Small town known for lumber mills and oyster farming
Set right on Washington's Highway 101, Shelton offers homes with more acreage at a lower price than larger cities like Olympia, 20 miles away, and Tacoma, about 50 miles away. The town’s proximity to Oakland Bay, nearby lakes and the Olympia National Forest also attracts hikers, anglers and other outdoor enthusiasts. Shelton began as a logging and lumber mill town in the late 1800s, and is still nicknamed “Christmastown, USA” for its surrounding fir and pine tree forests; later, oyster farming took hold on the banks of the bay, and eventually Shelton became the largest town in mostly undeveloped Mason County. Today, visitors flock to Shelton for its annual OysterFest in October, but the town maintains its rural vibe throughout the year, with a small downtown and few large retailers.
The Lumber Mill is the backbone of Shelton and offer many job opportunities to locals.
Sierra Pacific Shelton Lumbar Mill is an expansive staple in the Shelton Community.
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More acreage at a lower price than Olympia
As of early 2025, the median home price in Shelton is about $408,000, on par with the national median but lower than Tacoma's $480,000 and Olympia's roughly $550,000. “We have a huge amount of diversity in our local housing market,” says Kristy Buck, a Shelton resident and managing broker with John L. Scott Real Estate. “You can buy close to the waterfront, in town within city limits, or go rural and get acreage.” Early 20th-century Craftsman cottages are clustered around Oakland Bay, and midcentury ranch-style homes are found in northwestern Mountain View. On the north end of town, The Christmas Village is a 55-plus mobile home park that dates to the 1970s. Development here stalled in the early 2000s, but picked up again in the 2020s. There are open lots still available, ranging in size from 1 to 40 acres; prices tend to increase as lots grow larger and farther from the town's center.
Beautiful hilltop craftsman homes are a common sight to see in Shelton Washington.
Plenty of water access in the Shelton area of Washington.
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Salt and freshwater recreation, close to Olympia National Park
Dense pine forests and waterways surround Shelton. Oakland Bay is a hub for boating, and locals can access the coarse-sand waterfront at Walker Park. Freshwater lakes in the area include Isabella Lake, set south of town. Olympia National Park is about 25 miles away, with over 250 miles of hiking trails through mountains and canyons. Skydive Kapowsin operates out of the local Sanderson Field Airport, and Ridge Motorsports Park has go-karts, motorcycling racing and other motorsports.
Tug boats moving lumbar and rock are a normal sight to see in Shelton Washington.
Island Lake is a great waterside community just outside Shelton Washington.
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Dining on Railroad Avenue and the annual OysterFest
Shelton’s downtown corridor is full of local businesses and centered on Railroad Avenue. Cafes, small fast-casual restaurants and pubs make up the dining scene, interspersed with antique stores and small specialty shops selling candy, vinyl records and more. Also downtown is Shelton Cinemas, a small independent movie theatre, and the Mason County Historical Society Museum. There's a Walmart in Shelton, but for other big-box retail and national chains, locals tend to drive to Olympia. The town’s largest event is OysterFest (also known as the Washington State Seafood Festival), held each October at Sanderson Field. “OysterFest is billed as the West Coast oyster shucking championship,” Buck says. “It drives a huge amount of people here for three days.” The festival also features live music, wine vendors and beer gardens.
Don't miss out on the amaretti biscuits and delicious latte's at Marmo Caffè & Gallery in Shelton Washington.
Stop by Wild Irish Pub in Shelton Washington for delicious burgers.
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Commuting on Highway 101
Highway 101 is the town's main artery, and leads 22 miles to Olympia, which is both Washington's state capital and the nearest major city. Mason Transit Authority buses serve Shelton with several local and county-wide bus routes, and Mason General Hospital is right in town. Industrial train tracks run through the community, and the local Sanderson Field Airport is used only by private and business aircraft. For commercial flights, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is about 70 miles away.
Small town Shelton brings a lot of traffic through to the Olympic Mountains.
Mason County Transit is there to get you where you need to go in Shelton Washington.
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Shelton School District offers PK, K-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 17 to 1 in Shelton Washington.
Career-oriented programs at Shelton Public Schools
Shelton Public School District earns an overall C from Niche, serving over 4,540 students. High schools within the district offer several career-oriented academies, including the Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology Academy, as well as the Natural Resources Academy. Olympic College has a campus in Shelton with a state-of-the-art welding facility where students can earn a technical certificate or an associate degree.
Mild Washington climate, earthquakes, and crime trends
Shelton has relatively cool, mild weather throughout the year, with high precipitation in the spring and winter. During heavy rainfall, there's some risk of flooding along Goldsborough Creek and close to downtown, but the city’s Public Works Department maintains an elaborate system of pipes and drains to divert stormwater and prevent flooding. Mild to moderate earthquakes are somewhat common in Shelton. According to the Shelton Police Department most recent annual report, the town's violent crime rate increased by 8% between 2022 to 2023, while its property crime rate decreased by 15% during the same period.
Planned improvements to Shelton’s downtown district
Near downtown, the overgrown roots of some street trees have caused sidewalks to lift and crack over time. To address this issue, city officials plan to move some of these problematic street trees and widen sidewalks by removing on-street parking spaces, tentatively beginning in 2030. In the meantime, some pear trees that have been damaged by recent snowstorms will be replaced with tupelo and ginkgo trees.
Written By
Andi Sink
Photography Contributed By
William King
Video By
Daniel Quattro
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Lori Norton,
an experienced agent in this area.
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Welcome to Harstene Pointe in Shelton, WA — a private, gated waterfront community featuring beaches, parks, boat launch, clubhouse, pool, and more. This 2-bedroom, 1.75-bath townhome with a loft suite offers 868 sq ft of low-maintenance living surrounded by nature. HOA covers exterior maintenance, roofing, decking, landscaping, and community amenities, providing ease of ownership. Enjoy gated
Beautiful Island Home at Hartstene Pointe is looking for a new owner! Built in 1971 and largely original, this home has been thoughtfully maintained over the years, now with an updated kitchen that complements its character. Island Homes share one wall (similar to a townhome) but live very privately. This unit overlooks a peaceful wooded greenbelt setting and feels tucked away, while still being
Discover your dream lifestyle at Harstine Pointe, an exclusive gated community on Harstine Island’s serene northern tip. This stunning custom 2004 Reality home offers 3 spacious bedrooms, a versatile bonus room, freshly painted interiors and exteriors, plus brand-new roof fascia and gutters, all designed for comfort and practicality. Enjoy a 6,000 sq. ft. clubhouse offering yoga and weightlifting
Welcome to your own slice of Pacific Northwest waterfront living on beautiful Harstine Island. This 3-bedroom, 2-bath home sits on nearly 4 acres across two parcels, offering 120 feet of private shoreline with breathtaking views of Squaxin Island and the Olympic Mountains. Spend your days soaking in the peaceful setting, watching boats pass by, and enjoying unforgettable sunsets from your own
Experience extraordinary waterfront living on 120 ft of private saltwater shoreline, where oysters line the beach & orcas pass by. Set on 1.3 beautiful acres, this unique property offers privacy, flexibility, & a true connection to the PNW landscape. The single-level main home is 2,165 sf & features 2 primary beds plus a den, designed for comfortable everyday living with easy access to the
So many possibilities with this home. It would be the perfect multigenerational home, short term rental, a great home with separate office space for those that work from home, or home with separate cottage for those visiting you. It has fiber optic Internet to the home and cottage, so you never have to worry about your connection. The RV spot with full hook ups has income potential or another
Nearly 5 acres of level, usable land paired with a huge shop 25X30—this is the space and freedom you’ve been waiting for! Bonus: assumable VA loan balance of $370,894 at an attractive 4.25% interest rate (buyer to verify eligibility). This beautifully restored property is move-in ready with room to make it your own. Recent updates include flooring, kitchen cabinets with butcher-block countertops,
Solid 2752 sq ft 5 bedroom home on 4.9 acres! Are you looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and have a large property and home with potential for a garden and/or farm animals? If so, this one is for you! This home has a great layout with main floor living and formal dining rooms, plus open kitchen w/ dining area. 5 total bedrooms include main floor primary bedroom w/ 5 pc
BOM due to buyer couldn't sell home. Charming 55+ Manufactured Home in Christmas Village! Enjoy easy living in this well-maintained 2-bedroom, 2-bath home with an open layout and versatile den—ideal for an office, hobby room, or guest space. Vaulted ceilings, skylights, and newer appliances create a bright, inviting feel. Relax year-round on the spacious covered back porch, with a welcoming
Affordable country living just minutes from town! Welcome to this nearly new 2020-built home in Shelton, WA, offering 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and 5 beautiful acres currently enjoyed as a mini farm. Experience the best of both worlds, a peaceful rural and secluded setting only 5 minutes from shopping, schools, and services, with quick access to Hwy 101, Hwy 3, and an easy commute to Olympia or
**Historic Frank Reed House ** Nestled in Shelton’s Historic District, the Frank Reed House is a rare treasure on a prime corner lot. A serene fish-bearing CREEK flows just beyond your back door. This stately 6-bed, 4-bath home exudes timeless elegance with rich hardwood floors and vibrant landscaping. The UPDATED kitchen, thoughtfully designed with modern functionality, captivates the home’s
Welcome to peace, quiet, and comfort in your Private Haven with room to share Guests Generational or AirBNB. Luxurious Living on the water! Exquisite Home with Guest Cottage, Sunset Views, 100 ft of beach, bulkhead, w/ tidelands on Harstine Island. The Grand Entrance opens to incredible views of the Sound from every main room and the Cottage above. Chef's kitchen w/bar, granite cts and SS
**Historic Frank Reed House ** Nestled in Shelton's Historic District, the Frank Reed House is a rare treasure on a prime corner lot. A serene fish-bearing CREEK flows just beyond your back door. This stately 6-bed, 4-bath home exudes timeless elegance with rich hardwood floors and vibrant landscaping. The UPDATED kitchen, thoughtfully designed with modern functionality, captivates the home's
Beautiful, modern and brand new! Enjoy beautiful peek-a-boo water and territorial views. Buyer has time to make modifications such as adding a fence and more. Spend your afternoons by the pool or kayaking at the community waterfront. LVP floors throughout (no carpet!), sleek stainless-steel appliances, and an open layout. Also enjoy all the community has to offer including picnic spots, a sports
8.12 acres near Spencer Lake/Phillips Lake and Pickering Passage. This prime Pickering Road building site will make a fantastic location for your custom home! County road frontage features a large level building site, lightly forested with scattered Douglas fir with a portion designated as a wetland buffer. Power and communication services at the county road. No HOA or CC&R's so you can do what
Stunning lakefront home in Shelton with low-bank sandy pebble beach, private dock, and hot tub. This well-appointed home features two primary suites, each with a custom full bath and private dock access. The open-concept kitchen offers a large center island with breakfast bar, flowing into the dining and living area with vaulted ceilings, propane fireplace, expansive lake views and A/C for
Welcome to this 2 bedroom 1 bath home located in a quiet neighborhood in Shelton! This well-maintained property offers a comfortable and practical layout, perfect for anyone looking for a peaceful place to call home while still being close to local amenities. Washer and dryer included.
Presenting a charming 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom rambler nestled in the Lake Limerick Community. Discover oak hardwood floors throughout, an inviting open kitchen boasting custom cabinetry and stainless steel appliances. The primary en-suite offers a spacious closet and a stand-up shower. Adjacent to the kitchen, find an expansive mudroom doubling as an office or craft space, complemented by an
This Beautiful 2-bedroom 2 story duplex is located in a great neighborhood close to town. Enjoy extra space with the upstairs sitting room and den. Large closets for additional storage. Master bedroom is located downstairs. This home features a heat pump and AC to keep your energy bill low. Garage and driveway parking with included yard care. No Pets. 650 or above credit score for all occupants.
Now Available in Shelton! Located at 1125 N 13th St, this well-maintained property offers comfortable and practical living in a convenient Shelton location. This upstairs 2-bedroom, 1-bath unit features a spacious floor plan and the added convenience of built-in garage perfect for parking or extra storage. Washer and dryer is included and located in the garage. Water, sewer, and garbage is
Looking for a cozy and convenient apartment in Shelton? Check out this lower level 2 bedroom, 1 bath apartment near Safeway. It has a spacious living room and laundry facilities on site. Water, sewer, and garbage are included in the rent. This apartment is located close to shopping and all town amenities and conveniences. You will have one assigned parking space and street parking is also
Chalet style 2 bedroom 1 bath 800 sq ft home in Lake Limerick. Vaulted ceilings and loft bedroom, washer and dryer included, large deck, and a wood stove. From the home you do have a partial view of the water.
This well-maintained home features a spacious primary bedroom with a large walk-in closet, plus an included washer and dryer for added convenience. Enjoy the outdoors on the back deck overlooking a fully fenced yard, complete with a storage shed for extra space. Located just minutes from Shelton and offering an easy commute to Olympia, this home provides comfort, privacy, and accessibility all in
Office Space for Rent in great downtown Shelton location! This office suite includes power, water, sewer, and garbage in the rent. Features include a private entrance, waiting room, and restroom for your convenience. There are also laundry hookups available. Perfect for a small business or professional workspace. *furnishings not included*
Looking for a clean, professional office space in a great location? This 500 sq ft office unit is now available and perfect for small businesses, startups, solo professionals, or anyone needing dedicated workspace. Features: 500 sq ft of functional office space. Private, quiet setting suitable for a variety of business types. Flexible layout to accommodate desks, meeting areas, or storage.
Don't miss this opportunity to rent this charming 2 bedroom, 1 bath house at 480 E Timberlake Dr. This house has 768 sq ft of living space, a cozy gas fireplace, a spacious kitchen. There are so many lakes in this area. Many of the lakes have access to the lakes amenities, such as fishing, boating, swimming, and more. This house is conveniently located near shopping, dining, and schools in
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