Moving Service in Lakewood

We are the same price with compared with renting a truck and doing it your self. But when you consider we do all the work and assume all the risk - we are cheaper than ANY DIY plan you could have.

Hi, we’re Colonial Van and Storage. After 46 years of serving customers across almost every corner of the USA—from little farming towns and exciting waterfront cities to concrete jungles—we’d love to share our unique perspective on each of the cities below:

Olympia
recognized for its growing community and access to beautiful parks this city fosters a fun-filled environment for families.

Spring 2025 Moves in Lakewood

June 2025

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We are local here in Lakewood @ 8605 34th Ave S. Lakewood, WA 98499

Lakewood

Hi, we’re Colonial Van and Storage. After decades of moves across this great country, we understand what matters most when choosing a new place to call home. From tight-knit small towns to bustling waterfront cities and sprawling urban centers, we’ve seen it all—including right here in Lakewood, Washington.

If you’re considering Lakewood, you want more than just a place to live—you want the right neighborhood, lifestyle, and a stress-free move to get you there. That’s why we’ve put together 12 big reasons why this could be your perfect destination—and 8 things you’ll want to think about before packing up. With the right plan and the right movers, your transition can be smooth, efficient, and exactly what you expect.

Call directly (704) 594-0420

12 Great Perks about Lakewood … and 8 Potential Drawbacks

Firstly why Lakewood, Washington?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

  • City: Lakewood
  • State: Washington
  • Population: 59820 people
  • Lakewood’s quick summary would be recognized for its growing community and access to beautiful parks this city fosters a fun-filled environment for families.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

  • How many people move-in: 1200 annually
  • While this many move-out: 315 annually
  • Net Migration: 885 annual change
  • Non-Citizen Move-in: 1200
  • Number of Homeless people: 350

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it features a diverse community and suburban feel attracting families


Perk #1: Lakewood Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

  • The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 36%
  • Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 62%
  • Largest Local Ethnic Group is Black
  • The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
  • The median income is (and growing)  $84107
  • Income Required to Live Comfortably in Lakewood is $85000
  • Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $893

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?


Perk #2: Housing & Lakewood’s Cost of Living

  • Cost of Living Index: 118 (100 is the US average)
  • Annual Property Tax Per House: $2400
  • Property Tax %: 1.09%
  • Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $2200
  • Rent for an average house: $2300
  • Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Lakewood
  • Top 5 Growing Areas: Lakewood, University Place, and probably could include Tacoma
  • Avg. Age of Homes in Lakewood: 44 years
  • The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.4%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.


Perk #3: Job Market & Lakewood’s Economy

  • 3 Industries gaining traction in Lakewood are  Retail, Healthcare, and Education
  • Lakewood Job Scene: small job market focused on local services and retail
  • The General Tech Scene: growing tech landscape centered on community services and local businesses , ,
  • Lakewood Resident’s pay $1500 in City Tax alone!
  • Local Sales Tax in Lakewood: 8.1%
  • No. of Independent Businesses: 130 (excluding chains and corporates)
  • Number of Local Branch Banks: 7

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.


Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Lakewood

  • Monthly Transportation Costs: $110 on average per person
  • Freeway Access: I-5 runs through Lakewood connecting it to Tacoma
  • Commute Time: 30 minutes (public & private)
  • Main Evening Traffic Area: slowdowns on Bridgeport Way
  • Transportation Score: 29 out of 100 described as Some Transit
  • No. of Vehicles Registered in Lakewood: 40000
  • Cars registered per Person: 0.7
  • No. of Car Washes: 2 in and around the city
  • DMV Website for Lakewood: https://www.dol.wa.gov
  • The Bike-Friendly Score: 63 of 100
  • Local Airport: Seattle-Tacoma International

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.


Perk #5: Lakewood’s Weather & Natural Factors

  • The Most Common Natural Disaster is Flood
  • General Weather in Lakewood is best described as mild winters warm summers with regular rainfall
  • Winter Weather in Lakewood i’d describe as cool with rain
  • Spring Weather in Lakewood can be described as cool with rain likely
  • Summer’s in Lakewood are mostly cool with clear skies
  • Fall ( the nicest time) in Lakewood is usually cool with clear skies
  • How many days in a row over 90°F: 13 days in summer
  • Days in a row in Lakewood below Freezing: 6
  • Average Annual Rainfall: 22 inches
  • Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality largely maintained through local actions
  • Lakewood Winter Air generally good air quality minimal pollution sources

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.


Perk #6: Lakewood Education & Schools

  • The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
  • Number of Colleges and Universities in Lakewood 3
  • While the number of trade schools inside Lakewoods’s city limits are 1
  • Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Lakewood Community Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.


Perk #7: Healthcare & Lakewood Stats

  • Typical EMS Response Time: 8 minutes
  • Registered Full-Time Lakewood only Doctors is about 60
  • Local Hospitals here is  3
  • Full-time Lakewood only Police Officers is about 160
  • Crime Rate Index: 47/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.


Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

  • Lakewood’s Monthly utility bill average is $210
  • Lakewood’s Monthly Gym Membership: $41
  • Lakewood’s Water Quality Score: 72

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.


Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Lakewood

  • Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 2 annually
  • The General Local City Vibe: suburban area known for its parks and community events
  • You might enjoy live music events at Lakewood Community Center
  • Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Lakewood  offers cozy bars and local dining options creating a pleasant atmosphere for relaxed evenings

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.


Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Lakewood

  • The Objective Restaurant Scene Includes a variety of family-friendly restaurants and local dining
  • The Number of Independent Restaurants are 90 scattered around Lakewood
  • The Popular Sports Team is Lakewood High School
  • Top Level Political Climate in Lakewood can be described as suburban area with conservative tendencies
  • Lakewood’s Longer standing religious establishment is Lakewood United Methodist Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.


Perk #11: Lakewood Parks & Green Spaces

  • Did you know Lakewood has 7 Parks?
  • Lakewood Community Park is Lakewood’s Green Space Center
  • The local favorite Farmers Market is Lakewood Farmers Market normally open Saturday 10am-3pm
  • Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, fishing, and picnicking

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.


Perk #12: Lakewood Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

  • The Pace of Life in Lakewood can be described as moderate suburban life with a focus on family and local events
  • 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Lakewood hiking local trails picnics exploring parks community events
  • The Cities people commute to from Lakewood are Yakima 10 miles away Toppenish 25 miles away Wapato 18 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.


8 Drawbacks about Lakewood or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

  1. Traffic/Commute Issues
    Maybe you read: slowdowns on Bridgeport Way. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
  2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
    Lakewood’s Flood risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
  3. Pricey Neighborhoods
    If Lakewood is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Lakewood are Yakima 10 miles away Toppenish 25 miles away Wapato 18 miles away.
  4. Crime Rate Concerns
    With a 47 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
  5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
    Lakewood has 6 days in a row below freezing and 13 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
  6. Limited Extra Funds
    After general costs of living here in Lakewood people have an average (positive or negative) $893 left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
  7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
    350 homeless people living in Lakewood. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
  8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
    The general suburban area with conservative tendencies could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Lakewood.

Retiree & Senior Life in Lakewood

  • Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can might benefit from local property tax relief based on income
  • The most established Senior Citizen Community is Brookdale
  • Lakewood Senior Center offers meal programs wellness workshops and social activities for seniors

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.


Moving to Lakewood, Washington?

If Lakewood, Washington ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Lakewood, Washington, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!

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