Elk Plain offers homebuyers seclusion and privacy among the towering firs of the Pacific Northwest. Residents enjoy Elk Plain's proximity to major roadways that transport them to Tacoma and Seattle. The shopping and dining options are slim compared to more populated suburbs, but homeowners can access big-box retailers and local restaurants. Many locals golf in their free time. “The military base, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, is not far from that area. I’d say most homebuyers are military personnel,” says Realtor Jody Clifford, who sells homes in the area for RE/MAX Country.
Elk Plain children enjoy playing in quiet cul-de-sacs with other neighborhood kids.
Elk Plain is a spread out neighborhood with most residences tucked away amongst plentiful trees.
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Single-family homes on spacious lots
Homebuyers appreciate Elk Plain because they can buy more for less than in Tacoma and its immediate suburbs. A two-bedroom 1970s mobile home on a quarter-acre lot sells for $180,000. Three-bedroom 1970s ranch-style houses are generally listed for between $410,000 and $600,000. A lot of homebuyers are drawn to the area for its privacy. A three-bedroom 1970s split-level home on a 2 ½ acre lot sells for $575,000. A newly built three-bedroom contemporary-style home overlooking the local golf course is listed for $730,000.
The residences within Elk Plain range from those built in the 1990s to the present day.
Elk Plain is a mostly residential enclave with a diverse selection of homes.
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The educational pathway
Many of the area’s children attend Shining Mountain Elementary School, which has a C-plus Niche rating and a 15-to-1 student-teacher ratio. Students at Bethel Middle School have a 35% proficiency in math and a 52% proficiency in reading. The school has a C Niche rating. Most teens move on to Bethel High School, which has a C-plus Niche rating and a 92% graduation rate. Many high school students participate in the Cambridge Assessment International Program, a rigorous college prep curriculum track that allows students to earn the Advanced International Certificate of Education Diploma.
Shining Mountain Elementary School prioritizes Elk Ridge student safety at its drop off area.
Shining Mountain Elementary School school students enjoy recess on a colorful playground.
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Recreation in Elk Plain
The Classic Golf Club is the area’s primary recreational feature. The course plays up to 6,700 yards, with natural ponds and rolling hills. It’s also the home course of PGA Tour pro Ryan Moore. The club has a grill where members meet up to chow down on burgers and drink craft beer. Locals visit Reeds Sweet Wine, a winery about 2 miles north of the golf club. The tasting room opens on Sundays, so visitors can try a wide range of flavors, including blueberry bubblegum, cinnamon apricot and sugar plum. Reeds offers delivery and local pickup. Seven Sundays a year, the 90-acre Morse Wildlife Preserve opens up to members of the public who hike its trails. Wilderness adventurers drive about 40 miles southeast to climb Mount Ranier.
Players at The Classic Golf Club enjoy a pristine green and challenging courses.
After golf, relax at Reeds Sweet Wine in Elk Plain, a winery with outstanding offerings.
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Local restaurants and big-box retail
Folks buy hand-me-downs and used lumber at Mountain General Thrift, just off Washington State Route 7. On the same road, The Gallery is a popular recreational marijuana dispensary. For grocery needs, there is a Fred Meyer superstore along the western border of Elk Plain within the Bethel Station shopping center. The shopping center also houses Café Elite coffee shop and Tonala Mexican Restaurant. Residents drive about 4 miles northeast of Elk Plain to watch their food be prepared right in front of them at Samurai's Japanese Steakhouse.
The Fred Meyer in Elk Plain is where residents can go for all of their grocery shopping needs.
The Hideaway Sports Pub & Eatery is a friendly place for folks to have a drink in Elk Plain.
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Entertainment options in cities near Elk Plain
“There isn’t much entertainment in Elk Plain. People drive to Tacoma or Seattle for entertainment,” says Realtor Angela Angell, who sells homes in the area for Coldwell Banker Bain. Folks travel about 12 miles southwest via State Route 507 to spectate western-style competitions at Roy Pioneer Rodeo. Tacoma has multiple movie theaters, including Regal Longston Place. Some locals make the trip to visit Tacoma Comedy Club, which hosts famous comedians like Funny Marco and Joe List. Locals drive to the Emerald City to watch professional sports teams like the Seattle Mariners and the Seattle Seahawks.
See a movie at Regal Longston Place which is just 10 miles up the road from Elk Plain.
The Tacoma Comedy Club, about 30 minutes from Elk Plain, is a hilarious place to catch a show.
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Transportation to major cities
Locals rely on cars because homes and businesses in Elk Plain are generally spread out. People travel 15 miles north to Tacoma via State Route 7. The highway also takes folks about 48 miles to Seattle. “Along Highway 7, there are some public bus stops that help people get around Pierce County,” Angell says. The nearest bus stop along State Route 7 is about 2 miles northeast of Elk Plain’s western border. People go to Multicare Tacoma General Hospital when emergencies happen.
Highway 7 runs along the western edge of Elk Plain and is the primary road in and out of town.
Up a ways from Elk Plain on Highway 7 are some bus stops near Walmart for bus takers to catch.
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