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
Kim Pelham,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Shelton, WA sell after 61 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Shelton, WA over the last 12 months is $444,000, up 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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
BACK ON MARKET. BUYER GOT COLD FEET. This home features a brand-new roof complete w/new gutters, downspouts, and skylights. Additional exterior amenities include a covered storage area, a remodeled front porch, a back deck with covered seating, an above-ground pool plus solar-powered post-cap lights on the front fence and around the pool deck for charming evening ambiance. Inside, the home boasts
Set along 112 feet of rare no-bank waterfront on 1.88 acres with tideland rights, this Shelton estate offers an immersive Puget Sound experience with sweeping views across Pickering Passage toward the Harstine Island Bridge. Nearly every room is oriented to the water, creating a constant connection to the shoreline the changing tides and the quiet rhythm of the Sound. The 2,560 sq ft primary
ONE BLOCK OFF ISLAND LAKE. The flow through the 3 bedroom, 1 bath main house rambler into the courtyard with iron gate entrance and shared with the entrance of the DADU with kitchen and 3/4 bath, 300sqf of living area and 200 sqf of garage storage space connected to your secluded open space low-maintenance yard w/ stamped concrete, covered BBQ area, hot tub, playground, trampoline & fire pit! New
Tucked between two quiet cul-de-sacs, this exceptional residence showcases an array of upgrades and is fully primed for the addition of a DADU. This well-maintained home features a newly painted exterior, roof (2024), a fully remodeled custom kitchen, a spacious primary room w/ a beautifully remodeled ensuite bath, and a massive family room. Outside you'll discover a wealth of potential on a
Darling 2-bedroom, 1-bath home with timeless appeal in the Mountain View Community. Home has original hardwood floors throughout, cozy living room w/ woodburning stove, and kitchen w/ beautiful cabinetry & adjacent dining area. Upstairs is possible bonus room, perfect as an office, guest space, or loft retreat. Lots of outdoor spaces, including a big front deck ideal for morning coffee and a
JUST REDUCED!Wonderful Remodeled Home in the Heart of Shelton w/a Mountain View.Home Boasts Large Fully Fenced Yard w/Tons of Storage&Gated RV/Boat Parking,Carport,Shop&Garage.The Interior of the Home Shines!It is Light&Bright w/a Great Open Floorplan Featuring a Huge New Kitchen w/Granite Countertops,Pantry Breakfast Bar,Newer Stainless Steel Appliances Leading to a Covered Private Back Deck,Sun
Nicely remodeled split entry close to shopping, schools, hospital, and commuting to Bremerton or Olympia. Remodeled kitchen, new life proof laminate flooring and newer carpets. New 25 year roof being installed prior to closing. Very spacious master on lower level with separate full bath. Former rec room split by a temporary wall into two bonus rooms. 2 bedrooms on upper floor. Firepit and gazebo
Nicely refurbished 3 bedroom home in the coveted Mountain View Neighborhood. Close to schools, shopping, hospital w/easy access to the highway. Beautiful hardwood floors in a light and bright living area. Separate family room with barn style doors for privacy and a small wood burning insert for cozy winter evenings. Efficient galley kitchen with a pass through to the dining area. Primary suite is
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
**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
Discover this inviting Chalet style retreat nestled on just over 1.3 acres, this home combines comfort, character, and a serene woodland setting. Soaring ceilings and walls of windows fill the interiors with natural light, while the expansive wrap-around deck creates the perfect space for outdoor living and entertaining. Two detached garages provide ample storage for vehicles or hobbies.
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
Price reduced!! Affordable New construction opportunity!! * Three bedroom, 2 full bath and over 1400ft of living space* This bright and spacious home offers a modern open floorplan with stylish finishes and comfortable living space, perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Designer kitchen with white shaker cabinets, center island, stainless appliances and more. Generous primary bedroom provides
This dramatic custom two-story home situated on 6.47 acres offers over 4,400 SF of living space with a main floor primary suite and stunning cedar-beamed vaulted ceilings w/multiple skylights. A spacious 2nd floor loft makes a perfect home office, hobby room, or den. At its heart, a striking floor-to-ceiling Russian fireplace anchors the living area, while a south-facing sunroom invites warmth
Charming 2-bedroom, 1-bath home situated on a desirable corner lot. This inviting residence features an open living concept with vaulted ceilings that create a bright, spacious feel. Functional layout with comfortable living and dining areas, plus a detached shed for extra storage. Enjoy an active lifestyle with nearby lakes perfect for fishing and kayaking, along with acres of forest land close
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
Spacious 3-bedroom, 2-bath home in the Shorecrest community with access to a community beach, clubhouse with pool, and saltwater boat launch. Open-concept living and kitchen with stainless steel appliances. Primary suite features a spa-like five-piece bath with soaking tub. Two additional bedrooms, full bath, and a covered porch complete this inviting home.
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
This charming 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers 1,188 sq. ft. of comfortable living space in the desirable Shorecrest Community of Mason County. Featuring a smart layout and plenty of potential, this home sits on a nicely sized, partially fenced lot with garden space to enjoy. Take in peaceful PNW territorial views from the living room, bedrooms, and front yard. Just a short walk away, you'll find
Charming single-story home in the Lake Limerick Community with 3 bedrooms available now! Features include stainless steel appliances and quartz countertops. The vaulted ceilings and neutral tones create a spacious atmosphere. Enjoy the fully fenced 1/3-acre lot, complete with a deck perfect for entertaining.
This 1 bedroom, 1 bath duplex unit is located just outside of downtown Shelton. This space features a cozy living room, small kitchen and bedroom with a homey feel. Garbage is included in the rent.
Office space available! Located just south of Hoodsport, this office building features prime exposure on Hwy 101. This office space is in the middle of 2 other office spaces. The property offers excellent visibility for your business to be seen right off the highway. Ample parking and a convenient location make this a perfect spot for your business.
Office space available! Located just south of Hoodsport, this office building features prime exposure on Hwy 101.The property offers excellent visibility for your business to be seen right off the highway. Ample parking and a convenient location make this a perfect spot for your business.
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.
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