Lakewood is located in Pierce County, Washington, just south of Tacoma and directly west of Joint Base Lewis-McChord. The city sits near Interstate 5 and connects easily to Tacoma, University Place, Steilacoom, DuPont, Parkland, Puyallup, and Olympia. Lakewood’s location is one of its biggest real estate advantages. Buyers are drawn to the area for its military access, commute routes, shopping, parks, lakes, and more approachable pricing compared to some nearby waterfront and urban markets. Sellers and investors benefit from Lakewood’s visibility among military households, commuters, first-time buyers, and renters looking for South Sound convenience.

Lakewood is home to an estimated 62,755 residents. As one of Pierce County’s larger cities, Lakewood offers a strong local population base while still maintaining access to nearby suburban, military, and urban amenities. The city’s size and diversity help support housing demand, rental activity, local businesses, and long-term real estate interest. For homeowners thinking about selling or investors evaluating rental potential, Lakewood’s population and central location make it a market worth watching.

Lakewood has a mild Western Washington climate, with short, warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Summers are comfortable for enjoying local lakes, parks, golf courses, and outdoor dining, while winters are generally moderate compared to many parts of the country. This climate supports year-round recreation, from Fort Steilacoom Park and American Lake to nearby trails, golf, Puget Sound destinations, and Mount Rainier-area day trips.

Lakewood’s history runs deep. The City of Lakewood notes that the Nisqually people fished and traded in the area long before modern development. Over time, the area became known for its lakes, military connections, schools, parks, and residential communities. Lakewood officially incorporated as a city in 1996, making it one of Washington’s newer incorporated cities despite its long history as a developed community. Today, Lakewood blends historic landmarks, military influence, established neighborhoods, lakefront recreation, and modern growth, giving buyers, sellers, and investors a wide range of real estate opportunities.