Lake Tapps is a small town located 30 minutes east of Tacoma. The community is built around the actual Lake Tapps, a reservoir built in 1911 and originally used for hydroelectric power. Today, the Lake provides drinking water via the Cascade Water Alliance. Known for its friendly people and stunning beauty, the Lake Tapps community is a top destination for both families and professionals. Wondering if moving to Lake Tapps, WA is right for you? Here’s what you need to know.
Lake Tapps Demographics
About 13,000 people make up the population of Lake Tapps, WA. The area has a median age of 39.5; about 60% of residents here are married, and 42% of the population is made up of families with kids under 18. The largest age bracket in Lake Tapps is persons from 45-54 years old.
Almost everyone residing in Lake Tapps speaks English, although 3% of locals speak another language. While 59% of residents were born in the state of Washington, 37% of the population was born elsewhere in the United States Just 4% of Lake Tapps residents immigrated here from other parts of the world.
Racially, Lake Tapps is a majority white town; in fact, 92% of people living here are Caucasian. Another 1.52% of locals are of Asian descent, while 3.4% are Hispanic; very few African American people live in Lake Tapps. Lake Tapps has a fairly high demographic of Vietnam Veterans, compared with veterans from other conflicts; more than 300 Vietnam Veterans live in Lake Tapps today.
The Cost of Living in Lake Tapps
Living in Lake Tapps is expensive, as the area is highly sought after for its wonderful communities and stunning beauty. Overall, the cost of living here is 35% higher than in other areas in the U.S. Groceries and healthcare are fairly costly, as are utilities in Lake Tapps. One category where costs are significantly lower, by comparison, is transportation, which in Lake Tapps, average 3% less expensive than the national average.
As with many affluent neighborhoods, a major contributor to the overall cost of living is the cost of housing. Homes in Lake Tapps cost, on average, 88% more than the American average, with a median sales price of $382,800. A good portion of homes here sell for more than $500,000, and 4.5% of houses in the area are sold for more than $1 Million. Renting in Lake Tapps is also fairly expensive, with an average monthly cost of $1,641.
The Best Lake Tapps Neighborhoods
Finding a home is one of the toughest parts of moving. Luckily, there are plenty of amazing neighborhoods in this community to choose from when looking for a Lake Tapps home for sale. Here are just three desirable housing communities you should check out.
- Deer Island: Incredible waterfront property is available across this island on the lake, which features 45 miles of shoreline. Deer Island provides easy launching for motorized and paddle boats from your own private docks.
- Snagg Island: With homes selling for a median of $1,774,500, this neighborhood is expensive, but locals say the waterfront views are worth every penny! Large yards and lush greenery make these homes a paradise on the water.
- Tapps Island: Another island on Lake Tapps, this lake neighborhood features homes with a median sales price of $1,424,500. Most of the homes in the area were built in the last 50 years and feature spacious floor plans and large plots of land, right on the water.
Lake Tapps Job Opportunities
Lake Tapps has a median household income of $110,602, which grew more than 4% from 2016 to 2017. The vast majority of residents here earn their income via a salaried position, although a quarter of the population receives some income from Social Security benefits, and 13% of the population is self-employed. The top industries in the area are manufacturing, retail, and construction, and the highest paying positions can be found in retail and professional services jobs. Altogether, the local economy supports about 7,000 jobs, and the employment rate has been growing, year-over-year.
Things to do in Lake Tapps
View this post on Instagram
There’s always something fun to do when you live in Lake Tapps, WA! For those who love shopping, Lake Tapps, WA provides for some very convenient shopping including Haggen Food, & Walgreens. It’s also only 36 miles from Lake Tapps to Seattle, WA, which means you’re only a stone’s throw away from endless fun in the big city. But the best thing to do when the sun shines on Lake Tapps is to get outside! Here are two of our favorite spots to get out and enjoy a day in Lake Tapps.
Allan Yorke Park
This 45-acre park is located at the crux of Bonney Lake Boulevard and West Tapps Highway on Lake Tapps’ southern end. Park-goers enjoy many features, including a swimming area, sports fields, a skate park and a playground for kids! In addition to a launch spot for your own boat, you can also rent kayaks and paddleboards at Allan Yorke Park for a fun day on the water!
Lake Tapps Park
Lake Tapps Park spans a total of 135 acres, including 10,000 feet of shoreline. It’s one of the most popular spots on the lake for boat launches, but it’s also a great spot to spend the day on land! Beachy areas provide the perfect spot for sunbathing, while green spaces are filled with picnic tables and grills, perfect for your next family get together.
Lake Tapps Weather
What’s the weather like in Lake Tapps, WA? Lake Tapps, like much of the Seattle area, is characterized by a solid number of overcast and rainy days, but with fairly mild temperatures. The average temperature in the area ranges from 35 to 80 degrees, rarely dipping below freezing or getting above 90 degrees. Because of the temperate climate, Lake Tapps only gets about 5 inches of snow per year; however, the town does get 49 inches of rain per year, so be sure to bring your rain boots with you when moving to Lake Tapps.
Schools in Lake Tapps
Young students settled in Lake Tapps, WA will attend schools that are part of the Deringer School District, which includes a preschool, two elementary schools, and one middle school. There are no high schools within Lake Tapps itself; older students can attend high school in nearby Bonney Lake or Sumner. Bonney Lake High School serves many students coming from Lake Tapps. The school offers a thorough courseload including opportunities for Advanced Placement classes and specialized learning paths for careers ranging from agriculture business to welding to marketing.
Lake Tapps Restaurants
Eating out is another great way to spend your time in Lake Tapps, WA! With dozens of delicious eateries to choose from, many with waterfront views, choosing the perfect place for your next meal can be tough. To help make the choice easier, here are two top Lake Tapps restaurants that should be next on your list.
Al Lago Restaurant
Looking for classic Italian food in Lake Tapps? Look no further than Al Lago Restauarnt. This classy eatery features stunning views of Mount Ranier and the Lake, as well as dishes that will have you coming back for more.
- Hours: 2–9:30PM Monday-Thursday, 2–11PM Friday, 11:30AM–11PM Saturday, 11:30AM–9PM Sunday
- Website: https://www.allagorestaurant.com/
- Phone: (253) 863-8636
- Address: 3110 Sumner Tapps Hwy E, Lake Tapps, WA 98391
Island Lodge by Al Lago
View this post on Instagram
After playing a round on the Tapps Island Golf Course, why not stop by the Island Lodge for a delicious meal? The varied menu includes everything from coconut prawns to elk burgers to fresh-caught halibut.
- Hours: 11AM–9PM Monday-Thursday, 11AM–10PM Friday, 9–11:30AM & 12–10PM Saturday, 9AM–9PM Sunday
- Website: https://islandlodge.net/
- Phone: (253) 862-6641
- Address: 20818 Island Pkwy E, Lake Tapps, WA 98391
Tips for Moving to Lake Tapps
- Bring rain boots, because this lakeside community gets plenty of precipitation.
- Remember there are plenty of waterfront homes to be found here!
- Be prepared for a higher-than-average cost of living.
So, is moving to Lake Tapps the next step for you? If you want more information about living in Lake Tapps, or a free quote for your moving needs, give us a call today at 360-507-2447.
