Tacoma & South Puget Sound

Lakewood, Washington

City

Suburban city south of Tacoma

Lakewood borders Tacoma to the south, home to Joint Base Lewis-McChord's neighbor communities, lakes and a large international business corridor.

History & Local Character

Incorporated in 1996 from unincorporated Pierce County, Lakewood grew around the military base and suburban development after World War II.

Housing & Real Estate

Mid-century single-family homes, apartments along Pacific Highway and townhomes near the towne center.

Restaurants & Shopping

South Tacoma Way and Lakewood Towne Center hold a wide range of Korean, Vietnamese, Mexican and American restaurants.

Schools & Education

Clover Park School District serves Lakewood, and Pierce College has a campus nearby.

Parks & Recreation

American Lake, Wards Lake and the Lakewood Community Center serve residents.

Transportation & Accessibility

I-5 and SR 512 cross the city; Lakewood Station is the southern terminus of Sounder commuter rail.

Local Businesses

Military-support services, restaurants, auto dealers and retail centers.

No businesses are listed in Lakewood yet. Add your business to be the first.

Nearby Attractions

  • American Lake
  • Joint Base Lewis-McChord
  • Lakewold Gardens
  • Chambers Bay

Advantages & Considerations

Advantages

  • Affordable compared with Seattle
  • Sounder station and freeway access
  • Diverse restaurant scene

Considerations

  • Aircraft noise near the base
  • Aging commercial corridors

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lakewood next to Joint Base Lewis-McChord?

Yes. Lakewood shares its southern boundary with Joint Base Lewis-McChord, one of the largest military installations on the West Coast.

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