Looking to relocate to a peaceful town in the Pacific Northwest? You should consider moving to Tanglewilde, Washington. Tanglewilde is a census-designated place within the Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater Metro Area. The community was first developed by Alvin and Evelyn Thompson, who purchased some prime acreage outside of Lacey in the late 1950s and envisioned a beautiful master planned community.
Tanglewilde, WA, is known for its abundance of recreational activities, including hiking trails, public parks, and the community pool. As a result, Tanglewilde, WA, is a good place to live for families and young professionals searching for affordable home prices and an easy commute to one of the nearby cities.
Where is Tanglewilde?
Tanglewilde, Washington (also known as Tanglewilde-Thompson Place) is in Thurston County in the western central part of the state. It is within the Urban Growth Area of the City of Lacey, as well as the Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater Metro area. Martin Way divides Tanglewilde and Thompson Place, with the former to the south and the latter to the north. The CDP is also bordered by the city of Lacey and the unincorporated community of Mushroom Corner. The Lake Lois Habitat and Woodland Creek Community Park are also located directly to the southeast.
Tanglewilde is 6.4 miles or a 10-minute drive from Olympia and 24.5 miles or a 30 minute drive from Tacoma.
Tanglewilde Population & Demographics
The population of Tanglewilde is 6,265, according to the 2020 census. Many residents are drawn to the community due to the affordable living and calm pace of life, and the population has increased by 6.1% since 2010. However, it’s somewhat densely populated, with 4,311.8 residents per square mile.
Tanglewilde attracts both growing families and retirees. The largest age demographic is children ages 0-9 at 18%, followed by 60-69 at 17%.
Other Tanglewilde demographics:
- The median age is 36.7 years old.
- There are significantly more women than men, and the population is 47% male and 53% female.
- The median household income is $80,828, which is right on par with the statewide average.
- The racial and ethnic breakdown is 67.9% White (58.8% non-Hispanic), 21% Hispanic or Latino, 6.5% Asian, 2.8% Black or African American, 1.7% American Indian or Alaska Native and 15.7% two or more races.
- About 92.2% of residents have a high school degree, yet only 22.5% have a bachelor’s degree or higher.
- The foreign-born population is 12.6%.
- More than one-third of residents (34.4%) have moved since the previous year, which is more than double the rate in the rest of Washington.
Tanglewilde is generally pretty safe and has a low rate of violent crime. The crime rate is 3098, which is on par with the statewide average but 32% higher than the national average. The violent crime rate is only 301 crimes per 100,000 residents, which is 22% lower than the rest of the country. However, the property crime rate is 2,797, which is 43% higher than the rest of the US. So, you may want to install a security system if you plan on moving to Tanglewilde, Washington.
Tanglewood is served by the Lacey Police Department, which features a team of 64 law enforcement personnel, including 49 sworn officers and 15 civilian employees.
Cost of Living in Tanglewilde
The cost of living in Tanglewilde, WA, is very affordable for all it offers. The cost of living index is a useful metric that compares the cost of living in one place to the national average, which is represented by 100. The COLI for the Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater area is 110, which indicates it’s 10% more expensive than the rest of the US. However, Tanglewilde real estate is more affordable than the surrounding cities, making it less expensive.
The Family Budget Calculator created by the Economic Policy Institute says that the average family of four, with two adults and two children, would need to earn about $87,477 per year to afford to live in Thurston County.
Typical Tangle-Wilde Living Expenses
- Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: $27.50
- 12 oz bottle of water: $2.25
- 1 dozen eggs: $4.00
- 1 pound of chicken filets: $2.83
- 1 gallon of gas: $4.50
- Average Tanglewilde monthly utility bill: $269
Source: Numbeo; *numbers reflect the general Lacey area
Tanglewilde real estate is also reasonable compared to the surrounding areas. According to Redfin, the median price of homes for sale in Tanglewilde is $407,500, while the median price per square foot is $280.
Moving to Tanglewilde WA offers plenty of opportunity for renters as well; 43% are tenants while 57% own a home. RentCafe states that the average rent in Tanglewilde is $1738 per month, which is right on par with the rest of the US. The average two bedroom rents for anywhere from $2,000 to $2,300 per month.
Tanglewilde Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Tanglewilde
Tanglewood is a small community and does not have many distinct neighborhoods. Some sources even list it as a neighborhood of Lacey, although it is actually a separate CDP. However, the area above Martin Way and below I-5, also known as Thompson Place, tends to feature large, more expensive homes. But no matter what section you choose, living in Tanglewilde offers spacious lots, low crime, and a family-friendly environment.
Tanglewilde Weather & Climate
The Tanglewilde climate is warm summer Mediterranean, according to the Koppen climate classification system, which indicates short, dry summers and cold, wet winters. The temperature usually ranges from about 35°F to 80°F; however, the summers can get as hot as 91°F, and winters can get as cold as 24°F. The best time to visit Tanglewilde is July and August.
Tanglewilde also gets a fair amount of precipitation and averages about 49 inches of rain and 6 inches of snow per year. So pack a rain jacket and a pair of snow boots if you’re planning on moving to Tanglewilde, Washington.
Things to Do in Tanglewilde
Tanglewilde is generally a calm, residential area; however, there are plenty of things to do close by in Lacey and Olympia. For shopping, residents can check out the Tanglewilde Shopping Center, Hawks Prairie Mall, or Freedom Point Plaza in Lacey. Outside of shopping, here are a few other fun things to do in Tanglewilde, WA.
Tanglewilde Recreation Area
The Tanglewilde Center is a community swimming pool and park offering swim lessons, summer camp, a diving board, and more. The Tanglewilde pool in Lacey, WA, is the perfect place to bring kids on a hot summer day.
414 Wildcat St SE, Olympia, WA 98503 (360) 701-0182
Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
Located just northeast of Tanglewilde is the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Refuge Area, a sprawling nature preserve that is great for hiking, bird-watching, and other outdoor activities.
100 Brown Farm Rd NE, Olympia, WA 98516 (360) 753-9467
Regal Martin Village
Regal Martin Village is a local movie theater with multiple screens showcasing new releases in Dolby and IMAX, with concessions and comfortable seating.
5400 Martin Way E, Lacey, WA 98516 (844) 462-7342
Additional Attractions Near Lacey
If you are looking for more fun things to do in Tanglewilde, the Lacey Parks, Culture, and Recreation Department maintains several public green spaces in the area and hosts frequent Tanglewilde Washington events.
Tanglewilde Restaurants
Living in Tanglewilde also offers a wide variety of dining options, from Mexican food to Asian cuisine. Here are some of the top Tanglewilde WA restaurants.
Taqueria Y Mas Mi Pueblo
Taqueria Y Mas Mi Pueblo is one of the best Mexican restaurants in Tanglewilde with fresh, authentic dishes like cheese enchiladas and taco guadalajara.
7839 Martin Way E, Olympia, WA 98516 (360) 742-3589
Season’s Teriyaki and Sushi
Season’s Teriyaki and Sushi is one of the top Tanglewilde restaurants for Japanese, offering a wide selection of rolls, sashimi, bento boxes, and entrees.
1401 Marvin Rd NE suite 304, Lacey, WA 98516 (360) 456-8919
Seoul Garden
Seoul Garden is a Korean restaurant serving classic menu entrees like Spicy Pork Bulgogi and short ribs in a casual, no-frills setting.
7515 Martin Way E, Olympia, WA 98516 (360) 459-3364
Jobs in Tanglewilde WA
Tanglewilde is primarily a residential area and does not feature as many large businesses, although its central location offers easy access to employers in Lacey and Olympia. The unemployment rate in Tanglewilde is 5.9%, and the poverty rate is 12.3%, which is a 10.3% decrease since last year. Most jobs in Tanglewilde WA are in healthcare and social assistance, educational services, and public administration.
The largest private employers in Thurston County are:
- Providence Health & Services: 2600 employees
- Albertsons/Safeway: 1200 employees
- Walmart: 1100 employees
- Lucky Eagle Casino: 1000 employees
- Nisqually Red Wind Casino: 700 employees
Payscale states that the average hourly worker in the Lacey area earns about $19.39 per hour. Residents will find plenty of interesting Tanglewilde jobs, from sign language interpreters to warehouse operators. Plus, it’s a quick commute to Olympia or Tacoma for more opportunities.
Tanglewilde Schools
Tanglewilde is in the North Thurston Public Schools District, which enrolls about 14,683 students and features an average student-to-teacher ratio of 18:1. The elementary schools in Tanglewilde are Lydia Hawk and Olympic View. Most students will also attend Nisqually Middle School and River Ridge High School. According to US News and World Report, River Ridge is within the top 125 high schools in Washington State and features a graduation rate of 87%.
Faith Lutheran School is also a private Christian school near Tanglewilde, serving pre-K through eighth grade. Residents living in Tanglewilde can also check out the Hawks Prairie Branch of the Timberland Public Library System to take out books and attend community events.
Tanglewilde Statistics & Information
- Tanglewilde County: Thurston County
- Tanglewilde area: 1.4 sq mi
- Tanglewilde WA zip code: 98503, 98516
- Tanglewilde area code: 360, 564
- Tanglewilde elevation: 203 ft
- Tanglewilde time zone: Pacifica Standard Time (PST)
- The closest airport to Tanglewilde: The Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is 45.9 miles away.
Tanglewilde WA Map
Find more fun things to do in Tanglewilde with this interactive map!
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