Is Steilacoom a Good Place to Live in 2025? (Washington’s Most Charming Waterfront Town)

Steilacoom is one of those places that feels almost untouched by time. With its peaceful shoreline, historic homes, quiet streets, and friendly community feel, it’s no wonder so many buyers come to me asking:

“Is Steilacoom actually a good place to live?”

The short answer:
Yes — if you value peace, scenery, and a small-town lifestyle, Steilacoom is one of the most beautiful places to live in Pierce County.

But like every city, it has its own personality, and it’s not the right match for everyone. This guide walks you through the lifestyle, neighborhoods, schools, commute info, and who this town is best suited for.

For a deeper local breakdown, here’s your full guide:
Living in Steilacoom, WA (2025 Guide)
 

1. Steilacoom’s Lifestyle: Calm, Scenic & Community-Focused

If you’re craving peace and a slower pace, Steilacoom is one of the best places in Pierce County to call home. It’s known for:

• quiet, tree-lined neighborhoods

• charming historic areas

• friendly community events

• waterfront views that genuinely take your breath away

• sunset walks and open green spaces

There’s nothing rushed about this town — and that’s exactly why people love it.

2. Waterfront Access: A Huge Part of Everyday Life

Steilacoom residents enjoy some of the most beautiful shoreline access in the region:

• waterfront walking paths

• parks overlooking Puget Sound

• ferry views and beach areas

• picnic spots and lookout points

Whether you’re looking for a daily place to walk, a quiet place to unwind, or a scenic morning run, the waterfront is always nearby.

For buyers interested in more waterfront lifestyle comparisons, you might also like:
Best Tacoma Neighborhoods for Water Views (2025 Guide)
 

3. Neighborhood Breakdown: Small, Historic & Beautifully Maintained

Steilacoom is small — and that’s part of its charm.

Popular neighborhood pockets include:

• The Historic District

Early 1900s homes, character-filled streets, and walkable routes to the shoreline.

• Downtown Steilacoom

Small-town storefronts, cafés, restaurants, and beautiful water views.

• Chambers Creek Corridors (bordering UP and Lakewood)

Quiet residential pockets with easy access to trails and greenbelts.

• Established suburban streets off Steilacoom Blvd.

Peaceful cul-de-sacs, mid-century homes, and mature landscaping.

There is a strong sense of pride in how homes and streets are cared for — something that contributes to Steilacoom’s overall calm, grounded feel.

4. Why Retired Veterans & Seniors Love Steilacoom

Steilacoom is one of Pierce County’s top retirement-friendly towns because of:

• slow traffic

• walkable waterfront

• access to nature

• quiet streets

• small-town charm

• proximity to the American Lake VA Medical Center

For veterans, the back-gate JBLM access is especially convenient.

If you're exploring other veteran-friendly cities, this guide may help:
Best Pierce County Neighborhoods for Retired Veterans (2025 Guide)
 

5. Commute to JBLM: One of Steilacoom’s Biggest Advantages

Steilacoom offers one of the best JBLM commutes in Pierce County.

You can reach the base through:

• the back gate, which reduces freeway congestion

• alternative routes that avoid I-5 during peak traffic

This is why so many military families choose Steilacoom over nearby cities.

For a broader look at JBLM relocation options, here’s your guide:
Housing Near JBLM (2025 Guide)
 

6. Schools: A Strong, Community-Focused District

Steilacoom Historical School District is well-regarded for:

• community involvement

• smaller school environments

• great elementary and middle school options

• a close-knit, supportive feel

Families wanting calm neighborhoods + a quieter school district often find Steilacoom a perfect match.

If you’re comparing other Pierce County options for families, here’s a helpful reference:
Best Pierce County Neighborhoods for Large Families (2025 Guide)
 

7. Housing Options: Limited Inventory, High Demand

Because Steilacoom is small, homes don’t come up often.

Options include:

• charming historic homes

• mid-century houses

• split-levels and ramblers

• newer pockets in certain corridors

• occasional water-view properties

When homes do hit the market, they tend to attract strong attention — both from locals and out-of-state buyers.

8. Who Steilacoom Is Best For

Steilacoom is a great fit if you value:

• quiet, peaceful living

• waterfront access

• walkable scenery

• a slower lifestyle

• tight-knit community feel

• easy JBLM access

• charming, established neighborhoods

It attracts retirees, military families, professionals wanting serenity, and people tired of the fast pace of larger cities.

9. Who Steilacoom May NOT Be the Best Fit For

Steilacoom may not be ideal if you’re looking for:

• nightlife

• dense shopping corridors

• new construction communities

• larger city convenience

• walkable grocery or commercial areas like University Place

This is a small, scenic, residential waterfront town — and people move here because it feels removed from the noise.

10. Final Thoughts: Is Steilacoom a Good Place to Live in 2025?

Absolutely.
For anyone who wants a quiet, scenic, safe, and community-rooted lifestyle, Steilacoom is one of Washington’s hidden gems.

It offers a peaceful pace of life that’s rare today — especially with waterfront access, historic charm, and convenient JBLM proximity all wrapped into one.

If you're considering Steilacoom, I’d love to walk you through the neighborhoods that match your pace, your goals, and the kind of lifestyle you want to wake up to every day.

When you're ready, we can build a plan that feels thoughtful, calm, and fully aligned with your needs.

 Written by: Lani Fisher — Washington Realtor Helping Everyday Buyers & Sellers With Confidence