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
Starlene Ward,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Lacey, WA sell after 42 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Lacey, WA over the last 12 months is $515,000, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Priced with tons of equity!! 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
Freshly updated and priced to sell—this is the opportunity you’ve been waiting for! This well-cared-for 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offers nearly 1,800 sq ft of stylish, move-in ready living. Soaring ceilings and abundant natural light highlight the main level, complemented by updated laminate wood flooring that flows seamlessly through the main floor, staircase, and upper level. The spacious
** RED TAG HOME - INCLUDES BLINDS ** 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
Step into this beautifully updated rambler featuring a smart split-bedroom design & an inviting open-concept layout that's perfect for both relaxing and entertaining. From the moment you walk in, you'll love the spacious feel and seamless flow of the main living areas. Cozy up by the gas fireplace on crisp evenings, or unwind in your private primary suite complete with a double vanity, soaking
Financing Available on this well cared for Energy Star Certified Home with power producing SOLAR and fruit producing gardens. Come visit, you will enjoy the parklike setting of owner occupied Lakeview Meadows a 55+ community and explore the opportunity to own this 4 bedroom home with den. Use each room to your liking-Crafts-Office-Library and tons of extra storage...bring everything. This quality
Priced with tons of equity!! 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
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
Two-bedroom, 2-bath mobilehome in Lacy. Bank-owned. NO REPRESENTATION IS MADE TO THE VALIDITY OF INFORMATION. BUYER TO VERIFY ALL INFORMATION WHEREIN. Interior inspections are not available; do not trespass!
Freshly updated and priced to sell—this is the opportunity you’ve been waiting for! This well-cared-for 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offers nearly 1,800 sq ft of stylish, move-in ready living. Soaring ceilings and abundant natural light highlight the main level, complemented by updated laminate wood flooring that flows seamlessly through the main floor, staircase, and upper level. The spacious
Welcome to this beautifully maintained home in the desirable Jackson Farm community! This 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath residence offers a convenient commute to JBLM and is close to Wonderwood and Rainier Vista parks, golf, and more. Enjoy a private backyard with no neighbors behind, perfect for relaxing or entertaining. The kitchen features quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances, opening to a
Welcome home to this charming and impeccably maintained retreat tucked away in the heart of the Horizon Pointe neighborhood. This lovely two-story residence offers a perfect blend of comfort and modern updates, featuring newer carpeting throughout that feels wonderful underfoot. The primary suite serves as a peaceful sanctuary, bathed in soft morning light and complete with its own private
Impeccably maintained and perfectly positioned on a desirable corner lot in the sought-after 55+ Jubilee community, this light-filled home blends comfort, style, and convenience. Beautiful hardwood flooring flows throughout, complemented by a rare golf cart garage for added ease. The thoughtfully designed kitchen features upgraded cabinetry, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances,
Absolutely Stunning! This expansive 2,633 sq ft, 5-bedroom home features a distinctive 3-story design and stunning views of the Olympic Mountains. The spacious and hard-to-find layout includes 3.25 baths and a fully finished basement with a versatile bonus room; ideal for guests, recreation, or multi-purpose living. New carpet and flooring add a fresh, updated feel throughout. At the heart of the
Beautiful 4 bed home in desirable Lacey! This spacious property features an open-concept layout with abundant natural light, a modern kitchen with large granite island and stainless steel appliances, and a cozy living area with fireplace. Generous bedrooms include a primary suite with dual vanities and walk in closet. Enjoy a fully fenced backyard, two-car garage, and convenient access to
Beautifully maintained 2011 home in sought-after Campus Pointe at Meridian Campus! Bright, functional layout with spacious living areas, abundant natural light, and an open-concept kitchen flowing into dining and living spaces. Upstairs bedrooms offer privacy, while the fenced backyard backs to greenspace. Enjoy parks, trails, shopping, dining, golf, schools, I-5, JBLM, Olympia, and Tacoma just
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
Spacious 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath single-family home located in the desirable Horizon Pointe community in Lacey. This well-maintained home features a comfortable and functional layout with a separate living room, dining area, and fully equipped kitchen—ideal for both everyday living and entertaining.The kitchen includes a refrigerator, stove/oven, and dishwasher, with plenty of cabinet and counter
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.
**Spacious 3-Bedroom Single-Family Home with Garage & Fenced Yard**This well-maintained single-family home offers 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, along with a comfortable living room, dining area, and full kitchen.The kitchen comes equipped with a refrigerator, stove/oven, and dishwasher. A dedicated laundry room includes washer and dryer hookups (appliances not provided). Neutral colors throughout
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.
Spacious 4-Bedroom Home with Office, Fenced Yard & 2-Car Garage – Available NowThis beautifully maintained two-story home offers 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, plus a dedicated office—perfect for working from home. Enjoy a bright and functional layout with a separate living room, dining area, and a well-equipped kitchen.The kitchen includes a refrigerator, stove/oven, and dishwasher, with a nearby
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
This single family home has 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, living room, dining room and kitchen. Kitchen appliances include Refrigerator, Stove / Oven and Dishwasher. Laundry room with hookups. Neutral paint throughout the home. Gas Heat/Hot Water. Blinds on all windows. Two car garage with opener. Fenced backyard. Close to I-5.Price is based on two adults in Household. No month to month leases. All
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
This gorgeous single-family home has 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, living room, dining room and kitchen. Kitchen appliances include: refrigerator, stove / oven and dishwasher. Laundry room with hookups. 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. We do not provide washer and dryers. This home is rear
Experience the perfect blend of quality, comfort, and convenience in our selection of brand-new and classic cozy apartments and townhomes for rent. Choose from thoughtfully designed one, two, and three-bedroom floor plans to suit your lifestyle.Our Brand-New Homes feature: ceiling fans for year-round comfort, a fully equipped kitchen with stainless steel appliances, solid surface
Move in ready 3 bed 1 bath duplex, fully renovated units, new freshly paint inside and outside, new vinyl flooring, new vanities and new shower w/ tiles.. Looking for tenant now close to Freeway and Military bases
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