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.
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Nestled among evergreens, on Lake Leprechaun at Lake Limerick, this custom cedar home feels like a storybook. Inside, the tongue & groove knotty pine, warm lighting & wood stove create pure coziness. Filled w/natural light, the loft opens to the airy living space below connected by a walkway to a covered deck-perfect for swaying in a hammock among the treetops. The kitchen shines w/quartz
Just 3 miles from downtown Shelton, you can pull up the tree lined drive to find your private oasis of nearly 10 acres waiting for you at the top. This unique property is surrounded by nature. The vaulted living space has windows that let you take in the natural beauty and expansive deck outside. The well maintained kitchen, dining area and utility bathroom complete this level. Upstairs, the
A true piece of Shelton history, this 1925 home has stood for more than a century and has been thoughtfully restored for its next chapter. Original hardwood floors and most of the original window pulley systems have been carefully and lovingly restored, a meaningful preservation of the home’s original charm. The current owner has approached updates with reverence rather than reinvention. Siding
Experience extraordinary waterfront living on 120 ft of private saltwater shoreline, where oysters line the beach & orcas pass by. Set on 1.3 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, & 3 baths, designed for comfortable everyday living w/easy access to the
Welcome to your own private Timberlakes retreat—where comfort, recreation, and the outdoors come together in a way that’s hard to find.The main parcel is a fully dialed-in basecamp, set up for effortless RV living with power, water, multiple RV spaces, gazebo, deck, fire pit, and storage. It’s ready for weekends, extended stays, or gathering with friends the moment you arrive—the “glamping” side
Back on the market. Buyers were unable to sell their home, so we are back active.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
New Roof! Nearly 5 acres of level, usable land paired with a huge shop 25X30—this is the space and freedom you’ve been waiting for! VA assumable loan! 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, stainless steel appliances, and updated bathroom fixtures. Three decks provide the
Charming one-level home offering 3 bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms, thoughtfully maintained and full of potential. Enjoy a spacious layout with a large family room perfect for gatherings and everyday living. The galley kitchen flows into a generous pantry/utility space, providing ample storage and functionality. The property features a large 2-car garage plus an additional enclosed garage/shop space,
Don't miss this beautiful 1.25 level acres on coveted Harstine Island. The property has been entirely cleared and replanted with Port Orford Cedar and is currently utilized as a bough farm. Several trails and great road access allow for easy viewing with several build sites to choose from. Favorable soils for septic and shallow well depths should make water and sewer development a breeze. Power
Don't miss this incredible opportunity for 22.5 acres on coveted Harstine Island. Sale includes Parcels #220012301000 (6.67 acres), 220012303000 (6.67 acres), 220012490120 (6.66 acres) & 2200124900030 (2.5 acres). The property has been mostly cleared and replanted with Port Orford Cedar and Noble Fir and is currently utilized as a bough farm. Several trails and great road access allow for easy
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
Charming rambler in the Lake Limerick community on a fenced lot in a quiet cul-de-sac setting. Enjoy easy one-level living and outdoor space with room to relax, garden, play, or entertain. Recent improvements include the roof and rain gutters, attic insulation, crawl space vapor barrier, and hot water heater. Lake Limerick offers a lifestyle that goes beyond the property line, with two lakes,
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
Don't miss this beautiful 1.25 level acres on coveted Harstine Island. The property has been entirely cleared and replanted with Port Orford Cedar and is currently utilized as a bough farm. Several trails and great road access allow for easy viewing with several build sites to choose from. Favorable soils for septic and shallow well depths should make water and sewer development a breeze. Power
Hard to find move-in ready one-story home in Shelton on 2 acres with open-concept design. Living room features engineered hardwood floors, extensive white millwork trim, gas fireplace that flows into a spacious kitchen with slab granite counters, center island, solid walnut cabinets with soft close drawers, double oven, beverage refrigerator, built-in wine storage, and walk-in pantry. Primary
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
This spacious 3 bedroom, 2 bath home offers plenty of room and practical features throughout. The fully fenced yard provides added privacy, and the covered carport plus partial basement offer extra storage space. Inside, the home features a functional layout with two bedrooms on the main floor and an additional room upstairs. Maximum Occupancy: 6 people Minimum Credit Score: 625
Charming 1-bedroom, 1-bath duplex with 600 sq ft of cozy living space. Enjoy the convenience of washer/dryer hookups, electric heat, and off-street parking. Located just minutes from shopping, schools, and the hospital. Water, sewer, and garbage are all included making budgeting simple!
This duplex is a 2-bedroom, 1-bath home is ideally situated on the edge of town, offering both convenience and a quieter setting. Unit #A on on the front side of the duplex. The thoughtfully designed 750 sq ft layout centers around a spacious living room, creating a comfortable hub for relaxing or entertaining. The bedrooms and kitchen are positioned on opposite sides, providing a functional
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
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