Self Storage Units in Lacey, WA on Pacific Ave SE

1. Research: Start by gathering information about Lacey, including neighborhoods, schools, and local services.
2. Budgeting: Create a moving budget to manage expenses such as moving services, packing supplies, and travel costs.
3. Hiring Movers: If needed, research and hire a reputable moving company well in advance.
4. Packing: Begin packing non-essential items early, and label boxes by room and contents.
5. Utilities: Set up utilities in your new home, including water, electricity, gas, internet, and cable.
6. Address Change: Update your address with the post office, banks, and other important institutions.
7. Schools: If you have children, arrange for their school records to be transferred to their new school.
8. Medical Records: Transfer medical records to new healthcare providers in Lacey.
9. Insurance: Update your home, auto, and health insurance for your new location.
10. Emergency Kit: Pack an emergency kit with essentials you’ll need on moving day and the first few days after.
11. Essentials Box: Prepare a box of essentials that includes toiletries, medications, chargers, and important documents.
12. Final Walkthrough: Do a final walkthrough of your old home to ensure nothing is left behind.
13. Travel Arrangements: Confirm travel arrangements for you, your family, and any pets.
14. New Home Preparation: Clean and prepare your new home for move-in, or arrange for a cleaning service.
15. Unpacking Plan: Have a plan for unpacking and setting up your new home to make the process smoother.
16. Community Engagement: Explore ways to get involved in the community to start building your new network.

Lacey Downtown: This historic district offers a glimpse into Lacey’s past, with charming homes, local shops, and a vibrant community atmosphere. Expect to find a mix of architectural styles and a walkable environment.

Tanglewilde: A family-oriented neighborhood with a range of housing options, from single-family homes to townhouses. Residents enjoy easy access to parks, schools, and shopping centers.

Meridian Campus: Home to several institutions of higher learning, including South Puget Sound Community College, this neighborhood offers a diverse range of housing options and a lively student atmosphere.

Woodland Square: This upscale neighborhood offers luxury homes with breathtaking views of the surrounding forests and parks. Residents enjoy a peaceful environment and proximity to hiking trails.

Mullen Road: A diverse neighborhood with a blend of residential and commercial areas, Mullen Road offers a variety of housing options and convenient access to major routes.

Horizon Pointe: A newer development with a mix of single-family homes and townhouses, Horizon Pointe is a family-friendly neighborhood with parks, walking trails, and a community center.

Nisqually: Situated near the Nisqually Wildlife Refuge, this neighborhood offers a more rural feel with larger lots and easy access to outdoor recreation.

Housing: The median home cost in Lacey is now around $516,000, which is lower than the Seattle metro area average. Renting a two-bedroom unit averages around $2,001 per month.

Utilities: The average residential utility bill in Lacey, WA (electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage) is around $150 per month, which is lower than the national average.

Transportation: Transportation costs in Lacey are 19% higher than the national average, with a strong public transit system and relatively short commute times4.

While the cost of living in Lacey is slightly higher than the national average, it remains more affordable compared to many neighboring cities in the Puget Sound region, making it an attractive option for those seeking a balance between affordability and access to the Pacific Northwest’s amenities.

Public Schools: The North Thurston Public Schools District includes well-regarded institutions like River Ridge High School, celebrated for their comprehensive academic and extracurricular offerings.

Private Schools: St. Michael Parish School provides a faith-based education from preschool to 8th grade, while Olympia Waldorf School offers a holistic learning approach based on the Waldorf education model.

Higher Education: South Puget Sound Community College in Lacey presents affordable associate degrees and pathways to four-year universities. In nearby Olympia, The Evergreen State College is known for its public liberal arts education with an emphasis on interdisciplinary studies.

Special Programs: The district’s Lacey Elementary Academic Program (LEAP) delivers an enriched curriculum tailored for gifted and highly capable students from 1st to 5th grade.

Major Employers: Significant employers in Lacey include North Thurston Public Schools, MultiCare Health System, and the Washington State Department of Corrections. These institutions play a crucial role in the local economy by providing numerous job opportunities.

Unemployment Rate: The unemployment rate in Lacey was reported at 4.7% in February 2024. This figure is indicative of the city’s economic conditions and labor market trends.

Employment Resources: For employment assistance, Lacey residents can turn to WorkSource Washington centers for job search support and career services. Additionally, the Thurston County Economic Development Council offers valuable resources for business development and employment opportunities in the region.

MultiCare Health System: A not-for-profit healthcare organization providing comprehensive services including hospitals, primary care, urgent care, and specialty services.

Providence St. Peter Hospital: A full-service hospital in nearby Olympia offering emergency care, surgical services, and specialized treatment in areas such as cancer, heart disease, and women’s health.

Kaiser Permanente Olympia Medical Center: Part of the Kaiser Permanente network, this facility provides primary care, specialty services, and outpatient procedures.

Sea Mar Community Health Centers: A community health center offering comprehensive medical, dental, and behavioral health services, with a focus on serving underserved populations.

Intercity Transit: The local bus system operates routes throughout Lacey, connecting to nearby cities such as Olympia and Tumwater, as well as regional transit hubs.

Amtrak: The Amtrak Cascades line provides rail service from the Lacey Transit Center to destinations throughout the Pacific Northwest, including Seattle, Portland, and Vancouver, B.C.

Rideshare Services: Rideshare options like Uber and Lyft are available for convenient, on-demand transportation within Lacey and the surrounding areas.

Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge: A premier destination for wildlife observation, featuring over 3,000 acres of tidal mudflats, freshwater marshes, and grasslands, ideal for bird watching, hiking, and photography.

Lacey Maker Space: A creative hub offering a community workshop and educational space with classes, tools, and resources for crafts like woodworking and 3D printing.

Lacey Museum: This museum presents the city’s history through engaging exhibits and artifacts housed in the historic Russell House.

WET Science Center: An educational center focused on water education, offering interactive exhibits and activities related to water conservation and treatment.

Olympic Flight Museum: An aviation museum located at the Olympia Airport, showcasing a collection of vintage aircraft and offering educational programs and events.

Lacey Spring Fun Fair: An annual event featuring carnival rides, games, food vendors, and live entertainment.

Lacey Ethnic Celebration: A multicultural festival celebrating the diversity of the Lacey community through music, dance, food, and more.

Lacey Fireworks Spectacular: This event is a community favorite, celebrating Independence Day with a stunning fireworks display, food vendors, and live entertainment.

Lacey in Tune Concert Series: A summer concert series featuring a diverse range of musical acts and performances.

Lacey Harvest Festival: A celebration of the autumn season, featuring a farmers’ market, pumpkin patch, carnival rides, and live music.

Overall Crime Rate: The total crime rate in Lacey is reported as 3,660.6 incidents per 100,000 people, which is higher than the national average.

Violent Crime: The violent crime rate in Lacey is approximately 2.07 incidents per 1,000 residents, which is lower than the national median of 4 incidents per 1,000 residents.

Property Crime: The property crime rate in Lacey is about 32.42 incidents per 1,000 residents, which is higher than the national average.

Law Enforcement: The Lacey Police Department is dedicated to maintaining public safety and can be contacted at 911 for emergencies. For non-emergencies, the department can be reached at (360) 459-4333.

Electricity: Puget Sound Energy (PSE) is the primary electricity provider. To start or transfer service, call (888) 225-5773 or visit the PSE website.

Natural Gas: Cascade Natural Gas offers natural gas services in Lacey. To set up service, call (888) 522-1130 or visit the Cascade Natural Gas website.

Internet and Cable: Major providers in Lacey include Xfinity and CenturyLink. For current packages and services, you can contact them directly or visit their websites. Wave Broadband is also a provider, but it may be beneficial to check for the most current services and providers in the area as these can change.

Waste Disposal: LeMay Pacific Disposal, a division of Waste Connections, provides waste management and recycling services in Lacey. You can set up service by calling (360) 923-0111 or visiting the LeMay Pacific Disposal website.

Community Centers

Lacey Community Center: A multi-purpose facility hosting various events, classes, and recreational activities for all ages, including a swimming pool and fitness center.

Virgil Clarkson Lacey Senior Center: Offering a variety of programs and services tailored to the needs of older adults, including social activities, health and wellness classes, and resources for caregivers.

Libraries

Lacey Timberland Library: Part of the Timberland Regional Library system, this branch provides access to books, digital resources, and community programs.

Parks and Recreation

Lacey Regional Athletic Complex: Regarded as one of the finest outdoor sporting venues in the state, this complex boasts spectacular views of Mt. Rainier and features premium synthetic field turf for soccer, baseball, and fastpitch. It includes picnic areas, playgrounds, concession stands, and trails, making it a hub for sports and family activities.

Woodland Creek Community Park: Spanning 72 acres, this park is a community treasure with covered picnic shelters, barbecue grills, play equipment, and paved walkways. Longs Pond is at the heart of the park, offering year-round fishing for youth. It’s also home to the Lacey Community Center, the Lacey Senior Center, and a disc golf course.

Point Defiance Park: A 760-acre urban oasis in Tacoma, Point Defiance Park offers an array of attractions including hiking trails, gardens, a zoo, and an aquarium. It’s a sanctuary for nature lovers and families looking for an outdoor escape.

Wright Park: Known for its arboretum and botanical conservatory, Wright Park is a great spot for a peaceful stroll or a family picnic.

Titlow Park: This park offers beach access, trails, and a playground, making it ideal for various recreational activities and dining at the nearby family restaurant.

Chinese Reconciliation Park: A park that combines history with scenic views, offering a waterfront sit or picnic area and a chance to learn about the history of Chinese immigrants in Tacoma.