Home to the 250-acre Spanaway Lake, unincorporated Spanaway sits 10 miles from the busier, more urban city of Tacoma. "Spanaway is on the lower-priced side of the Washington housing market," says Vicky Marchenko, a local Realtor with John L. Scott Real Estate. "Compared to Tacoma, you can get the same house for $30,000 to $40,000 less. On the water, I've seen them go for $600,000." Home to just over 34,000 residents, Spanaway has a small-town feel. It’s adjacency to Joint Base Lewis-McPoint (JBLM) means there’s a strong military presence here, but many residents also work in healthcare at MultiCare hospitals and clinics between here and Tacoma. Spanaway shares a border with the smaller city of Parkland, giving residents access to walking trails through the city’s surrounding woods.
Mt.Rainier is visible from around the Spanaway neighborhood.
Brand new unsold homes in a new Spanaway neighborhood.
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Lakefront homes feature boating docks
The median home price in Spanaway is about $500,000, compared to Tacoma’s $480,000. “The value is in the space you can get for about the same amount of money,” says real estate agent Corey Lofton with the Washington State Real Estate Team. Four- and five-bedroom homes fall well under $700,000 here, and many are set on the lakefront or around the lake’s 11-acre island; private boat docks are common. The range of housing styles here include ranch-style homes, Craftsman-inspired new traditional homes and split-levels, often set on forested streets and cul-de-sacs. Single-family lakefront homes and newly constructed properties are often priced between $650,000 and $800,000, while manufactured homes and townhomes spread throughout the community can cost between $300,000 and $400,000.
There is a large variety of homes in Spanaway from new construction to established homes.
This Home Has Easy Access To The Water Via Its Private Dock.
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Natural open spaces and indoor ice skating
With the majority of Spanaway Lake fenced-in or on privately owned properties, Spanaway Park is the only way for visitors to access the water. The park offers paddle boat rentals from its boat house and a fishing dock — although it’s under construction as of early 2025. When the dock is operating, residents spend warm days there fishing for rock bass and yellow perch. In Parkland, the Sprinker Recreation Center is popular for its NHL regulation skating rink, skate park and sports fields. Just behind Sprinker, Bresemann Forest offers walking trails that lead through a 70-acre naturally wooded area that’s hugged by the small Spanaway Creek.
Diverse food scenes and downtown Tacoma
Most of Spanaway’s restaurants and retail are set along Route 7 (also known as Pacific Avenue), the main thoroughfare. Among a slew of fast-casual eateries, the street is lined with national retailers, grocery stores and diverse restaurants; Asian food has the most prominent presence here. While there are a few small, locally owned boutiques around town, residents often drive to Tacoma Mall for more options. Tacoma Mall is the largest shopping center in Pierce County, featuring 130 stores. As a larger city, Tacoma’s dining scene offers a bit more variety than Spanaway; seafood, craft breweries, taprooms and coffee shops are spread throughout the central business district, downtown Tacoma.
Safeway is one of the main grocery stores in Spanaway.
LA Fitness is one of the retail amenities for the Spanaway neighborhood.
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Virtual learning for students of all grades
Students are served by the Bethel School District, which gets a C-plus grade from Niche. Most high schoolers attend Spanaway High, however, a small portion of the town's south side is zoned for Bethel High. Students of all grade levels can attend the Bethel Virtual Academy. Nearby higher education options include Pacific Lutheran University, about 3 miles north, and Clover Park Technical College, about 8 miles north.
Spanaway Lake High School in Spanaway.
Spanaway Elementary School in Spanaway.
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Pacific Avenue leads to Tacoma
State Route 512 connects Spanaway to Interstate 5 in Lakewood, approximately 12 miles away, with Seattle about 35 miles north from there. Route 7 (Pacific Avenue) intersects with the 512 in nearby Parkland and leads to Tacoma in 10 miles. Spanaway’s walkability and bikeability are limited, with pedestrians and cyclists usually using road shoulders. Pierce Transit buses make several stops along Pacific Avenue, leading to Parkland, Tacoma and the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Also known as Sea-Tac, Seattle-Tacoma is about 33 miles away.
Noise factors from JBLM
Law enforcement in Spanaway is handled by the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department (PCSD). According to the department's most recent data, from 2022, areas serviced by the PCSD report lower rates of property and violent crime than those in Pierce County overall.
Spanaway’s proximity to Joint Base Lewis-McChord means residents often hear weekly artillery and mortar training, as well as regular flights of helicopters and large military planes. JBLM tries to minimize disruption by announcing nighttime training and major exercises that might be noisy.
Written By
Braxton Chea
Photography Contributed By
Perry Cucinotta
Video By
Jahlil Harris
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Mihail Gutu,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Spanaway, WA sell after 48 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Spanaway, WA over the last 12 months is $510,000, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Experience the perfect blend of fresh modern updates and established charm in this completely reimagined home. Situated on a large 1/3-acre corner lot, this open-concept home welcomes you with soaring vaulted ceilings, elegant laminate flooring, designer lighting, and a spacious main floor flex room with closet that can be used as a bonus room, den, office, or additional finished room. The
Welcome home to space, comfort, and peace of mind at 20523 5th Ave Ct E in Spanaway. This home has already been pre-inspected and features low-maintenance updates, so you can move in feeling confident from day one.Walk in from the front door or garage and you’ll immediately notice the widened hallways and tall ceilings that make the entry feel open and welcoming. The main floor is set up for
Beautifully maintained and better than new, this 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath home offers generous living space and thoughtful updates throughout. The gourmet kitchen features granite countertops, a large island with undermount sink, and plenty of room for gathering, all open to the inviting family room with a gas fireplace, custom mantel, and slate tile surround. Upgrades include A/C, new LVP flooring,
Beautiful craftsman home with massive 1832 sq ft garage/shop plus 520 sq ft & 300 sq ft carports. The 30x50 garage with 10 ft garage door is perfect for RV storage or easily holds 3-4 very large cars or trucks with plenty of space to work around them. Plus, office space and additional standard sized garage. So many possibilities with Urban Corridor Zoning. Perfect for a home business, craftsman,
Welcome to this charming rambler in the heart of Spanaway! Situated on a spacious .28-acre lot, this 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home offers comfortable single-level living with timeless appeal. Beautiful hardwood floors flow throughout, adding warmth and character to every room. The inviting living room features a cozy fireplace—perfect for relaxing evenings—while large windows fill the space with
Experience the perfect blend of fresh modern updates and established charm in this completely reimagined home. Situated on a large 1/3-acre corner lot, this open-concept home welcomes you with soaring vaulted ceilings, elegant laminate flooring, designer lighting, and a spacious main floor flex room with closet that can be used as a bonus room, den, office, or additional finished room. The
Welcome home to space, comfort, and peace of mind at 20523 5th Ave Ct E in Spanaway. This home has already been pre-inspected and features low-maintenance updates, so you can move in feeling confident from day one.Walk in from the front door or garage and you’ll immediately notice the widened hallways and tall ceilings that make the entry feel open and welcoming. The main floor is set up for
Welcome to this updated and inviting home in gated Park Lane 55+ community. 2 bedrooms PLUS an office (or 3rd bedroom?). This beautiful home has $50,000 in updates and improvements in the last 5 years including a newer roof (2022), new laminate hardwood flooring throughout, new hot water heater, new light fixtures, new high end blinds and newer interior paint. Updated large open kitchen with
Welcome to your home in this quiet and private location at the end of a cul-de-sac, nestled back on an oversized lot. This 3-bedroom 2.5 bath property offers easy access to Fredrickson and Canyon Road, as well as Joint Base Lewis McChord, making it ideal for commuters and military families. Enjoy all new appliances, a spacious two-car garage, and RV parking. The backyard is fenced along with a
Charming One-Bedroom Home, with room to add, on Privately Owned Land – No Lot Rent! Enjoy the opportunity of owning a home situated on private owned property with no space rent—a major value and long-term savings! This property features a detached storage shed, a custom BBQ pit, and a beautifully fenced yard filled with mature trees and established landscaping, creating a peaceful and private
Vaulted ceilings with open kitchens - these 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom open concept duplex units were upgraded 2-3 years ago with new floors, paint and carpet. Open kitchens with eating bar and dining space. No stairs or steps with wide doors and hallways - may be wheelchair accessible - Buyer to verify. Septic approved for 4 bedrooms total. Fully fenced back yards for each unit with patios. Gas
Beautifully maintained and better than new, this 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath home offers generous living space and thoughtful updates throughout. The gourmet kitchen features granite countertops, a large island with undermount sink, and plenty of room for gathering, all open to the inviting family room with a gas fireplace, custom mantel, and slate tile surround. Upgrades include A/C, new LVP flooring,
Discover the tranquility of Spanaway Lake living in this beautiful townhouse style condo. Located in the Coffee Creek community, this 2-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom gem offers 1,101 square feet of living space. Recently updated with fresh interior paint, fixtures, and an open bright floor plan. Enjoy the exclusive luxury of private lake access - complete with a sitting area and docks, along with
Welcome home! Spacious 3-bedroom + loft, 2-story gem with new carpet and fresh interior paint! Featuring a large family room that opens to the kitchen and dining area—perfect for everyday living and entertaining. The kitchen offers abundant counter space and cabinetry for all your storage needs; along with an oversized pantry. Family room with gas fireplace. Retreat to the oversized primary suite
Value in this great land in area of developing neighborhoods. 22nd proposed to be straightened by county...should bring sewers and water to property. Sewers also proposed to come down 208th. Check out recent clearing on 208th & 22nd.. Land currently has a house and a couple manufactured homes on the east end. Property is mostly level with a small portion lightly sloped to the east. Garage/shop
A private cul-de-sac of townhomes with a park and playground. Open floor plan with a large kitchen with an island full of storage. The family room has a gas fireplace, and high ceilings.A very large fenced back yard which the owner maintains and beautifully landscaped front yard. Wood blinds, double pane windows, wood wrapped sills, plus full size washer and dryer located in their own
FOR LEASE - very Lovely Home, 2013 year built, 2,385 SqFt, featured 4 bedrooms, a Bonus Room, and 1 office/den with 2-car garage attached. Interior home freshly new painted. Main floor has spacious kitchen w/ large island counter, an open-concept family room has very nice built-in entertainment center, gas fireplace, large windows created abundant natural lighting, a formal Dining Room adjacent
Parklane Court Townhomes: Quiet country, gated, intimate community of townhomes. Enjoy your large privately fenced patio with majestic Mt. Rainier backdrop. One easy monthly rent payment includes water, sewer, garbage. Please call Manager to inquire on current availability of units and current pricing. This community does not accept comprehensive reusable tenant screening reports.
Wow no pets or hoa for this amazing newly remodeled 3 full bathroom, 2 car garage house in a very nice and quite neighborhood with a big front/backyard in Spanaway area. Amenities included: Big balcony, central heat, new sink and garbage disposal, dishwasher, microwave, stainless steel appliance, updated kitchen, updated bathroom, shed for storage, washer/dryer. Excellent quite location close to
Rainier View Court Townhomes—where contemporary living meets comfort! Enjoy gourmet kitchens with quartz counters, 9-ft ceilings, A/C in every room, and sunlit open layouts. With a private park, playground, and basketball court, plus nearby schools and outdoor recreation, it’s a space your family will love to call home.
Welcome to this charming 4-bedroom+bonus room, 2-story home! With a thoughtfully designed layout, soaring vaulted ceilings, & bright, open rooms, this property offers both comfort and style.The main floor features a spacious living and dining room, & an updated kitchen with quartz countertops and newer appliances. Step right out to the expansive deck—perfect for entertaining—overlooking a fully
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