Lake Steilacoom (Lakewood: high crime, houses, neighborhoods)

[jldut80]

Hi, My husband and I are thinking of moving to a waterfront property on the west side of Lake Steilacoom. I have read the forums and seen the high crime posts and that lakewood should be avoided. Is this the case for west steilacoom lake (officially in the suburb of lakewood), even though there are multimillion dolllar houses there?? Thanks!

[Ira500]

You should have very little to worry about living on waterfront property on the west side of Lake Steilacoom. Yes, some of Lakewood is scuzzy. Waterfront property on the west side of lake Steilacoom is about three miles from the scuzzy parts, and shouldn't affect you in the least.There are other nice parts of Lakewood also, like the area around Lakewold Gardens. Fort Steilacoom Park is great, and the historic town of Steilacoom has it's charm.

[mthomson]

You can plug the address in to this map and get a detailed record of crimes for the past year.

[Sandy Nelson]

The above map does not work for Lakewood. To get a good idea of Lakewood crime statistics, check city data's crime report for Lakewood://www.city-data.com/city/Lakewood-Washington.html
The following site lets you compare the crime statistics for two cities side by side: Moderator cut: link removed, linking to competitors sites is not allowedIt's interesting to compare Lakewood with Steilacoom, which is right next to Lakewood.
To get any specific questions answered, it would be a good idea to contact the Lakewood Police Department: Lakewood Police Department

Everybody has their own idea of what is safe and what isn't. It sounds like you've already done some research online. I think the best way to get a sense of any particular neighborhood is to do some first hand reconnaissance. Drive through the different neighborhoods that you would have to pass through in order to get to work, to shop, or for the kids to go to school, or the playground. Do this at different times of the day. Does it look and feel safe? Talk to your prospective neighbors and check out the neighborhood schools.

Lakewood has gotten some bad crime publicity, especially recently, but it also has some very nice neighborhoods and is blessed with great amenities, such as easy access to shopping, close to I-5, an abundance of lakes, trees and parks.