Spanaway, Washington – A Growing Community With a Small-Town Feel

Niche may be compensated for ads displayed on this website. These fees do not influence the editorial content of this site.

Spanaway is an attractive option for those who enjoy both suburban and rural living. The city is situated south of Seattle and east of Tacoma, and offers convenient access to natural beauty and nearby cities.

Best of Spanaway

Spanaway can feel like it’s out in the country while still being a short drive to downtown Tacoma. The city’s main street, Pacific Avenue, is lined with a variety of services and locally-owned businesses.

Those who choose to live in Spanaway have access to excellent public schools, many of which are rated by GreatSchools as 9/10 or higher. There are also a number of charter and private schools in the area.

Commute time to and from Spanaway can vary based on traffic, but it’s typically about 30 minutes south of Tacoma and 30 minutes northeast of Olympia. Pierce Transit offers bus service to and from Spanaway. Additionally, a new on-demand ride sharing service called Runner is now operating in the communities of Midland, Parkland and Spanaway. This program connects residents to essential services and appointments, and helps them get where they want to go. It’s available for the same cost as a Pierce Transit bus ticket.

Spanaway Park

The community of Spanaway has a strong sense of camaraderie and a welcoming atmosphere that fosters connections between neighbors. It is surrounded by picturesque natural beauty, including Spanaway Lake and the scenic Mount Rainier, and has easy access to outdoor recreation. Its proximity to Joint Base Lewis-McChord and its affordable housing options make it an attractive location for families and those looking for a quiet, peaceful place to live.

Spanaway Park is a hugely popular destination in the area, offering a variety of recreational opportunities and walking trails along several thousand feet of waterfront. The park also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including in the holiday season, Fantasy Lights Walk, the largest drive-through holiday display in the Northwest.

The Spanaway Farmer’s Market is another weekly event that appeals to our urge for consistency, social proof, and trust. It is a great place to buy fresh and healthy food while supporting local farmers and vendors.

Spanaway Lake

Spanaway is home to a range of amenities, including several parks and lakes. These areas are a great place to enjoy outdoor recreation and family-friendly activities. The town also offers a variety of housing options, from longstanding brick ramblers to modern single-family homes.

The best time to visit Spanaway is during the summer, when there are many events and activities to enjoy. This includes a trip to the picturesque Spanaway Lake, where you can swim and fish. The town is also home to Pacific Lutheran University, a renowned educational institution.

Residents of Spanaway love their community, with the town’s proximity to Joint Base Lewis-McChord making it popular among military families. The town is also a good choice for retirees looking for a quiet and peaceful lifestyle.

Pacific Lutheran University

Pacific Lutheran University is a coeducational private higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Lutheran religion. This mid-sized university is located in a suburban setting and is primarily a residential campus. It offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees.

Founded by Scandinavian Lutheran pioneers in 1890, it is now the most populous Lutheran university in the world and the third-largest in Washington state. It is a community of scholars and caring people dedicated to preparing students for leadership in their communities and their fields.

In 2021, Pacific Lutheran University awarded 776 degrees. The majority of degrees were awarded to women, and the most popular degree concentration was Registered Nursing. The most common race/ethnicity at Pacific Lutheran University was white (460 degrees awarded). There were 5.17 times more white recipients than the next closest race/ethnicity group, asian.

Students living on campus can choose between several different residence halls, including Pflueger, Foss and Tingelstad. Each hall has a unique theme, and the university does its best to pair students by compatibility in order to reduce conflicts and promote a sense of community among residents.