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. Located in the blossoming Tehaleh community, this home features a large primary suite with large walk-in closet, primary bathroom, stainless steel appliances, LARGE fully-fenced yard and spacious one car garage. Easy commute to Lake Tapps, Auburn, Tacoma, and SeaTac Airport. This ALMOST new, single-family home boasts 3 spacious bedrooms,
Spacious 2 bedroom 2 bath home with large Beautiful Mount Rainier view deck. Large back yard backing county greenbelt with trails. New windows and roof. One car garage and plenty of parking. Storage shed. ADU Separately rented from the home is downstairs with separate entrance. Pets are case by case. One year lease minimum. Utilities are flat fee $400 a month including water/sewer and electric.
Bright 3 bedroom 2 bath home in family park. The large kitchen opens to the dining room and huge family room. Laundry room off kitchen. Additional living room with 2 bedrooms and bath at one end, main suite with full bath at the other end. Covered front porch. Storage shed. Park offers sports court area. Block away from Hwy 410 and Safeway. Rental includes lot rent, 2 adults, 2 cars. The tenant
Offering spacious homes with stunning views of Mount Rainier and proximity to neighborhood entertainment, Prairie Ridge is an excellent choice for buyers looking to live close to the great outdoors. This spacious suburban community has mountain and valley views with a wide variety of home styles, providing an assortment of homebuying options at entry-level prices for the area. "Many residents are working-class and young families," says Caryl Forbes, a Broker at eXp Realty. "Because of remote work, people are moving out of cities for more space at a lower cost." The neighborhood is entirely residential, giving it a small and intimate feel. It is home to a Recreation Hall, a Community Service Center and an involved neighborhood association. <br><br>Farmhouses with big porches are perfect for relaxing on summer evenings alongside ramblers and ranches with expansive views of Mount Rainier. There are also some newly constructed planned communities and gated developments for those seeking luxury interiors in the area. Lush green lawns bordered by towering pine and fir trees are typical in Prairie Ridge, and many residents take advantage of their private backyards with sitting areas, workshops or above-ground pools. Most homes range in price from $350,000 to $680,000, with the median price at $500,000. Sidewalks are nonexistent in Prairie Ridge, but the quiet and strictly residential streets bustle with neighbors going for a run or walk.<br><br>With all the natural beauty in the area, there is no shortage of ways to get outdoors. Those willing to take the hour-long drive to Mount Rainier can expect to hike through meadows of lupines, fly-fish on the White River or ski on fresh powder in the Cascades. Locals can also find a few small outdoor recreation spots closer to home. Allan Yorke Park has basketball and tennis courts, a skatepark and baseball diamonds. Lake Tapps runs along the park, providing residents with a roped-off swimming area, fishing docks and a boat launch. The park is also home to many community events throughout the year. Kids Club takes place on Mondays in the late summer and has children-focused musical performances. The annual Taste of Tapps food truck festival also takes place at the park, bringing in food trucks from local businesses for residents of the surrounding neighborhoods to try and support.<br><br>Schools in the area include Liberty Ridge Elementary School, which offers preschool and kindergarten prep programs. Rated a B by Niche.com, the school also provides a family resource center for children in underserved areas. At Mountain View Middle School, rated a B-plus, there are many associated student body clubs for students, including a jazz band, game club and recycling club. Many athletic opportunities exist for students to participate in, like volleyball, cross country and basketball. Bonney Lake High School is rated a B and offers over two dozen programs of study for students to choose from as an academic focus, including performing arts, journalism and biotech.<br><br>Prairie Ridge is a residential community with no eateries or shops. Still, it is close to plenty of dining, retail and entertainment. "There has been commercial growth over the past few years with more restaurants and shops popping up in nearby Bonney Lake," Forbes says. Along 410 are local grocery stores, big box stores and chain eateries such as Walmart, Target and Marshalls. One of the standout local spots is Lamppost Coffee Roasters. The women-owned micro-roastery serves house-roasted espresso drinks, bagels and ice cream. Glow Martini Lounge has a 4.6-star rating and a swanky industrial interior. With an ornate glass chandelier as the centerpiece, the bar serves nearly 20 martinis, curated cocktails and an extensive beer and wine list. This restaurant is a wonderful choice for date nights or special occasions with tapas-style small plates.<br><br>Sitting just 20 miles from downtown Tacoma makes for a 30-minute commute from Prairie Ridge. The neighborhood is very car-dependent because of the area's minimal sidewalks and public transportation. The Seattle-Tacoma airport sits 45 minutes north.
Property Mix - Square Feet
Bonney Lake Has More Owners
Rental Home Trends
Number of Homes for Rent
22
Median Rent
$3,237
Median Single Family Home Rent
$3,418
Median 4 Bedroom Single Family Home Rent
$3,440
Median Townhouse Rent
$2,950
Median 3 Bedroom Townhouse Rent
$3,100
Median Condo Rent
$2,200
Demographics
Total Population
22,915
Median Age
39
Population Density
37 ppl/acre
Population under 18
26.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
13.5%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$112,332
Significantly above the national average
$79,597
Average Household Income
$131,831
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
94.2%
College Graduates
27.8%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
8.7%
% Population in Labor Force
72.6%
Above the national average
64.9%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
43''
Average Winter Low Temperature
33°F
Average Summer High Temperature
75°F
Annual Snowfall
7''
Area Factors
Somewhat bikeable
Bikeability®
20/ 100
Somewhat walkable
Walkability®
20/ 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
