Central Lakes
The lakes of Lakewood
At the peaceful Steilacoom Lake, locals fish off Interlaaken Bridge, launch kayaks or swim during Washington's summers. American Lake is also popular for swimming and has a short strip of sand for sunbathing beach-goers. The biggest park in the area is Fort Steilacoom Park, which draws visitors from all over for its 22-acre off-leash dog park and spacious kids' play area. With soccer fields and baseball diamonds, the park is a go-to spot for organized sports teams and, true to form for this neighborhood, there's a small lake at the center. And some lakes — like Lake Louise and Gravelly Lake, are small and private, only accessible to those who live around them.
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Neighborly homes and luxury waterside properties
Homes in Central Lakes come at a variety of price points. Midcentury rambler properties start at $400,000, getting up to $500,000 for attached garages and 1/4-acre lots. Pockets of contemporary homes built in 2023 sit on uniform suburban lots. These homes range from $600,000 to $700,000. "The area is primarily residential with middle-income housing, active HOAs and that neighborly, kids-on-bikes kind of feel," says Grimley. "And we are working on adding sidewalks to the roads." For waterside properties, prices skyrocket up to $1 million or more. These luxury homes often sit on raised hills, with backyards leading down to private docks. From Craftsman architecture with exposed beams to stucco-sided Mediterranean estates, houses at the higher end of the Central Lakes price spectrum are anything but cookie-cutter.
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Community events at Fort Steilacoom
Tuesday farmers markets at Fort Steilacoom Park are held throughout the warmer months and feature more than just produce. There are local craft vendors, live music and food trucks too. Residents also enjoy outdoor concerts and the town's biggest event, SummerFEST — which includes a car show, hot air balloons, circus performances and other interactive attractions. "SummerFEST draws tens of thousands of people to the park, and it's totally free to enter," Grimley explains.
Walkable schools and high school athletics
Central Lakes is part of the Clover Park School District. Students can start at Lake Louise Elementary School, which receives a B-minus rating from Niche. The school is walkable for those who live nearby. Then, it's on to Dr. Claudia Thomas Middle School, newly renovated in 2020. Finally, kids can attend Lakes High School, which offers advanced placement courses and is known for their athletic facilities, which include a school pool. Lakes High gets a B rating.Commuting to Seattle
Many Central Lakes residents brave the commute to Seattle for work. About 45 miles away, the drive into the city can take one hour — or two — depending on traffic. "There's a couple of choke points you can hit," Grimley says. "But when you plan accordingly, it's doable." Lakewood also has a Sounder train station along a line that runs into Seattle and up to Everett and a bus line into Tacoma.
Local pub and proximity to big brands
While Central Lakes is primarily residential, it's home to Lake City Pub, a classic neighborhood tavern with pool tables and live music several nights a week. For most shopping and dining, residents head to Lakewood Towne Center, just a few miles away. Daily errands can get crossed off the list at Target, Safeway and Marshalls. Fast food and chain restaurants sit alongside those big retailers, and the AMC movie theater is a popular spot for a date night.
Written By
Micaela Green
Photography Contributed By
Perry Cucinotta
Video By
Victoria Sharpe
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Agents Specializing in this Area
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Sarah Ford
Sarah Ford
Coldwell Banker Bain
(206) 202-6041
81 Total Sales
1 in Central Lakes
$2,950,000 Price
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Matthew Gerrish
Matthew Gerrish
Premier Real Estate Partners
(253) 527-7270
165 Total Sales
4 in Central Lakes
$400K - $550K Price Range
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Carly Bloecher
Carly Bloecher
Responds QuicklyPropertiesNW of Gig Harbor Ltd
(844) 391-6852
23 Total Sales
1 in Central Lakes
$380,000 Price
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Douglas Drost
Douglas Drost
eXp Realty
(425) 307-5765
66 Total Sales
1 in Central Lakes
$350,000 Price
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Jenierose Sabano
Jenierose Sabano
John L. Scott Lacey
(253) 300-0424
47 Total Sales
1 in Central Lakes
$560,000 Price
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Greg Pubols
Greg Pubols
Responds QuicklyCentury 21 Blue Chip
(253) 237-8321
129 Total Sales
4 in Central Lakes
$426K - $900K Price Range
Schools
Source:
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
- 9th to 12th
- Public
- 6th to 8th
- Public
- Pre-K to 5th
- Public
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to , an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
American Lake Park
- Boating
- Picnic Area
- Beach
Fort Steilacoom Park
- Baseball/Softball
- Dog Park
- Picnic Area
Washington Park
- Picnic Area
- Trails
- Playground
Seeley Lake Park
- Bike Trails
- Trails
- Community Center
Lakewood Active Park
- Basketball
- Picnic Area
- Playground
Kiwanis Park
- Skateboard
- Trails
- Playground
Fort Steilacoom Dog Park
Transit
Crime and Safety
| 1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime | Central Lakes | US |
|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 2 | 4 |
| Sexual Assault | 3 | 4 |
| Assault with Weapon | 3 | 4 |
| Robbery | 2 | 4 |
| Burglary | 4 | 4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 3 | 4 |
| Larceny | 4 | 4 |
| Crime Score | 3 | 4 |
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Central Lakes Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Central Lakes, Lakewood sell after 71 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Central Lakes, Lakewood over the last 12 months is $310,000, down 15% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
Median List Price
$370,000
Median Sale Price
$310,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$330,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$692,500
Median Change From 1st List Price
3%
Last 12 months Home Sales
24
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-15%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$389
Neighborhood Facts
Number of Homes in Neighborhood
5,149
Number of Homes for Sale
5
Median Year Built
1960
Months of Supply
2.50
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,817
Below the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,915
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,523
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
10,890
Open Houses
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Saturday, Aug 91 - 4pm
$498,000
- 4 Beds
- 1 Bath
- 1,780 Sq Ft
- 6714 Lake Grove St SW
- New 14 days ago
**Perfect for first-time buyers or DIYers!** This charming 4-bed, 1-bath Lakewood home is priced to sell and ready for your personal touch. Enjoy a newer (~3 yr) roof, newer water heater, newer electrical panel (~3 yrs), hardwood/tile floors, and a cozy fireplace. The functional layout includes a bright living room, spacious kitchen and partially finished basement for extra space. Detached garage
Cheri Westphal CW Realty Group
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Tuesday, Jul 2910 - 11:30am
$480,000
- 4 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1,474 Sq Ft
- 8105 Oakridge Dr SW
Completely Renovated Beauty on a Spacious Private Lot! Step into style and comfort in this fully renovated, single-level gem featuring brand-new windows, newer paint inside & out, a newer Nu-Ray metal roof, updated furnace, and hot water tank. The heart of the home is a stunning kitchen with sleek quartz countertops, a generous island perfect for cooking, and bar seating for casual dining or
Kathy Callahan Windermere RE South Sound, Inc
Distribution of Home Values
Homes for Sale
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$1,600,000
- Land
- 1.12 Acre Lot
- 8409 Washington Blvd SW
Attention Developers and Investors: Prime 1.12-acre development opportunity on a main arterial with R4 zoning—potential for up to 17 units! Ideal for investors and builders, this level, wooded parcel offers dual access from both Washington Blvd and Moreland, maximizing design flexibility and access. Existing structures include 2 homes, carports, and a large shop—perfect for staging, planning,
Steve McNamerWindermere Prof Partners(253) 785-3414 -
$689,000
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2,411 Sq Ft
- 11402 83rd Ave SW
- New 5 days ago
Beautiful 1-story home is ready for you to make it your own! Great open layout w/ spacious kitchen/dining area open to the family room & living room. Great room boasts cozy gas log fireplace & vaulted ceilings + skylights for light & bright living. Easy access to back patio & park-like backyard. Primary suite is spacious w/ 5-piece bath, soaking tub, WIC + private hot tub area through the outside
Amber Marie Swenson Keller Williams Rty Tacoma
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$585,000
- 5 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1,871 Sq Ft
- 10105 114th St SW
- New 6 days ago
Fully remodeled! Check out the 3D tour! 5 Bed and 2 Full Bath home in quiet cul-de-sac and dead end street. Brand new paint/floor/kitchen included all new appliances. 3Bed & 1 Bath on main also Extra finished room on main floor with extra large laundry room. Beautiful 2nd floor family room with cozy gas fireplace and 2bed & 1bath. fully covered back patio for rainy days. amazing backyard for your
Tia Yeo Skyline Properties, Inc.
Homes for Rent
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-
$3,200 per month
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 1,614 Sq Ft
- 8206 North Way SW
- Lakewood, WA
Rent this beautifully renovated 4-bedroom, 1.75-bath home offering modern comfort and timeless charm! Nearly everything is new—electrical, plumbing, roof, water heater, plus energy-efficient windows and doors. The open-concept living area features stylish LVP flooring and a cozy gas fireplace. The spacious primary bedroom includes plush new carpet for extra comfort. Enjoy a large, fully fenced
Michael Abafo Real Broker LLC
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$1,295 - $1,695 per month
- Hunters Glen Apartments
- 1-2 Beds
- 1 Bath
- 612+ Sq Ft
- 11520 104th Ave SW
- Lakewood, WA
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to , an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
16,073
Median Age
42
Population Density
6 ppl/acre
Population under 18
21.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
21.2%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$88,410
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$102,953
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
95.2%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
29.8%
Advanced Degrees
9%
On par with the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
62.6%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
40''
Average Winter Low Temperature
37°F
Average Summer High Temperature
77°F
Annual Snowfall
2''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
11
/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
2
/ 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.
Nearby Neighborhoods
South Lakes
Multiple parks and outdoor activities alongside American and Gravelly Lake
Steilacoom
Washington's first incorporated town nestled along the Puget Sound
Lakeview
Slow-paced community 10 miles from downtown surrounded by lakes
Oakbrook
Established neighborhood with several wildlife areas close to JBLM
Pacific-Lakeview
Offers all the amenities of big-town living but with small town vibes
Northeast Lakewood
Multicultural enclave with outdoor amenities
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