Often considered an extension of Olympia, Lacey is a city in its own right. “It’s not as artsy as Olympia. It’s more downhome and family-friendly,” says Debbi Boyd with Real Estate of the South Sound, a local broker since 2001. “You see more kids fairs and events where you can take the whole family, and we have more neighborhood parks.” Lacey has nearly 6,000 trees on its streets and over 1,200 acres of green space. Additionally, its position on South Puget Sound means that wetlands and lakes are often a short drive away. Of its roughly 55,000 residents, some have been here for years, while others have moved recently from out of state. Service members often live in Lacey too since Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) is about 20 miles east.
Cozy, colorful tree lined streets of Lacey WA area.
Don't miss out on delicious drinks at Ebony & Ivory Coffee in downtown Lacey WA.
Enjoy beauty all around you when living in the Indian Summer residential area.
Plenty of bus stops to go around in Lacey WA.
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Exploring Puget Sound and local lakes, Regional Athletic Complex
While not quite as waterfront as Olympia, Lacey has quick access to South Sound and its wetlands. Nisqually Reach, one of many waterways here, is on the city’s north side, and Tolmie State Park is a 105-acre green space on the shoreline. Anderson Island is visible from the park’s rocky beaches and saltwater marshes. Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is on the city’s east side with boardwalk trails and over 275 bird species. Lacey also has two large lakes, Long Lake and Hicks Lake, on its south side, and several other lakes are nearby. Regional Athletic Complex is nearby with five baseball fields, three basketball half-courts and six soccer fields. “A lot of kids play soccer there, even during the winter,” Boyd says. “People come in for tournaments and competitions, too, and it can get pretty busy.”
Stop by Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge in the Lacey area.
A common sight to see at Hicks Lake in The Lakes WA.
The Lakes offers waterfront property along all of the lakes.
Long Lake offers stunning views and waterfront property in The Lakes WA.
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Family-oriented events in Lacey
The Lacey Spring Fun Fair, held in May at Saint Martin’s University, has been a tradition since 1988. It includes bounce houses, carnival rides, kids' games, food vendors and other attractions. Thurston County Fairgrounds are on the city’s west side, and they have animal, agricultural and craft exhibits in late July. About 5 miles south of Lacey, the Olympia Regional Airport hosts the Olympic Airshow in June, featuring historic planes from the World War II era.
Schilters Farm offers a fall festival every October of the year in Lacey WA area.
Kids climb haystack pyramid at Schilters Family Farm just outside Nisqually Indian Community.
Don't forget the corn maze while visiting Shilters Family Farm near Nisqually Indian Community.
Enjoy the outdoor area of Shilters Farm Harvest Festival in Lacey WA area.
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High grades for North Thurston Public Schools
North Thurston Public School District serves this area and gets a B-plus from Niche. It’s the most diverse district in Thurston County, ahead of six others. Aspire Performing Arts Academy, rated an A-minus, is a lottery school for grades six through eight, and extracurriculars range from chess to choir. Saint Martin’s University is a private institution in central Lacey, established in 1895.
Salish Middle School serves the Edgewater students in the Lacey area of Washington.
North Thurston High School has an enrollment of 1,440 students.
Olympic View Elementary School has a 23:1 student-teacher ratio.
Chinook Middle School has a total enrollment of 934 students.
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Prices similar to Olympia and Tacoma, new development
At $500,000, Lacey’s median sale price is roughly the same as neighboring Olympia and Tacoma. Still, it’s about $350,000 cheaper than Seattle. One- and two-story homes cover most of the area, priced similarly to the median. However, manufactured homes toward Central Lacey can go for $50,000, while waterfront estates in The Lakes neighborhood can reach $2 million. “You know you’re in Olympia because of the historic buildings. When you get to Lacey, everything’s newer, and you can have developments anywhere from 25 to 2,500 homes,” Boyd says. Built in the 2000s and onward, new builds concentrate on the city’s northern and southern sides. They’re typically in Hawks Prairie, Horizons and other neighborhoods.
Spacious home with grand façades, & elegant landscaping in the Lacey area.
Colorful homes line the streets of Lacey WA area.
Stunning craftsmen style brick home with fall colors in the Lacey WA area.
Many of the beach front properties offer a dock for the boat along Long Lake in Lacey area.
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Shopping and dining in South Sound Center, Producer District
Tourists often check out Downtown Olympia’s murals and galleries, but Lacey has commercial centers of its own. On the city’s west side, South Sound Center has big box stores, and locally owned restaurants are nearby along Pacific Avenue. The Producer’s District, on the city’s north side, holds industrial warehouses and distribution centers, but it also has a few breweries and wineries. Sports complexes are here too, such as Archery World and Cirque Climbing. Just south of this area, Martin Way is another commercial corridor with grocers and additional restaurants.
Looking for a spot to get your homework done? Starbucks has you covered in the Lacey area.
Multiple shops to peruse on Sleater Kinney in Lacey WA.
Don't forget the candy deals at Target in Lacey WA.
You can get most things at Target in Lacey WA.
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Rain and clouds, crime levels in Lacey
Lacey’s climate is typical of the Pacific Northwest. It gets about 50 inches of annual rain, 20 inches more than the national average, and has about 230 cloudy days per year. The rainiest, cloudiest months are November to January, but summers are sunny and clear. Wildfire smoke can cover the region during this time, carried in from the Cascade Mountains.
In 2023, Lacey had a monthly average of 66 violent offenses per 100,000 people. That’s much less than state and national rates. Its monthly average for property crimes was 245 per 100,000 people, aligning with the state rate but much higher than the national one.
Salish Middle School serves the Edgewater students in the Lacey area of Washington.
The picturesque downtown Olympia Heritage Park is the place to get your walk in.
Gateway Park in Edgewater area offers amazing views and space to play.
Horizon Pointe residents can catch beautiful sunsets just minutes away at the boat harbor.
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Commuting to Olympia, JBLM via Interstate 5
Interstate 5 is Lacey’s major thoroughfare, and it can back up with traffic during rush hour. It goes about 5 miles west to Downtown Olympia and about 20 miles east to Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Tumwater and Tacoma are also along this freeway, but Intercity Transit operates several bus routes to these neighboring areas. Lacey also has the Amtrak Cascades rail that goes roughly 60 miles to Seattle and 120 miles to Portland.
Getting around on bike is the go to in The Lakes area of Lacey WA.
The Intercity transit is there to help in Lacey WA.
The Intercity Transit is a free bus system for the community of Horizon Pointe and beyond.
Tanglewilde residents can utilize the Centennial Station for Amtrak and local bus rides.
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Written By
Matt Medl
Photography Contributed By
William King
Video By
Anne Sheridan
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jessica Gustelius,
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 Lacey, WA sell after 40 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Lacey, WA over the last 12 months is $511,000, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Morel Meadows by D.R. Horton - our newest community in the Hawks Prairie area! OUR HOME OF THE WEEK includes blinds. The Sellwood is giving open concept living with connected great room and dining areas. There are 3 bedrooms upstairs as well as a large bonus room w/closet that can be a 4th bdrm or game room or office or pool table room?! So many options for livability! Did we mention the HUGE
Morel Meadows by D.R. Horton! In tribute to the previously known mushroom farm, you will find many fun names throughout the community :) Our Cambridge Plan is well laid out with open concept living, formal dining and space for all with 5 bedrooms. The formal dining room can double as a home office space?! Also featuring no carpet on the main level, white or gray paint grade cabinets, Stainless
Welcome to Lexington Community! This charming ready to move-in home boasts a great room with vaulted ceilings, plenty of windows, and natural light. Main floor displays an open-concept and free flow perfect for entertainment. Kitchen has abundant counter space with a useful breakfast bar. 3 bedrooms separated upstairs for added quietude. Primary bedroom features an Ensuite with a walk-in closet.
Welcome home! This spacious 2,161 sq ft home truly lives large. Step inside to beautiful bamboo flooring throughout the main level, designer paint, and soaring vaulted ceilings that create an open, airy feel from the moment you enter. Large windows flood the home with abundant natural light, enhancing the bright and inviting layout. New paint, fence and remodeled main bath! The open-concept
Welcome home to this charming single story 2-bedroom, 1 bath home in the Horizon Pointe neighborhood. This home features an open concept floor plan, vaulted ceilings, kitchen with a pantry, dining space and spacious primary bedroom. The fully fenced yard provides a space to unwind with a nice patio and seating area. Enjoy $15/month winter electricity bills thanks to newer solar panels! The
Highly Motivated Seller! Seller is offering $2,500 Buyer Credit at closing with full price offer. This lovely 1676 sq ft home is in beautiful Laurel Oaks a 55+ gated community. Large windows fill the front room with plenty of natural light. The large island kitchen with tile counter tops opens into the family and dining rooms. The primary bedroom suite has plenty of closet space and full bath.
Affordable homeownership opportunity just 1 block away from the Chehalis Trail. This light filled 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom charmer offers just under 1,000 sqft with vaulted ceilings, open concept layout, and generously sized bedrooms. Fresh laminate flooring throughout, move-in ready condition. Located in a friendly community with playground areas, close to shopping and dining. Stop renting and
This popular "Beachcrest community" home is nestled just west of Nisqually beach along South Puget Sound. This spacious property is loaded with privacy! The 3-bedroom 1,956 SF home sits at end of a quiet road with fully fenced backyard. Main level offers great room with vaulted ceilings, bamboo floors, gas fireplace, updated kitchen with granite, primary bedroom and stylish primary bath suite.
Well maintained and cared for Silver Hawk home bathed in natural light on prime 0.7 acre South facing parcel! Enter into the bright and airy foyer with dramatic 18' vaulted ceiling and lofted space above. A thoughtful floor-plan creates easy living and flow, with an office on the main floor and custom built-ins throughout the home. 3 sliding glass doors open to the covered deck and provide a
Beautiful and very well maintained manufactured home conveniently located in Mountain Greens. Offering 1,188 square feet of living space featuring 3 bedrooms & 2 bathrooms, living room, dining room, kitchen & laundry room. Soaring vaulted ceilings & lots of windows make this home feel spacious, bright and comfortable. Blind and curtains/drapes throughout home. All appliances stay. park-like, low
Located in the 55+ active lifestyle community Ovation at Oak Tree, the Sequoia II is an exquisite home with 3 bedrooms, a flex room, and a roomy walk-in closet in the primary suite. The open-concept great room, covered patio, dining area, and kitchen flow effortlessly together, creating the perfect spot to gather with friends and family. Head towards the front of the home to find an
Beautifully 4-bedroom + den home in a 55+ community with access to both Lakeview Meadows and Colonial Park amenities. Larger secluded lot. Energy Star Certified home features owned solar panels for huge monthly savings, whole-house ventilation, LED lighting, and an open-concept layout. The kitchen includes an island, pull-out drawers, walk in pantry, and built-in trash bins. Wide doors throughout
Morel Meadows by D.R. Horton - our newest community in the Hawks Prairie area! OUR HOME OF THE WEEK includes blinds. The Sellwood is giving open concept living with connected great room and dining areas. There are 3 bedrooms upstairs as well as a large bonus room w/closet that can be a 4th bdrm or game room or office or pool table room?! So many options for livability! Did we mention the HUGE
Located in 55+ active lifestyle community Ovation at Oak Tree, the Hemlock II is an open and bright home with 2 bedrooms, a flex room, and a roomy walk-in closet in the primary suite. The expansive great room opens seamlessly to the dining area, covered patio, and kitchen with a beautiful, oversized kitchen island—the perfect spot for gathering with friends and family. Head to the front of the
On a private corner lot with stunning golf course views, this home offers both tranquility & luxury. The great room has engineered hardwood floors & custom built-in bookshelves, creating a bright, elegant space. The spacious kitchen features a gas range and ample counter space. The generous primary suite includes a cozy gas fireplace, custom built-ins, and an en-suite bath with a full-tile shower
Military Discount 5% $100 Security Deposit OACFREE INTERNET & CABLE TV !Pet Spa is now Open! There is no charge to use the pet spa! Residents can bring furry family members for an easy wash and dry!Welcome to Lacey Park Apartments! Conveniently located near shopping, pharmacy, food centers, schools, a main bus line, and a trail head. We are comfortably tucked back in a
This adorable single-family home in a very friendly neighborhood, has 2 bedrooms, 1 bathrooms, family room, kitchen, and dining area, Kitchen appliances include: refrigerator, stove / oven and dishwasher. Laundry space with hookups for washer and dryer (washer/dryer not provided). This is the perfect home for anyone just starting out! Neutral colors throughout the home. Gas Heat/Hot Water. Window
Experience Toscana, a unique apartment home community in Lacey Washington - in the heart of the Puget Sound. Its ideal location offers a multitude of local shopping, dining and entertainment choices. With easy access to I-5, you'll be able to experience all the Pacific Northwest has to offer. Apply Now.
This single-family home has 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, living room, dining room and kitchen. Washer/Dryer not provided, laundry room with hookups only. Neutral paint. Gas Heat/Hot Water. Mini blinds on all the windows. Two car garage with garage door opener and a fenced backyard. Close to shopping, parks and easy access to I-5. Price is based on two adults in household. No month-to-month leases.
Arrow's cozy, residential location in Lacey offers both a sense of seclusion and community connectivity, with various everyday conveniences just a short distance away. From dining and shopping to beautiful waterfront parks, woodland hikes, and extensive nature preserves, you'll have access to everything you need to enjoy an active and fulfilling lifestyle.
Thanks for checking out Switchback Apartments. We are a locally owned and professionally managed newly constructed community in Lacey, WA. Switchback is conveniently located near Cabela’s, Tolmie State Park, Costco and an abundance of shopping and dining opportunities. Our 1- and 2-bedroom units are a great value featuring quartz countertops, luxury vinyl plank flooring, stainless steel
Part of the Your Tour, Your Way™ program. It’s your apartment and you are welcome to tour in a way that makes you feel most at home. Whether you prefer to take a self-guided tour on your own, be accompanied by one of our leasing professionals or take a live video tour from the comfort of your home, we have options that will work for you! Welcome to The Marq on Martin! Our apartments for rent in
Offering fabulous new Lacey, WA apartments for rent! Our pet-friendly studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments are perfectly appointed, with in-demand features and upgraded amenities like full-size washers and dryers, quartz countertops, and stainless steel appliances, while our resident clubhouse with fitness center, complimentary coffee, and an outdoor pool are perfect for relaxing and
Home should feel comfortable, it should feel spacious, and it should be a place you are proud to gather with friends. At The Dakota Apartments in Lacey, your home is here. Our light-filled interiors provide an intelligent spin on comfortable living. Warm tones couple with stylish details that take living in the Pacific Northwest to the next level. Our pet-friendly one and two bedroom apartment
At Capitol City Apartments in Lacey, Washington, you have big choices when it comes to your active leisure time: swimming, golfing or working out and afterwards relaxing in the spa. Comfort and style continue in your home. Many of the one, two and three bedroom homes offer Mount Rainier or lush golf course views. Complementary comforts include a custom tiled fireplace with a handsome mantel, the
Welcome to Callen Apartments, where convenience, style, and comfort meet! Residents at Callen have the convenience of being centrally located with easy access to the freeway and Olympia, DuPont and Tacoma, while still being situated far enough from the main road to enjoy the peace and quiet of a secluded neighborhood. Being just blocks away from shopping (Safeway, Wal-Mart, Costco, etc.) makes
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.
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