Living in Lakewood (2025 Guide)Living in Lakewood, WA: Lakes, Neighborhoods, Commutes & Lifestyle (2025 Guide)
Lakewood is one of the most unique and conveniently located cities in Pierce County. With multiple lakes, golf courses, easy freeway access, and one of the shortest commutes to JBLM, it’s a standout choice for military families, first-time buyers, and anyone looking for affordability plus natural beauty.
Whether you're relocating, downsizing, buying your first home, or PCSing to JBLM, here’s your full 2025 guide to living in Lakewood.
Where Lakewood Is Located
Lakewood sits southwest of Tacoma and borders:
JBLM
Steilacoom
University Place
South Tacoma
Commute times:
JBLM: 5–15 minutes
Tacoma: 10–15 minutes
Olympia: 20–25 minutes
Seattle: 45–70 minutes
Lakewood is one of the best choices for easy JBLM access:
➡️ The Best Neighborhoods Near JBLM for Military Families (2025 Guide)
The Lakes Are the Heart of Lakewood
No other Pierce County city has as many lakes concentrated in one area. The lakes shape nearly every neighborhood and lifestyle choice here.
Major lakes in Lakewood include:
American Lake
Gravelly Lake
Lake Steilacoom
Waughop Lake
Camas & Ward Lake nearby
Each lake offers a totally different vibe and price point.
If you're exploring waterfront affordability:
➡️ Most Affordable Water View Homes in Pierce County — Ranked for 2025
Top Neighborhoods in Lakewood (2025)
Here’s a breakdown of the most desirable communities, depending on lifestyle and budget.
1. American Lake (Waterfront + Recreation + Military Appeal)
American Lake is Lakewood’s signature feature — with waterfront homes, docks, condos, and stunning lake views.
People choose American Lake for:
Boating, fishing, and lakeside recreation
Proximity to JBLM
Mixture of luxury and mid-range homes
Private docks and lakefront properties
Great for buyers who want lake living at a variety of price points.
2. Gravelly Lake (High-End + Quiet + Scenic)
Gravelly Lake offers some of the most beautiful and established lakefront estates in Lakewood.
Buyers love:
Quiet streets and mature landscaping
Large lots and upscale homes
Privacy and stunning lake views
Perfect for upsizing, downsizing into beautiful scenery, or buyers wanting long-term value.
3. Lake Steilacoom (Affordable Lake Views)
This is one of the best lake-view values in Pierce County.
Why buyers choose it:
More affordable than American Lake or Gravelly
Mix of older homes and renovated properties
Community parks and lake access
A top pick for first-time buyers exploring scenic neighborhoods:
➡️ Best Neighborhoods in Pierce County for First-Time Buyers
4. North Lakewood (Convenient + Affordable + Central)
Close to restaurants, shopping, I-5, and schools.
Advantages:
Lower price points
Mix of condos, townhomes, and single-family
Great for first-time buyers and commuters
Offers a lot of value for the price.
5. Steilacoom Lake & Lake City Area
This area blends affordability, nature access, and suburban convenience.
Highlights:
Close to Fort Steilacoom Park
Lots of walking trails
Strong rental and resale demand
Great for buyers wanting nature without being far from amenities.
Lifestyle & Amenities in Lakewood
Parks
Fort Steilacoom Park
American Lake Park
Harry Todd Park
Waughop Lake Loop
Shopping
Lakewood Towne Center
Safeway, Target, and specialty shops
Local businesses throughout
Recreation
Boating
Kayaking & paddleboarding
Golf at Tacoma Country & Golf Club
Walking trails & picnic areas
Schools in Lakewood
Lakewood is served by the Clover Park School District, which includes:
Elementary schools with strong community support
Middle and high schools close to neighborhoods
Specialized programs depending on area
Families often weigh Lakewood vs. University Place:
➡️ Is University Place Worth the Price? (2025 Guide)
Cost of Living in Lakewood
Lakewood is one of the most balanced cities in Pierce County when comparing:
Affordability
Convenience
Lakeside lifestyle
Commute times
Lakewood is often cheaper than:
University Place
Gig Harbor
North Tacoma
But it offers many of the same lifestyle perks — especially if you love the outdoors.
For broader local affordability:
➡️ Most Affordable Areas in Pierce County — Ranked for 2025
Commute Insights
Lakewood is one of the best locations for commuting to:
JBLM: extremely fast
Tacoma: quick
Olympia: straightforward
Seattle: doable with an early start or hybrid schedule
This is why Lakewood ranks high for military buyers needing stability and predictable commute times.
Who Lakewood Is Best For
Lakewood is a strong fit for:
Military families PCSing to JBLM
Buyers wanting lakeside living without Gig Harbor prices
First-time buyers needing affordability
Downsizers wanting a scenic, quiet lifestyle
Commuters working in Tacoma, JBLM, or Olympia
Families wanting large parks and outdoor spaces
Final Thoughts
Lakewood is one of the South Sound’s most underrated places to live — offering incredible outdoor recreation, affordability, lake access, and one of the easiest JBLM commutes in the region. For buyers wanting nature, convenience, and value, Lakewood continues to be a top choice in 2025.
If you're considering a move to Lakewood — or want help comparing lake communities, JBLM-friendly neighborhoods, or affordability options — I’d love to guide you with local expertise and a clear strategy.
Written by: Lani Fisher, Washington Realtor & Pierce County Market Expert