$615,086Average Value$438Average Price per Sq Ft5Homes For Sale
Lakewood's western residential side
The Central Lakes area is the quieter, residential half of the city of Lakewood, one of Tacoma's largest suburbs. Central Lakes offers suburban living centered around several lakes and neighbors Steilacoom, a sleepy coastal town. "It's a beautiful area that feels like suburbia," says Brynn Grimley, the communications manager for the city of Lakewood. "You look out your window, and you just see green." Residents enjoy proximity to outdoor recreation opportunities and are within commuting distance of Seattle. The larger Lakewood area borders the Lewis-McChord army and airforce base. "We have a strong relationship with the base," Grimely says. "Many of our residents are military families or retirees who used to be stationed at the base and came back because they loved the area."
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.
Boatowners can enjoy the lake when they please from Central Lakes, WA.
Residents can enjoy beautiful lakeside views in Central Lakes, WA.
Take the bridge connecting the Central Lakes, WA, neighborhood.
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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.
There are many styles of homes in Central Lakes, WA.
Many newer homes come with double garages in Central Lakes, WA.
A stately lakefront nestled in Central Lakes, WA.
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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.
Many high schoolers in the community attend Lakes High School located in Central Lakes.
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.
A row of well-known retailers can be found in Central Lakes, WA.
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.
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
Lanae Miller,
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
Airport
Seattle-Tacoma International
50 min drive
Bus
Steilacoom Blvd SW & Hipkins Rd
Bus
Gravelly Lake Dr & Tower Rd
Bus
Meadow Rd SW & Mt Tacoma Dr
Bus
Gravelly Lake Dr & Nyanza Rd
Bus
Veterans Dr SW & Edgewood Ave SW
Bus
Gravelly Lake Dr & Lk Steilacoom
Bus
Gravelly Lake Dr & School St SW
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 18% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
**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
Approx. 14 mins to Madigan & 10 mins to the McChord Gates. Lakefront living that feels like a vacation every day! Wake up to sparkling water views, launch your kayak/water toys from the dock, or entertain on your patio as the sun sets over Lake Steilacoom. This 3-bed, 2.5-bath, 2-car garage condo is packed with style, bamboo floors, soaring windows, skylights, a wood-burning fireplace, smart
This Lakewood Home Is Absolutely Beautiful. Welcome to this 3 bed/2 bath rambler sitting on a corner lot, located close to Edgewater Park on Lake Steilacoom, Lakewood Mall, Theater, Schools, boat launch, I-5 & JBLM. Beautiful kitchen opens up to a spacious living room. Hardwood floors throughout. 1,560 sqft on half acre lot. Back yard has value for sale. Enjoy the privacy of the large lot with a
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,
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
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
Discover your new home at Hunters Glen Apartments! Hunters Glen offers its residents many great features and amenities including beautifully landscaped grounds, free assigned covered parking, and in-unit washer and dryer. All of our one and two bedroom apartment homes feature a patio or balcony, wood burning fireplace, microwave, dishwasher, garbage disposal, double sided sink, easy clean oven
Enjoy easy living in this darling 1 bedroom, 1 bath American Lake bungalow with peek-a-boo lake view from the covered front porch. New paint, carpet, lighting and bathroom vanity. All appliances are included! Roof replaced in 2020. Lake access is available at the end of the street with area for fishing and picnic table, and you’ll love the proximity to American Lake Park and all it has to
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Lanae Miller,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
16,073
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.
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.
