$536,450Average Value$294Average Price per Sq Ft12Homes For Sale
Scenic suburb near Central Lacey
The Lakes is a large, suburban neighborhood in central Lacey named for the three sizable lakes found within its borders. The neighborhood offers residents a woodsy environment that’s also right next to the shopping and dining in Lacey’s central commercial district. “There are a lot of nice, modern developments in the area,” says Realtor and Olympia native Justin Clement with Better Homes and Gardens. “Obviously, the water is a big part of the neighborhood for a lot of people, especially if your house is on the water. And it’s pretty convenient getting to shopping or to Joint Base Lewis-McChord.”
Locals walk the colorful streets of The Lakes WA.
Quaint colorful communities make up The Lakes WA.
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Hicks, Long and Pattison lakes
Hicks Lake, Long Lake and Pattison Lake are central to the fabric of the neighborhood, particularly for those who live on the lakes. Private docks are common, and boating and fishing are popular pastimes. All the lakes are encircled by single-family homes that, paradoxically, limit lake access for the majority of the neighborhood’s homes, which aren’t on the water. Each lake has a single public boat launch, and routes to the launches can be a bit circuitous. Apart from the lakes, there are a number of small public parks scattered throughout the neighborhood featuring playgrounds and athletic fields. Long Lake Park is popular with boaters and swimmers in the summer, but may be best known for its New Year’s Day Polar Bear Club, which sees dozens of locals take the plunge into its waters on New Year's Day while hundreds of others spectate.
Hicks Lake is a 160 acres lake popular for kayaking, fishing, and boating in Lacey WA.
Long Lake offers stunning views and waterfront property in The Lakes WA.
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A variety of suburban home styles
Housing in The Lakes neighborhood consists mainly of single-family homes, many of which were built in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Many homes back up onto one of the neighborhood’s three lakes and feature backyard docks for boating and fishing. Architectural styles vary, but it’s common to see midcentury ranch-style homes, Pacific Northwest-style bungalows and standard suburban designs with features like attached garages, modest front yards and back patios. The neighborhood’s streets and backyards are studded with mature pines, providing a sense of seclusion despite The Lakes' proximity to busy commercial areas. Smaller ranch-style homes and townhouses in the neighborhood can sell for as little as $350,000, but the more modern suburban builds that make up most of The Lakes’ housing stock generally sell for $400,000 to $600,000. Waterfront homes, which tend to be a bit larger than most of the other homes in the neighborhood, can sell for anywhere from $700,000 to just under $2 million.
Premium craftsman homes with landscaped yards are plentiful in The Lakes WA.
Many large traditional homes can be found inland from the lakes in The Lakes WA.
Many of the beach front properties offer a dock for the boat along Long Lake in The Lakes WA.
Exceptional landscaped homes live along the coast of Hicks Lake in The Lakes WA.
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Timberline High's CTE programs
Public schools in the neighborhood are overseen by the North Thurston School District. Woodland Elementary School has a B-plus on Niche, while Komachin Middle School has a B grade. Timberline High School has an A-minus and offers college courses to students through its career and technical education programs, which have their classes at nearby South Puget Sound Community College.
Timberline High School has a student-teacher ratio of 22:1 in Lacey WA.
Woodland Elementary School has a 16:1 student-teacher ratio in Lacey WA.
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Shopping along Pacific Avenue
Local shopping and dining are concentrated in west Lacey, just to the north of The Lakes along Pacific Avenue. This area is less than a 1-mile drive from homes on the north side of the neighborhood and up to five miles by car from homes on the south end near Pattison Lake. It’s home to Safeway and Fred Meyer supermarkets, along with a variety of department stores, shopping centers and local and chain restaurants. Dining options range from highly rated food trucks to upscale eateries like modern steakhouse Ricardo’s Kitchen + Bar. Additional shopping and dining can be found in historic downtown Olympia, roughly 6 miles west of the neighborhood. Downtown also serves as the hub of the local arts and entertainment scene.
Don't miss out on the Frozen treat at Lime Berry Frozen Yogurt in Lacey WA.
Looking for a spot to get your homework done? Starbucks has you covered in the Lacey area.
Kamakura Japanese Cuisine is a favorite in the Lacey area.
Stop by Safeway for all of your grocery needs.
Department stores are close by in downtown Lacey, not far from The Lakes WA.
Safeway is the go to for groceries in The Lakes WA.
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Thurston County Fairgrounds
The neighborhood is also home to the Thurston County Fairgrounds, which host events throughout the warmer months, most notably the Thurston County Fair. The fair has everything from live music to rides to chainsaw sculpture competitions.
Schilters Farm offers a fall festival every October of the year in Lacey WA area.
Enjoy the outdoor area of Shilters Farm Harvest Festival in Lacey WA area.
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Carpenter Road connections
Carpenter Road runs north-south through the neighborhood and serves as The Lakes’ main thoroughfare, connecting it to Martin Way and Pacific Avenue to the north. The nearest access to Interstate 5 is 2 miles north of the neighborhood. The 5 connects the area to Olympia, Joint Base Lewis-McChord and Tacoma. Intercity Transit runs multiple bus routes through the neighborhood, mostly along Carpenter. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, the nearest major commercial airport, is a little over 45 miles from The Lakes.
Interstate I-5 conveniently located near department store and shopping in Lacey WA.
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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Sheryl McLaren,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Wanschers Community Park
Thornbury Park
Wedgewood Park
McAllister Grove Community Park
McAllister Meadows Neighborhood Park
Arbors Park
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
The Lakes
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
3
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
2
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in The Lakes, Lacey sell after 30 days on the market compared to the national average of 48 days. The average sale price for homes in The Lakes, Lacey over the last 12 months is $520,706, up 2% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Not your average neighborhood home! With no direct neighbors behind or on one side, & surrounded by HOA-protected land and park space, this home offers a level of privacy that’s hard to find. Complete with a natural landscape that attracts peaceful wildlife. With fresh front landscaping, new stainless steel appliances, and a flexible floor plan (3 beds + office/den), it’s truly move-in ready.
Welcome home to your lakeside retreat! This stunning home sits directly across from Pattison Lake, offering unobstructed water views, shared water access and canoe and an enchanting, park-like backyard with a serene pond and waterfall. Relax and entertain on the expansive covered patio, complete with a cozy fireplace and a top-of-the-line LYNX grill, perfect for year-round gatherings. Inside,
Completely Remodeled & Move-In Ready in the Heart of Lacey! Tucked away in a quiet, well-established neighborhood, this beautifully updated home checks all the boxes. Every inch has been thoughtfully renovated—from the stylish kitchen and modern bathrooms to the flooring, fixtures, and finishes. Great commuter location to JBLM! The fully fenced backyard is spacious and private—perfect for pets,
Our variety of brand new and classic cozy apartments and townhomes for rent perfectly blend quality and comfort. Please choose from our one, two, and three-bedroom floor plans. Each residence features Cadet heaters, ceiling fans, and a kitchen with a dishwasher. You will love the stunning views from your balcony or patio. Our of brand new and classic cozy apartments and townhomes for
Welcome to Sunset Gardens where comfort meets tranquil living. Nestled on a peaceful road, our duplex-style apartment homes redefine the essence of cozy and serene living. Step into a world of contemporary convenience, where each residence boasts updated appliances and flooring, offering you the perfect blend of style and efficiency. Our thoughtfully designed duplex-style homes feature private
Love Where You Live!How would you like to escape from the hustle and bustle of the busy city, but still have the conveniences of fine dining, shopping, I-5 access and the breathtaking downtown Olympia waterfront? The Timbers Apartment Homes is a beautiful community in a park like setting, within walking distance to Hicks Lake for those who enjoy adventure in the great outdoors!
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Sheryl McLaren,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
16,870
Median Age
42
Population under 18
22.9%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
20.3%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$95,126
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$109,924
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
95.3%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
34.7%
Advanced Degrees
9.6%
On par with the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
64.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
50''
Average Winter Low Temperature
32°F
Average Summer High Temperature
77°F
Annual Snowfall
5''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
32/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
11/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
27/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.