A leafy suburban community south of Seattle
Lakeland North is a small, suburban community of single-family homes, leafy community parks, public schools and evergreen groves. It’s situated along Interstate 5 between Tacoma and Seattle, making it a prime spot for commuting at a relatively affordable price point. “It’s a lot more affordable than if you were closer to Seattle, but it’s right on the highway,” says Realtor Ralph Castano of Re/Max Metro Realty, who has sold homes in the community. “There’s also a new light rail station planned there. That’s going to be great for getting around.”
The area was once a major logging settlement in the 19th century before being built out in the late 20th century during Seattle’s tech boom.
A mix of midcentury and contemporary homes
Lakeland North’s homes are situated along curved streets, low hills and quiet cul-de-sacs with little through traffic. Homes in the city were largely built between the 1960s and today, offering everything from midcentury styles to spacious, contemporary homes. “The housing is pretty varied. You have two-story ramblers, homes built in the 1990s and even some new homes,” Castano says. Lot sizes are on the larger side, typically between 7,000 and 10,000 square feet, so residents have plenty of privacy and outdoor space. The median home price is $635,000 putting it below the median price for the Seattle metro area.
Shopping and dining in neighboring Federal Way
Lakeland North is about a mile from Federal Way’s bustling shopping plazas on Pacific Highway where there is a wealth of big box stores, major grocery chains and a mix of chain restaurants and independent eateries. There are also several shopping malls within a few miles of Lakeland North, including The Commons at Federal Way and the hugely popular The Outlet Collection Seattle, which features a wide range of upscale apparel shops.
Local parks and a community fishing lake
There are several community parks in Lakeland North that offer residents ample opportunities to get outside. Lake Dolloff is a popular local fishing lake that’s stocked to the gills with Rainbow Trout, Rock Bass and Yellow Perch. There’s also Lakeland North Urban Park, a brand-new wooded park that stretches across 20 acres with well-maintained trails, a playground and a picnic shelter. Those looking for additional exercise excursions can also hop on Pendragon’s Loop, where residents can hike a rugged trail beneath dense, Arthurian tree canopy.
K-12 schools within a short walk or drive
Students attend Federal Way Public Schools, which earns a B-minus rating from Niche. There are three elementary schools, a middle school and highly rated high school within Lakeland North, all of which are walking or biking distance for many residents. The preponderance of public schools in the community is a draw for new residents.
Getting around greater Seattle and Tacoma
Lakeland North’s western edge is traversed by Interstate 5, a major highway that connects with Tacoma 14 miles south, and Seattle 22 miles north. The community’s busier thoroughfares are crisscrossed by bus lines that offer routes to nearby cities like Auburn and Federal Way. The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, known locally as SeaTac, is 14 miles north. It’s a major airport that offers nonstop flights to destinations as far away as Singapore, Tokyo and Istanbul.
Lower crime rates than the statewide average
Lakeland North falls under the jurisdiction of the King County Sheriff’s Office. The county’s violent and property crime rates are slightly lower than the statewide average, although those rates have ticked upward over the last decade, according to FBI stats.
