Larger lots around Fort Lewis area? Where to live? (Seattle: real estate, houses)

[shands]

My husband and I are moving to the Fort Lewis area soon and we of course keep hearing about Lacey, Dupont, etc. as prime areas to live....problem is most of the lots seem to be so tiny (4-5000 sq ft) and all the houses look the same. I've seen houses/lots out in the Yelm/Roy areas but that isnt exactly what we are looking for either (from what I can tell online.) We are looking for a nice size home (2250-3000 sq ft) min. of 8500 + sq ft. lot, 2-3 car garage, doesn't have to be new but would like it already updated if older, and a nice wooded lot. We currently live in a gated community with acreage (again, doesn't have to have acreage just don't want to be on top of each other) and private amenities....something similar to this would be nice. If not a private community, something that is well kept, safe, close to outdoor activities or at least a walkable neighborhood. Our price range tops at about $320K....any particular neighborhoods or areas we should be looking at? I've talked with a couple realtors but no one has been particularly helpful and just sends us listings for the tiny cookie cutter houses in Lacey. I've seen homes in Gig Harbor that are gorgeous but that seems like too far of a commute to Lewis and I was told the new bridge has a toll each way...that would get expensive. Any suggestions??

[allforcats]

Hi. Maybe this will give you more options. It's my favorite MLS search site -- no selling, no signup, and you can manipulate the info extensively.

The site always defaults to its home page, so I can't give you a link directly to their Thurston County page. Here's how to get there:

Left side of page, under Seattle Home Search by City names
click on blue Add More Criteria.
On the new page, under Search Type:
at City List for [All Counties] click on the little down arrow to the right of [All Counties] and click on Thurston County.
That will bring up a list of Cities and towns in that county.
Then below that list you can specify or eliminate all the details you want.
TheMLSonline.com - Seattle Real Estate, Top Seattle Real Estate Search - Call 425-467-6577

Have fun!

[Sandy Nelson]

Shands,

Welcome to the Ft. Lewis area. The requirements you posted are not that hard to fulfill. I entered them in the MLS and found 38 matches. Let your Realtor know that you're not interested in "cookie cutter" subdivisions and have him/her include the Olympia/Tumwater area in the search criteria. I don't want to link to any particular listing, but you might want to research the Riverwood community. These homes are brand new, built green and fit within your search parameters.

Best of luck!

Sandy

[shands]

Thank you both for your suggestions. I will check both out. If anything else comes to mind please let me know!

[mthomson]

Gig Harbor isn't that bad of a commute...maybe 30 min tops. The toll is only 1 way, $2.75 with a pass, so not bad at all.