During its development, Lakewood earned a reputation as a retreat for Seattle royalty, attracting affluent crowds to its abundant lakes and country clubs. About 10 miles south of Tacoma, Lakewood retains that status today, offering lush gardens, golf courses and nature scenes like those at American Lake. With a population of 64,000, Lakewood is a diverse military-oriented city centered around Joint Base Lewis-McChord, the most extensive base in the western United States. "Lakewood is a proud community that supports and embraces its military families," says Robyn Rodriguez, Real Estate Agent at Realty One Group Turn Key with over 15 years of experience in Washington. "It's more suburban than Tacoma with city amenities and a diverse blend of young people, retired folks and multigenerational families."
Homes on the western coastline of North Lakewood offer picturesque views of American Lake.
North Lakewood offers amazing wooded trails and natural areas.
Lakewood has a multitude of golf courses to get to know.
Lakewood is home to JBLM, Washingtons biggest military base.
1/4
Tall trees and Craftsman cottages near the base
Towering pine trees provide shade and dust the streets with red needles, while bushes and shrubs are classic landscaping features. Some of Lakewood's most desirable neighborhoods include Central Lakes, Oakbrook and South Lakes. Typical housing architecture includes Craftsman-style cottages and ranch-style homes, which can be single-, bi-level or elevated. The median price of a single-family home in Lakewood is $545,000. Most homes sell after 34 days on the market, compared to the national average of 44 days. Manufactured homes cost between $20,000 and $450,000, while townhouses go for $200,000 to $600,000. Condos range from $175,000 to $1.9 million for beachside units in the country club area beside American Lake. "There's a lot of potential for investment properties, and original houses can be preserved," Rodriguez says.
Lakewood also has a strong U.S. military presence. Just outside Lakewood is Joint Base Lewis-McChord, an Air Force and Army hub. Residents may be able to hear sounds coming from the base. "You can hear the 10 a.m. call, but they announce when they're doing firing drills," says Zachary Kolp, Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX Sound Properties. Joint Base Lewis-McChord employs about 65,000 civilian workers and military personnel. Other significant employers include Clover Park Technical College, Pierce Transit and Discover Books. Hundreds of people also work at the city's Amazon warehouse.
Lakewood homes are often surrounded by greenery and mature fir trees.
Quaint homes in Lakewood are often accompanied by large well manicured front lawns.
Go for a swim every morning from your private dock in Lakewood.
Large old growth trees surround Manitou Park in Lakewood.
1/4
Head to American Lake or Tacoma Country & Golf Club
Lakewood has 14 parks, and some are among the premier outdoor spaces in the Tacoma area. Fort Steilacoom Park is a 340-acre campus with trails that wander through historic landmarks, flourishing gardens and athletic facilities. It also connects to American Lake Park, which has a sandy beach below a backdrop of Mount Rainier. American Lake has boat access. The STAR Center is a local community center known for Treetops Playground, a creative space with indoor and outdoor play structures. Lakewood is also the location of the Tacoma Country & Golf Club, while the Oakbrook Golf Club and the Meadow Park Golf Course are also both nearby.
Walk the Lakewood Farmers Market with friends for a relaxing afternoon.
The shoreline of North Lakewood has a ferry landing to cross the sound to Anderson Island.
Kiwanis Park offers plenty of greenspace in Lakewood to lay out and relax in Lakewood.
Work on your game at the Tacoma Country and Golf Club in Lakewood.
1/4
Diverse Clover Valley schools and local colleges
The Clover Valley School District serves about 12,500 students across the city, earning a B grade from Niche, which places it among the 10 most diverse districts in Washington. Frances Cabrini School is a private K-8 institution that receives an A grade. Pierce College Fort Steilacoom is a community college with two-year programs covering relevant industrial coursework geared toward military families in the area. Clover Park Technical College is another option with accredited nursing, cybersecurity and aviation programs.
Saint Frances Cabrini School offers Lakewood kids an option for private eduction.
Clover Park Technical College offers locals a good higher education option.
Clover Park Technical College is centrally located in Lakwood.
Clover Park High School serves the Lakewood Area.
1/4
Lakewold Gardens and Thornewood Castle
One of the area's more unique attractions is Lakewold Gardens, a 10-acre area with hedge-lined paths, statues and rare plant life by Gravelly Lake. This well-landscaped garden, built in the early 1900s, is a venue for community events. Fairy Fest celebrates garden fairies in June, while Mayfest spotlights Mother's Day activities in May. Also nearby is Thornewood, a Tudor Gothic-style castle built with 15th-century materials from England. While now used as a luxurious hotel, this castle was featured in scenes in both Stephen King's "Rose Red" movie and "The Haunting of Bly Manor," a Netflix limited series.
Take your family to All Hollow's Eve at Lakewoods historic Lakewold Gardens.
The 500 year old Thornewood Castle hosts events and overnight stays in Lakewood.
Go on a friend date to All Hollow's Eve in South Lakes.
Admire the beautiful Lakewold Gardens in Lakewood.
1/4
Getting to Tacoma and Seattle
The Pierce Transit bus system serves Lakewood, and the Runner service provides pickups through a rideshare-style app with a $2 rate. The Lakewood Train Station provides a Sound Transit commuter light rail, typically reaching Tacoma in about 20 minutes or Seattle in just over an hour. Interstate 5 also borders the city. The center of Tacoma is around 10 miles north on I-5. Seattle is roughly 40 miles north. The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is about 32 miles north for worldwide travel.
The Sounder Train provides Lakewood Locals with access to the surrounding area.
Lakewood residents have access to the Pierce Transit bus system.
Sound Transit provides Lakewood with access to the surrounding areas.
Park at Lakewood Station and take the train or bus to work.
1/4
Various cuisines at South Tacoma Plaza and Lakewood Towne Center
Lakewood has vibrant and bustling sectors, including over 165 restaurants and some of the area's most convenient retail areas. Lakewood Towne Center is a gleaming plaza with outlet stores. South Tacoma Plaza is another area with bubble tea shops and various restaurants. Local eateries include Korean, Japanese and Vietnamese cuisines, while prominent international restaurants include Bruno's European Restaurant and Ho Soon Yi. The city also has several supermarkets, such as Safeway and H Mart, a popular Korean grocery store.
Safeway in Lakewood provides locals with essentials and groceries.
Ho Soon Yi Tofu in NE Lakewood serves incredible Korean Fare.
Stop by H Mart for Groceries in Lakewood.
South Tacoma Village offers Lakewood residents a diverse range of retail and dining options.
1/4
Declining crime and a warm-summer climate
In 2023, FBI crime data shows a violent crime rate of 190 and a property crime rate of 367, both out of 100,000 people. While higher than the national average, Lakewood's crime has steadily declined since the early 2000s.
Lakewood experiences a warm-summer Mediterranean climate, with summers typically below 75°F and winters above 40°F.
On average, homes in Lakewood, WA sell after 38 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Lakewood, WA over the last 12 months is $520,000, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Tania Lopez, owner, and Operating Manager of "Montes Real Estate Group". Tania has served the Real Estate industry for almost a decade. Her main Passion- Real Estate. Her goal is to treat her clients so well that they are more than happy to refer their friends and family. It is easy to do right by people when you can see past the individual sale and into a long term and beneficial relationship for all. I will always come from an aspect of contribution
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.
