Are you considering a move to the Tacoma area? You don’t want to overlook the charming suburb of Lakewood to the south! Once part of the City of Tacoma until it incorporated as its own city in 1996, Lakewood is today one of the largest cities near Tacoma. Known for its natural beauty, scenic Mount Rainier and Puget Sound views, family-friendly neighborhoods, and outdoor recreation, Lakewood is a great place to live for easy access to Tacoma with a small-town feel.
Here’s everything you can look forward to ahead of living in Lakewood, Washington.
Where Is Lakewood Washington in Pierce County?
Lakewood is located in Pierce County in the South Puget Sound area between Olympia and Seattle. It’s just 11 miles north of Lakewood, WA to Tacoma, WA and 42 miles from Lakewood, WA to Seattle, WA.
Lakewood sits just inland from Puget Sound between the Tacoma Narrows and Nisqually River delta. As its name implies, it’s home to several lakes, including Lake Louise, American Lake, Gravelly Lake, Lake Steilacoom, and Waughop Lake. Several creeks also flow through the city. Chambers Creek is the largest and flows out to Chambers Bay.
Nearby cities and communities include Steilacoom, University Place, and Parkland. It borders the South Tacoma neighborhood to the north.
The city has a large military presence thanks to Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) and the Camp Murray Army Base, headquarters of the Washington Army, Washington State Guard, Air National Guard, and the state Military Department.
Lakewood, Washington Population & Demographics
Lakewood is the second largest city in Pierce County with a population of 63,612, up from 58,163 in 2010. It’s part of the Seattle metropolitan area with 4 million residents and the greater Puget Sound region of the coastal Pacific Northwest.
Lakewood is incredibly diverse. It’s home to one of the largest and most diverse International Districts in the South Sound. In the Tillicum neighborhood, almost half of the residents are non-English-speaking. Locally known as Koreatown or K-Town, the area along South Tacoma Way has strong Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Hispanic influences.
The racial and ethnic composition of Lakewood is 51.4% white (45.1% non-Hispanic), 18.1% Hispanic, 14.2% Black or African American, 8.5% Asian, 3.2% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, 0.9% American Indian or Alaska Native, and 15.1% two or more races.
Additional Lakewood demographics:
- Median household income: $65,531 (metro: $107,206)
- Median age: 36.2 years (metro: 37.3 years)
- Sex ratio: 50% male to 50% female
- Foreign-born population: 15.4% (metro: 19.9%)
- Veteran population: 15.2% (metro: 7%)
- Educational attainment: 23.5% bachelor’s degree or higher (metro: 45.2%)
- Homeownership rate: 44% (metro: 60%)
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Is Lakewood, WA Safe?
The Lakewood WA crime rate is 6,045 crimes per 100,000 people. There are 839 violent offenses and 5,206 property offenses per 100,000 residents. The Lakewood, WA crime rates are 160% higher than the national average. However, there are many safe places to live in Lakewood! Many neighborhoods have crime well below the national and state average.
The city is served by the Lakewood Police Department. You can see annual crime reports and a Lakewood crime map from the department to explore crime by neighborhood.
Cost of Living in Lakewood WA
Lakewood is part of the Tacoma metro area. The cost of living in the Tacoma area is 8.7% higher than the national average. You can expect higher-than-average housing costs, healthcare, transportation, and groceries.
The median price of homes for sale in Lakewood, WA is $522,500. The market is very competitive with 53% of homes selling over list price and in a median of 8 days on the market. That’s 17% over the national median sales price of $432,900. The median price of a single-family home is $530,000 while condos sell for a median $260,000.
The median price of a home in Lakewood is higher than Tacoma ($486,500) and Olympia ($512,500) but 68% more affordable than Seattle ($877,000).
Planning to rent? One of the benefits of living in Lakewood, Washington, is its affordability for renters. The average rent is $1,596, more than 7% lower than the national average of $1,713 according to Rentcafe. It’s also cheaper than apartments in Tacoma ($1,683), Olympia ($1,741), and Seattle ($2,227).
Before moving to Lakewood, you may find it helpful to compare average bills to what you’re paying now. Average household bills in Lakewood are 15% above the U.S. average, with the typical household paying $2,446 per month. Individuals and families pay 42% of their annual household income on bills. According to Doxo, average monthly bills include:
- Mortgage payment: $1,852 (national: $1,402)
- Rent: $1,355 (national: $1,300)
- Car loan: $558 (national: $496)
- Auto insurance: $246 (national: $209)
- Utilities: $248 (national: $362)
Best Neighborhoods in Lakewood, Washington
Ready to explore great places to live in the Lakewood area? You’ll find everything from quiet neighborhoods with tree-lined streets and affordable housing options for first-time buyers and young families to luxury waterfront homes and country club communities. Here are some of the most desirable Lakewood neighborhoods.
Oakbrook
Oakbrook is one of Lakewood’s most sought-after neighborhoods, known for its beautiful golf courses, parks, and spacious homes. It offers a peaceful, suburban lifestyle with easy access to shopping and dining options.
Clover Park
Home to Clover Park Technical College, this neighborhood is ideal for families and professionals alike. It offers a mix of residential and commercial areas, providing a balanced lifestyle with plenty of amenities at your fingertips.
Lake Louise
If you’re looking for waterfront living, Lake Louise is the place to be. This neighborhood features stunning lakeside properties and is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy activities like kayaking, fishing, and hiking.
South Lakes
South Lakes is a newer development that offers modern homes and a close-knit community vibe. It’s an excellent choice for families looking for quality schools and recreational facilities.
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Lakewood Climate & Typical Weather
Lakewood experiences a temperate marine climate, characterized by mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. The average temperature ranges from 35°F in January to 76°F in July. While living in Lakewood, you’ll get about 41″ of annual rainfall and minimal snowfall, averaging around 5 inches per year. Most days are overcast or cloudy, typical of the Puget Sound area.
With year-round mild weather, you’ll be able to enjoy all the outdoor activities the Lakewood area has to offer! The best time to visit Lakewood is July to September for the most mild, warm weather and sunshine.
Things to Do in Lakewood, WA
Lakewood was once known simply as the Lakes District, and it’s easy to see why. It’s home to seven lakes and 14 beautiful parks with gorgeous nature with Mount Rainier and Puget Sound views. Its many parks offer fun activities for kids and adults alike with biking, sports, hiking, fishing, bird-watching, and more.
Here are just some of the best things to do in the beautiful city of Lakewood.
Lakewood Towne Center
This bustling shopping district features a variety of retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment options. It’s a popular hangout spot for families and offers everything from grocery shopping to a movie theater. It’s also home to the Lakewood Playhouse.
Lakewood Towne Center, 5731 Main St SW, Lakewood, WA 98499 (253) 584-6191
Tacoma Country & Golf Club
This private golf course and country club, established in 1894, is the oldest continually operating golf course in the Western U.S. It was also the first golf course in the West not located on a military reservation. Today, it’s one of the most prestigious courses in the Seattle area.
Tacoma Country & Golf Club, 13204 Country Club Dr SW, Lakewood, WA 98498 (253) 588-2161
Fort Steilacoom Park
Spanning 340 acres, Fort Steilacoom Park is the largest park in Lakewood. It features walking trails, sports fields, two dog parks, a large playground, disc golf, and the Historic Fort Steilacoom, now a museum. It’s a fantastic place for families to spend the day.
Fort Steilacoom Park, 8714 87th Ave SW, Lakewood, WA 98498 (253) 983-7887
For visitors hoping to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the region, Cabinns offers cozy cabin accommodations in Lakewood, perfect for a relaxing weekend retreat or a scenic basecamp for exploring nearby lakes, trails, and parks.
Other attractions in Lakewood, WA:
- Thornewood Castle, a Tudor Gothic estate, now a hotel, built in the early 20th century from a dismantled and imported 500-year-old castle in England
- Lakewold Gardens
- Catapult Adventure Park
- South Tacoma Antique Mall
- American Lake Park
- Sunnyside Beach Park in Steilacoom, the closest Puget Sound beach
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Best Restaurants in Lakewood WA
Here are just some of the best Lakewood, WA restaurants you won’t want to miss!
Hops n Drops
This popular restaurant chain has a location in the Lakewood Towne Center. They serve up filling pub grub like burgers with signature cocktails and a great selection of beer.
Hops n Drops, 5821 Main St SW, Lakewood, WA 98499 (253) 267-0429
Black Bear Diner Lakewood
This traditional diner offers classic comfort food with large portions and great prices for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Black Bear Diner Lakewood, 10115 S Tacoma Way, Lakewood, WA 98499 (253) 267-0238
Memo’s Mexican Food
When you’re in the mood for late-night grub, head to Memo’s, a 24-hour fast food joint known for their burritos and tacos.
Memo’s Mexican Food, 9602 Bridgeport Way SW, Lakewood, WA 98499 (253) 267-5968
Jobs in Lakewood, WA
Lakewood’s economy is highly dependent on the military bases in the area. Joint Base Lewis-McChord is the single-largest employer in the entire Tacoma metro area. The city boasts a diverse economy with major sectors including healthcare, retail, education, and transportation and warehousing.
Businesses opening, expanding, or changing locations can use professional commercial relocation near Lakewood to coordinate office furniture, equipment, records, inventory, and other workplace assets.
By far the largest private sector is healthcare: almost 36% of workers in Lakewood are employed in the healthcare and social assistance sector.
The most common occupations include healthcare practitioners, technical occupations, healthcare support jobs, community and social support occupations, and office and administrative support.
Major employers in Lakewood, Washington include:
- Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM)
- Clover Park School District
- Pierce College
- Western State Hospital
- Pierce County
- St. Clare Hospital (CHI Franciscan Health)
- MultiCare Lakewood Clinic (MultiCare Health System)
- Lakewood Medical Center (Community Health Care)
- Aveanna Healthcare – home healthcare provider
The average salary in Lakewood is $61,101, higher than the Pierce County average of $57,853. The highest-paid fields based on average wage per worker include management occupations ($127,300), legal occupations ($102,000), finance and insurance workers ($91,247), and public administration ($87,787).
Ready to explore employment opportunities before moving to Lakewood, Washington? You can start with City of Lakewood jobs and jobs in Lakewood, WA on Indeed.
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Lakewood Schools – Clover Park School District & Private Schools
While living in Lakewood, families are served by the Clover Park School District, the fourth largest public school district in the county serving Lakewood and the Joint Base Lewis-McChord communities. The district serves 12,700 students, 33% of which are connected to the military.
The Clover Park School District offers the prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) program at Idlewood Elementary School (K-5) and Harrison Preparatory School (6-12). Harrison Preparatory is a highly rated 6-12 IB school.
Families can also choose from several private schools in Lakewood, WA, including St. Frances Cabrini Catholic School, Lakewood Lutheran School, and Lakewood Baptist School.
Pursuing higher education? Lakewood is home to Pierce College Fort Steilacoom and Clover Park Technical College (CPTC). There’s also a campus of Pierce College at the military base.
Lakewood Statistics & Information
- Lakewood county: Pierce
- Area: 18.9 square miles
- Lakewood zip codes: 98439, 98498, and 98499
- Area code: 253
- Lakewood elevation: 262 feet
- Time zone: Pacific Time Zone (UTC -7 and -8)
- Closest major airport: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), 30 miles away
Lakewood, WA Map
Is moving to Lakewood, Washington, in your future? All Ready Moving & Storage is ready to help with a stress-free moving process and the reliable services you need.
Customers relocating from outside the South Sound can work with a Tacoma long distance moving company to coordinate transportation, delivery timing, packing, and other needs associated with a longer-distance move.
Call the best Lakewood movers today at (360) 507-2447 to discuss your moving needs and get a free, personalized moving estimate!
