Is Lakewood a Good Place to Live in 2025? (Washington Neighborhood Guide)
Lakewood is one of the most uniquely positioned cities in Pierce County. With lakes, golf courses, mature neighborhoods, quick access to I-5, and proximity to JBLM, it’s a city people often look at but aren’t always sure about.
So I hear this question a lot:
“Is Lakewood actually a good place to live?”
The short answer?
Yes — for many buyers, Lakewood is a great option. But it depends on the lifestyle you’re looking for.
Lakewood offers everything from waterfront luxury to modest starter homes, and the neighborhoods vary dramatically. This guide breaks down what makes Lakewood appealing, what buyers should know, and which pockets tend to work best for different lifestyles.
If you want a deeper neighborhood overview, here’s a helpful resource:
Living in Lakewood, WA (2025 Guide)
1. Lakewood’s Lifestyle: Who Is This City Best For?
Lakewood tends to be a great fit for:
Military families wanting a quick JBLM commute
Retired veterans needing VA access (American Lake VA campus)
First-time buyers looking for affordability
Golf or outdoor lovers
People who want mature landscaping and larger lots
Buyers wanting lake access without the Gig Harbor price tag
The city mixes suburban convenience with pockets of natural beauty — especially around its many lakes.
2. Neighborhood Breakdown: Lakewood Is VERY Pocket-Specific
One of the most important things to understand about Lakewood is that it’s block-by-block and neighborhood-by-neighborhood. That means you can go from luxury waterfront to modest starter homes within a few streets.
Here are the strongest, most desirable pockets:
• Gravelly Lake Area
Large homes, beautiful streets, quiet neighborhoods, established landscaping.
• Lake Steilacoom Area
Residential, peaceful, close to parks and shops.
• Oakbrook
Golf-course living, quiet streets, strong community feel.
• American Lake Area
Popular with military families and retired veterans for proximity to the VA campus and base access.
Each of these areas offers a very different feel — and this is where having a local expert really matters.
3. Commute to JBLM: One of Lakewood’s Biggest Advantages
Lakewood is one of the closest cities to JBLM, especially the American Lake gate and the back gate.
For military families, this can mean:
Less time in traffic
More time with family
Lower stress during shift changes
For a broader JBLM housing overview, here’s a helpful guide:
Housing Near JBLM: The Best Cities, Commutes & Neighborhoods for Military Families (2025 Guide)
4. Parks, Nature & Outdoor Living
Lakewood has some of the best outdoor spaces in Pierce County:
American Lake Park
Fort Steilacoom Park
Lake Steilacoom
Gravelly Lake
Oakbrook Golf Course
It’s a top pick for people who want:
Places to walk
Areas for dogs
Lakes for kayaking
Open spaces for recreation
A “nature without being rural” lifestyle
If outdoor living is important for your move, you might also enjoy this guide:
Best Pierce County Neighborhoods for Outdoor Enthusiasts (2025 Guide)
5. Affordability: Lakewood Is More Accessible Than Many Nearby Cities
Compared to Tacoma, University Place, and Bonney Lake, Lakewood often offers:
More house for the price
Larger yards
Unique home styles
Lake access at significantly lower cost
For buyers needing affordability and space, Lakewood is a strong contender.
If you're comparing affordability across Pierce County, this guide helps:
Most Affordable Areas in Pierce County — Ranked for 2025
6. Who Should NOT Live in Lakewood?
Honest guidance matters here.
Lakewood may not be the best fit if you’re looking for:
A walkable, city-center lifestyle
A newly built master-planned community feel
Highly uniform neighborhoods
Quick access to Seattle (Tacoma or Fife may be easier)
Lakewood is diverse, unique, and primarily residential — not urban and fast-paced.
7. Real Estate Options: Something for Every Buyer Type
Lakewood offers:
Waterfront homes
Golf course neighborhoods
Quiet cul-de-sacs
1950s–1970s homes with character
Military-friendly areas
Affordable starter homes
It’s one of the most versatile markets in Pierce County.
8. Final Thoughts: Is Lakewood a Good Place to Live in 2025?
For many people — especially military families, retirees, outdoor lovers, and those wanting affordability — Lakewood is a great place to live.
It’s peaceful, nature-rich, centrally located, and full of character.
But choosing the right pocket is key.
And that’s where having someone who knows the area block-by-block becomes essential.
If you're thinking about moving to Lakewood, I’d love to help you explore the pockets that truly match your lifestyle, budget, and long-term goals.
Whenever you're ready, we can walk through the neighborhoods together and make a plan that feels right.
Written by: Lani Fisher — Washington Realtor Helping Everyday Buyers & Sellers With Confidence