Lacey’s Meridian Campus Is a Launching Point for Recreation, Shopping and Dining in Thurston County and Beyond – ThurstonTalk

A hidden gem nestled just off the I-5 corridor, Lacey’s Meridian Campus neighborhood showcases gorgeous Pacific Northwest landscapes and is home to numerous golf courses, pickleball courts and waterfront parks. A major draw of the Meridian Campus neighborhood is the ample green spaces that invite a more serene suburban atmosphere, while also being a brief walk or drive from local schools, recreation and commerce. Potential residents will find opportunities to both rent and purchase, with proximity to popular landmarks and common employers across Pierce and Thurston counties.

Olympic Sotheby’s Real Estate Expert Says Lacey’s Meridian Campus Is Ideal for Families

According to Megan Zahringer, real estate broker for Olympic Sotheby’s International Realty, those interested in living near Meridian Campus can find both single-family homes as well as a rising number of townhomes and apartment units that have been constructed in recent years. Zahringer adds that Meridian Campus is an ideal neighborhood for families, including military families. Joint Base Lewis McChord is about a 15- to 20-minute drive from many neighborhoods near Meridian Campus.

Potential residents of Meridian Campus may want to begin their home-hunting near Meridian Road, Campus Glen Drive or Willamette Drive in Lacey, areas that feature many three and four-bedroom homes with larger square footage. Campus Estates is also a prominent community in this area, offering choice home designs and fresh constructions. Newer apartment communities include Karlo Apartments and The Tilden.

Senior-oriented housing is also featured near Meridian Campus, including Jubilee at Hawks Prairie, which is home to residences for 55+, including opportunities to connect with friends and neighbors through special events, social clubs and other unique fixtures, like the Jubilee Lodge.

Outdoor Recreation Awaits When Living Near Lacey’s Meridian Campus

The Golf Club at Hawks Prairie is at the heart of many residential communities encompassing the Meridian Campus, with golf courses weaving around many of the area’s homes and yards. Zahringer says it is commonplace for residents to see golf carts roaming the neighborhood as golfers make their way to the next hole.

The Golf Club at Hawks Prairie is unique to the area, hosting The Links and The Woodlands, a set of two public golf courses, each offering diverse surroundings and a one-of-a-kind golf experience. The Woodlands lives up to its name, presenting 18 holes under a canopy of aged evergreen forest. With a broader landscape across its 18 holes, The Links showcases clear vistas of Mount Rainier and Puget Sound. The golf club is also home to Talon Grill, which overlooks The Links golf course, with breakfast options like the bacon and potato breakfast burrito or the classic pulled pork sandwich for lunch.

Pickleball has become a local favorite for those looking to stay active and have fun, and there is plenty of opportunity to catch a game with family and friends near Meridian Campus. 23 Kitchens on Lacey’s Marvin Road is a one stop shop for eats and entertainment, including a restaurant, rooftop bar, live performances, as well as 11 pickleball courts. Pickleball courts are reservable and guests can choose an indoor or outdoor court. 23 Kitchens also hosts special events, including seasonal pickleball tournaments, block parties and bingo nights.

According to Zahringer, Meridian Neighborhood Park is a valued resource for many residents and families who live near Meridian Campus. The park sits on over 25 acres and includes an expansive playground with a swing set, partial basketball court, barbecue grills and a reservable picnic shelter. Meridian Neighborhood Park is also home to a trailhead for the William Ives Trail, which measures one and a half miles in length and features lush green surroundings, eventually leading walkers near The Woodlands golf course.

Those looking for a waterfront retreat can find an emerald paradise at Tolmie State Park. The park is teeming with outdoor recreation, including saltwater beach that sprawls for 1,800 feet, forest trails, and an underwater park that is perfect for scuba diving adventures. On warmer days of the year, park visitors can take a dip in the Puget Sound or set out on the water through paddleboard or kayak. Visitors hoping to spend a full day at the park may also enjoy looking out for local bird species, fishing or building a bonfire in one of the park’s fire pits.

To reconnect with nature and learn more about prominent flora and fauna of the Pacific Northwest, the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is brimming with diverse species, local history and stunning vistas. Prominent pathways like the Nisqually Estuary Trail, Twin Barns Loop Trail and Riparian Forest Trail showcase the landscape of the Nisqually River Delta, and allow visitors to look out for hundreds of species of wildlife that inhabit the refuge, a delight for nature photography enthusiasts and family strolls. A standout feature for many refuge visitors is the mile-long Nisqually Estuary Boardwalk that extends across the marsh and other waterways, highlighting clear coastal vistas.

Lacey’s Meridian Campus Is Centrally Located, With Nearby Shopping and Dining at Hawks Prairie

Meridian Campus also has nearby access to the local shopping centers and commerce available in Hawks Prairie, including grocery stores and superstores like Costco, Home Depot, Walmart and Safeway. Also close to Meridian Campus are shops and restaurants in Britton Plaza, including The Port Taco Truck and Bar, MiSo and Meconi’s Italian Subs.

Other nearby cafes and bakeries include Taylor Ray’s Cafe, which crafts a range of espresso drinks, breakfast and lunch options, including a seasonal drink menu. Miss Moffett’s Mystical Cupcakes is a go-to spot for gluten-free and peanut-free baked goods, offering a rotating display of cupcakes, cakes and other sweet treats, including vegan and keto-friendly options.

To learn more about real estate options available near Meridian Campus in Lacey, visit the Olympic Sotheby’s International Realty website.

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