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
Cari Franklin,
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.
RECENTLY REDUCED!! 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
Marketing Remarks: This fabulous 3-bedroom rambler features an inviting open-concept floor plan highlighted by soaring ceilings in the living and dining rooms. The spacious kitchen, complete with a functional island, flows seamlessly into the family room, which is anchored by a cozy gas-log fireplace. Additional conveniences include a dedicated laundry room and a large 2-car garage. The exterior
MOVE IN READY HOME $20,000 price reduction PLUS $18,000 FLEX CASH WITH PREFERRED LENDER JULY SPECIAL OUTSIDE FIREPLACE ON ALL PRESALES! The Landing – Phase 2 Only 24 Homes Remaining Quiet street with two cul-de-sacs and no through traffic. Ideally located near Spanaway Lake, parks, schools, and everyday conveniences. Built by Soundbuilt Homes, an award-winning local builder known for quality
Gated Lake Front Luxury Condo! This is a RARE opportunity to own Condo that sits right on Coffee Creek. These Townhouse Style Condos enjoy creek & lake views + access to the lake via private boat launch, docks for mooring watercraft & a private club house to enjoy to host your larger gatherings.The prior owner had a Complete Custom Remodel in 2018. The Kitchen is amazing; Natural Gas
RECENTLY REDUCED!! 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
Welcome to this beautiful best priced 1,550 sq. ft. home in the highly sought-after gated Classic View Estates, featuring an incredible Mount Rainier view you’ll never get tired of waking up to. Step inside to an inviting open-concept floor plan with soaring vaulted ceilings, large windows bring in massive natural light creating a bright and spacious feel throughout. This efficient tri Level home
Live in one side and have your neighbor/renter pay part of your mortgage! Or buy a great rental! Duplex in Spanaway - each side 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, fireplace in living room, kitchen with dining space and laundry room. Large yards with fully fenced back yards. Single car garage and plenty of parking. Quiet cul-de sac near Spanaway Lake Park and JBLM. Exterior paint is new! Right side (1523)
Charming Spanaway rambler on a spacious .32-acre lot! This well-cared-for 3 bed, 2 bath home offers an open-concept layout, inviting living spaces, spacious island kitchen, attached 2-car garage, and a large fully fenced backyard. Enjoy outdoor living with a patio, storage area, and RV parking. Located in an established neighborhood close to amenities and commuter routes. A wonderful opportunity
SELLER PAID 2/1 RATE BUY-DOWN! TWO FULL % PTS BELOW MARKET RATE 1st Yr, 1 % Pt BELOW 2nd Yr! Breathtaking Mountain Views & Timeless Elegance! 4342 Sq Ft Custom Rambler w/ Fully Finished Daylight Basement! Set Upon a Meticulously Landscaped 3.76 Acre Corner Lot in a Private Gated Enclave of Custom-Built Homes, Large Parcels & Spectacular Natural Beauty! Well Equipped for Comfort; 9.3 KW Solar
Beautifully refreshed and move-in ready in a gated community conveniently close to JBLM’s East Gate! This home lives large with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a den, formal living room, family room, and a spacious, comfortable floor plan designed for everyday living and easy entertaining. Fresh 2026 interior and exterior paint give the home a crisp, updated feel, while the new 2026 50-year roof and the
Rare find in the heart of Spanaway’s Residential Development District! This 5 acre parcel includes a 1960s 3bedroom Rambler with unfinished basement that could shine with some TLC. Large parcels in this location are nearly impossible to find. A prior feasibility study and preliminary site survey (2017) provide a helpful foundation and insight for future development, though buyer to verify current
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
Welcome to Wyndham Ranch, a gated community with parks, trails, and more. Situated on a premium corner lot close to JBLM, this home features an open main floor, kitchen with stainless steel appliances, tile backsplash, and breakfast bar seating. The dining area flows into a large bright living room plus a convenient half bath. Upstairs includes a primary suite with walk-in closet and en suite
Tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac in an established Spanaway neighborhood, this 3-bedroom, 1.75-bath home sits on a spacious .25-acre lot with mountain views. Enjoy outdoor living on the large deck and around the firepit area, perfect for relaxing or entertaining while taking in the views.Inside, the home offers a functional layout with a dedicated laundry room. Central air conditioning and a
Welcome to Enchanted Firs, a highly sought-after 55+ community featuring this beautifully remodeled 3-bedroom, 2-bath double-wide home with 1,188 SF of comfortable living space. This move-in ready home offers all new LVP flooring and a spacious open layout perfect for everyday living and entertaining. The kitchen features a breakfast bar, ample cabinet space, and flows into the dining area and
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
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.
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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