$844,055Average Value$408Average Price per Sq Ft27Homes For Sale
This Pierce County community was formed around a reservoir
The Pierce County community of Lake Tapps offers homebuyers the modern practicality of Northwest Washington suburban living, while being close to nature. Much of the area is forested, and there are views of Mount Rainier, the largest stratovolcano in the Cascade Mountain Range. Lake Tapps is about 20 miles east of Tacoma and 40 miles south of Downtown Seattle. "It's a really, really nice area where some people go to retire," says Corey Lofton, a real estate broker with the Washington Real Estate Team with Kelly Right Real Estate. It's also known as a family friendly community with well-regarded school districts. The lake proper, a 5-square-mile reservoir, was built in 1911 by Puget Sound Power and Light to provide power to homes and businesses. Though it's no longer cranking out electricity, the lake is owned by Cascade Water Alliance, which supplies drinking water to surrounding municipalities.
Stunning estate home on the shores of Lake Tapps.
Beautiful rural landscape overlooking Lake Tapps.
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Parks, trails and golf courses are around Lake Tapps
Residents of the area have plenty of outdoor sites to choose from. Recreational spaces close to home include playgrounds and sports facilities and there are parks on practically every side of the water. On the north shore, Lake Tapps Park has a boat launch, a swimming beach, hiking trails and picnicking areas. An agreement between the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, the Puyallup Tribe of Indians and the Cascade Water Alliance helps preserve fish habitats. Largemouth and smallmouth bass and tiger muskies are some of the lake's inhabitants, and fishing is allowed for those with a license. At the south end of the lake, Allan Yorke Park has a playground, walking trails and a skate park. The Bonney Lake Triathlon + Duathlon & Aquabike is a Labor Day Weekend event that starts at Allan Yorke. Tapps Island Golf Course on the east side is a public golf course operating in a residential development with a homeowners association. The facility also offers a junior golf camp in the summer. The Lake Tapps Parkway Trail on the lake's northwest side is popular with cyclists.
Allan Yorke City Park in Bonney Lake has pathways for residents to walk their dogs.
Tapps Island Golf Course in Lake Tapps is a serene place to practice your swing.
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The area is primarily residential, with a mix of styles
The community of Lake Tapps is mostly residential, with some outlying rural areas with small farms. “Lake Tapps is a true lake community, but there is a wider mix of home styles and prices than one might expect. There are some neighborhoods with new, traditional-style homes and some with midcentury homes," says Christine Gordon, a long-time resident of Pierce County and a Realtor with Keller Williams Realty Tacoma. The median home price over 12 months — about $725,000 in early 2025 — was about $330,000 higher than the national median. Some surrounding areas, such as nearby Prairie Heights, are less densely populated, have more of a rural vibe and with prices trending lower.
Bonney Lake has newly built homes within the neighborhood.
Newly built homes in Bonney Lake go for the more modern aesthetic.
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Several well-ranked public school districts cover the area
School districts include the Dieringer School District, which has an A-minus grade from Niche and covers parts of the lake's north, northwest and east sides. Three area districts have a B-plus grades: the Auburn School District covers areas north of the lake, the White River School District is associated with areas east and south and the Sumner-Bonney Lake School District corresponds with south and southwest sections.
Lake Tapps Elementary School entrance.
North Tapps Middle School signage.
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There's dining by the lake and shopping nearby
Al Lago Ristorante is by the lake, with chef-created Italian dishes and an extensive wine list. Island Lodge by Al Lago is on the other side of the lake at Tapps Island Golf Course. Most nearby commercial areas are west of the lake: Lakeland Town Center has a Haggen grocery store and assorted restaurants. Sumner has a WinCo Foods, a Fred Meyer and various eateries along Main Street. About 8 miles northwest of the lake's north shore is The Outlet Collection Seattle in Auburn. In addition to being the largest outlet shopping center in the Pacific Northwest, the site hosts events, markets and classes throughout the year. La Pulguita Outdoor Market is held here on weekends, year-round.
The Outlet Collection in Auburn is the closest mall to Algona and hosts many brand name stores.
Bonney Lake residents can get their groceries done at Fred Meyer.
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A military base and tribal-owned businesses provide jobs
Military installation, Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM), located close to Tacoma, is one of Pierce County's largest employers, with about 15,000 civilian and contract employees. The Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, out of the Muckleshoot Reservation northeast of Lake Tapps, provides more than 3,000 jobs through fisheries, gaming, and management of natural resources. Municipal or county operations and school districts have other employment opportunities. Retail, healthcare and manufacturing also have a share, with jobs concentrated in nearby cities like Sumner to the west and Auburn to the north. Those commuting farther into the Seattle area may work for tech or aerospace companies.
Military training from Joint Base Lewis-McChord is quite noticeable in Dupont Washington.
The Muckleshoot Casino is a major employer in the Lake Tapps area.
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It's a car-dependent area with some commuter options
Many of the residential pockets around the lake have short or curved streets; although sidewalks aren't always a given, low traffic makes the streets somewhat walkable. Otherwise, Lake Tapps is car-dependent, and major roads include state Routes 167 and 410. Interstate 5 is to the west, running through Tacoma. Some people take commuter rail to cut down on driving. The closest stations for Sound Transit Sounder commuter rail are Sumner and Auburn, which offer service on the S Line: Seattle-Lakewood/Tacoma. Pierce County Transit, Sound Transit and King County Metro buses also connect the region. Pierce Transit's Lakeland Hills Express runs from Auburn Station to Lakeland Hills Way on the north side of Lake Tapps. On the south side of the lake, a Sound Transit bus from Sumner Station stops at the Bonney Lake Park & Ride. The CAP Index crime score is 2 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4.
Written By
Robin Silberman
Photography Contributed By
Perry Cucinotta
Video By
Stewart Taveras
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Greg Nelson,
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 Lake Tapps, WA sell after 47 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Lake Tapps, WA over the last 12 months is $905,000, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Beautiful 5-bedroom, 2.75-bath home in Bonney Lake with a versatile bedroom on the main level and a 3/4 bathroom! This thoughtfully designed home features an open-concept great room with French sliding glass doors leading to a covered patio complete with a cozy fireplace—perfect for year-round entertaining. Recessed lighting throughout and central A/C provide comfort and modern convenience. The
Welcome to active 55+ Trilogy in Tehaleh. Resort type living with access to the Mantle restaurant, pickle ball, fitness center and miles of groomed, walking trails. This 2bd 2bth, rambler, sports, real wood floors, tile in the bathrooms, quartz countertops, SS Cafe appliances with gas range and a brilliant floor plan that separates the 2 bedrooms. This turn key gem only needs your furniture to
Welcome to beautiful and gated Bohemian Estates in Lake Tapps, a lovely maintained home that blends comfort, space, and everyday convenience in one of the area’s most desirable communities with private park. With 4 spacious bedrooms and 2.5 baths, this layout is designed for the way you live—whether you’re hosting friends, working from home, or simply enjoying room to spread out. The heart of the
Beautiful 5-bedroom, 2.75-bath home in Bonney Lake with a versatile bedroom on the main level and a 3/4 bathroom! This thoughtfully designed home features an open-concept great room with French sliding glass doors leading to a covered patio complete with a cozy fireplace—perfect for year-round entertaining. Recessed lighting throughout and central A/C provide comfort and modern convenience. The
Custom-built and thoughtfully designed, this exceptional home sits directly across from the Church Lake area of Lake Tapps and includes coveted boat launch and beach rights. Quality craftsmanship is evident throughout, with bamboo floors, real fir doors and trim, soundproofed walls, and generator with gas already in place. The open-concept layout is ideal for both daily living and entertaining.
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
Be ready to hold your breath when you see Mt Rainier out of the back windows of this home. The view is everything and more than you could imagine. This is a truly a special find. You have no neighbors on the back side of the property except for the occasional deer or rabbit that stops by. The primary suite is located on the main level, with the other two bedrooms and full bath upstairs. Vaulted
Better than new and move-in ready! Experience the peaceful charm of 55+ resort-style living in Trilogy at Tehaleh, featuring tree-lined streets, nearby parks, and scenic trailheads. Residents enjoy exclusive access to the Seven Summits Lodge, offering award winning dining, a state-of-the-art swimming facility, fully equipped fitness center, virtual golf simulator, game rooms, shuffleboard,
Welcome to active 55+ Trilogy in Tehaleh. Resort type living with access to the Mantle restaurant, pickle ball, fitness center and miles of groomed, walking trails. This 2bd 2bth, rambler, sports, real wood floors, tile in the bathrooms, quartz countertops, SS Cafe appliances with gas range and a brilliant floor plan that separates the 2 bedrooms. This turn key gem only needs your furniture to
Take advantage of this affordable building lot in highly desireable Bonney Lake! This 15,935 sqft lot sits at the end of the cul-de-sac of a clutch of 15 homes. Homes in Indigo Ridge are custom construction, valuing in the $700,000s. All utilities are in the street for easy connections, the flag lot sits back providing more privacy, best suited for a daylight basement style build. Beautiful
Very Affordable 3 Bedroom 2 Bath Marlette Model Home. Totally Updated and Move in Turn Key Ready. Open Bright Kitchen with New Cabinets, Granite Counter Tops, New Appliances including Microwave. All New LED Lighting, Vinyl Plank Flooring Through Out. Huge Living Room & Dining Room. Spacious Master Bedroom with Walk In Closet. Primary Master Bath with New Tile Floor, New Granite Vanity, Toilet,
Tucked away on a very private Dead End Road with a rare Opportunity to own Over 5 acres of Nature at its best in the heart of Lake Tapps Area. Peaceful and Secluded Setting. Bring your horses and Pets. A Great Place for RV Parking for all your Toys and Trailers. Hop on your 4 Wheeler, Quad or dirt bikes to ride on your own Trails that you can Design on this one of a kind Property. There is a Pond
Lakeland Ridge presents the Birch floor plan by MainVue Homes—an elegant one-year-old residence blending modern style with everyday comfort. The gourmet kitchen is a chef’s dream, featuring 3cm quartz countertops, gas stove, window backsplash, stainless steel appliances, and a spacious Grand Butler’s Pantry. Expansive windows and sliding doors fill the home with natural light and create a
Welcome to beautiful and gated Bohemian Estates in Lake Tapps, a lovely maintained home that blends comfort, space, and everyday convenience in one of the area’s most desirable communities with private park. With 4 spacious bedrooms and 2.5 baths, this layout is designed for the way you live—whether you’re hosting friends, working from home, or simply enjoying room to spread out. The heart of the
A true Lake Tapps treasure, this exceptional Lakeridge home sits above the shoreline capturing breathtaking panoramic views of Mt. Rainier, the Cascade Range, & the lake’s shimmering waters. Positioned on a beautifully landscaped .30-acre lot with 70 feet of waterfront, this property offers an incredible blend of natural beauty & refined living. The home features 4 bedrooms & 3 bathrooms with a
Convenient to Highways 410, 167, 512 and prime shopping, dining and entertainment locations, Renwoods 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
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,
Fall in love with the luxury and charm of your new home at Greenwood Heights Apartments. Located in Bonney Lake, WA Greenwood Heights Apartments is tucked away from big city life offering quiet and peaceful residential living in the Summit neighborhood. However, you will never find yourself too far from dining and convenient shopping locations including Target, Red Robin, Marshalls and Sonic
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
Lease this home and get more from Invitation Homes professional property management. This home comes fully loaded with quality amenities, must-have services, high-end tech and ProCare® professional maintenance. Your estimated total monthly payment is $3338.95. That covers your base rent, $3299.00 + our required services designed to make your life easier: Smart Home with video doorbell $30 and
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
Breathe in the scent of freshly cut grass and drive past the occasional grazing cow as you head home to Prairie Heights. While the atmosphere feels lightyears from city limits, many people who call the neighborhood home commute into the city every day. “People are coming down our way now and really enjoying that slower, more country-style living—and then they can drive to those bigger areas to work,” explains Kelly Heap of Terrafin, an award-winning Realtor with decades of experience in the area. “We are getting expansions, but it hasn’t lost that small-town flavor.”<br><br>Just over 40 miles south of Seattle, the neighborhood is home to about 5,000 people. Some yards feature decorative shrubbery and wooden fences, while others include vast patches of grass interrupted only by towering trees. Find manufactured homes with covered decks in Shiloh Park and contemporary-style homes with stone accents in gated communities like Winter Pond. While streets in homeowner associations veer off main roads and lead to quaint cul-de-sacs with several homes along the rounded edges, others lead to dirt roads and apparent countryside. Mobile and manufactured homes begin at around $175,000, while three-bedroom homes on at least 1-acre lots range from $400,000 to $1,000,000, with price impacted by year of construction and home features. <br><br>Though the neighborhood shares many traits and amenities with Buckley, students in Prairie Heights attend different schools within the White River School District, the 6th-best school district in Pierce County, according to Niche. Students begin at Foothills Elementary, a B-plus-rated school walkable from home. From here, students transition to Glacier Middle and ultimately graduate from White River High, both of which earn a B rating. White River High also includes after-school activities like Knowledge Bowl, Diversity Club, and Future Business Leaders of America. <br><br>Surrounded by parks, the neighborhood bubbles over with recreational opportunities. “There’s a smaller lake, Bonney Lake, but Lake Tapps is the big draw,” Heap says. Within 6 miles, reach the shores of Lake Tapps and gain access to an array of activities when the weather is right, usually from June through October. “It has fishing, it has swimming, but people can also ski on the lake and do fun stuff like that,” Heap expands. You can also enjoy the sound of local bands and the buzz of an outdoor marketplace throughout July and August at Allan Yorke, a small park at the lake’s southern edge. On the other hand, you can take advantage of the state park surrounding the lake, which includes over 100 acres of beaches, picnic areas and scenic trails. <br><br>When you’re looking for a place to hit the green, Tapps Island Golf Course provides an option right at the center of the lake, allowing captivating waterside and mountain views to accompany your every swing. If gazing at Mount Rainier as you play beckons you to climb to its peak, reach the mountains in less than 50 miles. During the winter months, build your strength to prepare for the big climb at Gordon Family YMCA, less than 7 miles away, or drive into Tacoma to access multiple climbing gyms. <br><br>While you won’t find retailers right in the neighborhood, the nearest commercial corridor is only 3 miles away. To pick up the basics, browse Safeway or Fred Meyer, or, for bulk shopping, ride another mile down Route 410 and gather everything you need at Costco. Along the same road are urgent cares, coffee shops and several restaurants as well. Slide into a booth at Hungry Dawg’s Diner for brunch or enjoy chimichangas and margaritas at Mazatlan for dinner. <br><br>Though Prairie Heights has no public transit, Route 410 borders the neighborhood to the north, allowing a simple commute into the surrounding cities. “We have people that commute to Seattle, to the east side, which is where a lot of our tech companies reside,” Heap explains. As you drive, enjoy pastoral views for about 30 miles of the trip. If traveling to Tacoma instead, reach Thea Foss Waterway in 20 miles and Point Defiance within 30 miles. For travels beyond Washington state limits, drive less than 35 miles to the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Experience the convergence of commuter-friendly living and peaceful rural life in Prairie Heights.
Property Mix - Square Feet
Lake Tapps Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
58,734
Median Age
39
Population under 18
26.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
14.8%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$116,779
Significantly above the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$138,522
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
94.6%
Above the national average
89%
College Graduates
28.7%
Advanced Degrees
9%
% Population in Labor Force
71.4%
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 friendly
Bike Score®®
30/ 100
Fairly friendly
Walk Score®®
40/ 100
Not friendly
Transit Score®®
0/ 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.
