What should you know before moving to Lakewood, WA?
Lakewood is a city of about 63,600 people (2020 Census) in central Pierce County, incorporated in 1996, sitting between Tacoma and Joint Base Lewis-McChord. It offers a wide range of housing — from lakefront homes on American Lake and Gravelly Lake to mid-century ramblers, newer townhomes, and condos — with direct I-5 and SR 512 access and Sounder commuter rail at Lakewood Station, the southern end of the S Line. Public schools are run by the Clover Park School District. Because utilities and services vary across the city, verify water, sewer, and power providers by exact address.
Lakewood comes up constantly with buyers who are relocating — especially military families with orders to JBLM, and buyers who want lake access closer to Tacoma than Bonney Lake or Gig Harbor.
It's one of the most varied housing markets in the county. Here's what I walk relocating buyers through before they choose a Lakewood home. For other communities and planning tools, visit our Pierce County Relocation Hub.
Where Lakewood is and how you'll get around
Lakewood sits just south of Tacoma and University Place, next to Steilacoom, and borders JBLM's McChord Field area.
- I-5 runs through the city, connecting north to Tacoma and Seattle and south to JBLM, DuPont, and Olympia
- SR 512 begins at I-5 in Lakewood and heads east toward Parkland, Spanaway, and Puyallup
- Lakewood Station is the southern terminus of Sounder's S Line, with weekday commuter rail toward Tacoma and Seattle, plus Pierce Transit and Sound Transit Express bus connections
Commute times change with traffic and schedules, so test your route at the times you'll actually drive, and check current Sounder schedules with Sound Transit.
Lakes and parks
Lakewood is named for its lakes, and they shape much of the housing market:
- American Lake — the largest, at about 1,091 acres, with private waterfront homes and public access points
- Gravelly Lake, Lake Steilacoom, and Lake Louise — smaller lakes with established waterfront and lake-view neighborhoods
- Waughop Lake — inside Fort Steilacoom Park, one of the area's large public parks
Other local landmarks include Lakewood Towne Center, Lakewold Gardens, and Pierce College Fort Steilacoom.
If you're buying on the water, verify dock and shoreline permits, lake access rights, and insurance early — the same kind of due diligence we cover in our guide to buying on Lake Tapps.
Lakewood housing: what you'll find
Lakewood's housing stock is unusually diverse for one city:
- Lakefront and lake-view homes — often on larger, established lots
- Mid-century ramblers and split-levels — common in many neighborhoods
- Older homes on larger lots — some with mature trees and detached garages
- Townhomes, condos, and apartments — closer to commercial areas and transit
- Some newer infill construction
That variety means a wide price range. Compare homes by property type, lot, age, condition, and location rather than by city averages.
Property checks for older homes
Many Lakewood homes were built decades ago. Plan for:
- A thorough general inspection and a sewer scope for homes on sewer
- Questions about past heating systems — older homes may have had oil heat; here's what to know about old heating oil tanks
- Roof, electrical, and plumbing age
Utilities and services
Utilities in Lakewood depend on the address. Depending on location, you may see different water, sewer, and power providers — including local utilities that serve only part of the city. Ask the seller for recent bills, and use our guide to setting up utilities after moving to Pierce County.
Schools: Lakewood's public schools are run by the Clover Park School District. Assignments are made by address, so confirm with the district. Here's how to verify school boundaries and enrollment.
Lakewood for JBLM families
Lakewood's location next to JBLM makes it a natural option for service members. If you're relocating on orders, think about:
- Which gate you'll use most and how your route works at shift-change times
- VA loan eligibility and how a home works if you PCS again — keep it, rent it, or sell it
- Timing your search around your report date
Our guide to buying a home near JBLM covers the PCS process in more detail.
How Lakewood compares
Relocating buyers often weigh Lakewood against Tacoma, University Place, Steilacoom, and Spanaway. The right fit depends on your commute, the type of home you want, lot size, and access to water and parks. To compare areas side by side, use our guide on how to compare Pierce County communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lakewood, WA close to JBLM?
Yes. Lakewood borders Joint Base Lewis-McChord, including the McChord Field area, and has direct I-5 access to the base's gates. Test your route at the times you'll commute.
Does Lakewood have a train to Seattle?
Yes. Lakewood Station is the southern terminus of Sound Transit's Sounder S Line, which provides weekday commuter rail service toward Tacoma and Seattle. Check Sound Transit for current schedules.
What school district serves Lakewood, WA?
Public schools in Lakewood are run by the Clover Park School District. School assignments depend on the exact address, so confirm with the district before you buy.
Are there waterfront homes in Lakewood?
Yes. Lakewood has waterfront and lake-view homes on American Lake, Gravelly Lake, Lake Steilacoom, and Lake Louise. Verify dock permits, access rights, and insurance before buying waterfront.
What kinds of homes are in Lakewood?
Lakewood has a wide mix — lakefront homes, mid-century ramblers, older homes on larger lots, townhomes, condos, and some newer infill construction — across a broad range of prices.
Find the right fit in Lakewood
Lakewood rewards buyers who know what they want — lake access, a short commute to the base, a bigger lot, or easy transit. With so much variety, it pays to compare carefully.
If you're planning a move to Pierce County and Lakewood is on your list, text RELOCATE to 253-677-5765 for a personalized consultation. I'll help you compare neighborhoods, property types, and commutes so you can choose with confidence.
About Josh Barnard
Josh Barnard is the founder of The Barnard Group and has spent over 20 years helping families navigate some of life’s biggest moments through real estate. Known for his “Work Hard. Be Kind.” approach, Josh combines expert market knowledge, innovative marketing, and genuine care to help homeowners make confident decisions about their next chapter. Whether someone is buying their first home, moving up, downsizing, or relocating to Pierce County, his mission is simple: serve people well, create unforgettable experiences, and help families build a life they love.
Researched October 9, 2026. Population figures are from the 2020 U.S. Census. Transit service, utility boundaries, and school assignments change; confirm with the provider for your exact address.
