Driving Tour of Jubilee and Ovation at Oak Tree | Two 55+ neighborhoods in Lacey, WA

We are going on a field trip today to check out two 55+ neighborhoods in Lacey, WA! Be sure to watch the video listed at the bottom of this post.

If you are aged 55 and over and are looking specifically for 55+ neighborhoods, Olympia has many options for you – from single family homes, manufactured homes in parks, co-ops, and apartments for rent.

Today, I’m touring the neighborhoods of Jubilee and Ovation at Oak Tree.

Where is Jubilee?

The Jubilee neighborhood is located in north Lacey, in the Hawks Prairie area. The closest I-5 exit is Exit 111.

Recently this exit was revamped to be a diamond pattern to improve traffic flow as this is a busy area and move development will be coming in so this is a good upgrade.

At Exit 111, this is where you’ll find Safeway, the closest grocery store, Home Depot, Costco, other retailers, and lots of restaurants.

What Kind of Houses can I Find at Jubilee?

Jubilee is a large neighborhood that started building in 2004. These are rambler or single-story plans with a few 2-story plans ranging in size from about 1,100 square feet to 3,000 square feet.

Lot sizes are about 4,000 SF to 16,000.

The HOA maintains the front yards and most backyards are very low maintenance yards with no grass but have decorative rock, extended decks and patios, and most are fully fenced.

How Much do Homes Cost in Jubilee?

Home prices vary because these homes vary in upgrades, finishes, and views, but buyers can find the right home to fit their budget.

In 2022, there were 88 home sales with the median sales price of $615,000. Home prices here are higher in Jubilee than Thurston County’s median home price but this is a unique neighborhood with lots of amenities. Last year, sold prices ranged from $412,000 to $965,000.

What Can I do in Jubilee?

There are two golf courses here and some homes have beautiful fairway views.

HOA dues are currently $257/month and include front yard maintenance, common areas, and many amenities at the Lodge.

The Lodge is impressive! This is where you’ll meet to take part in 80 active clubs and groups, and participate in different fitness options from classes to an indoor swimming pool to tennis and pickleball courts. There are sidewalks throughout, bike lanes, trails, and access to Jubilee’s beachfront.

Buyers pay a one-time capital contribution fee of $1,350 at the time of closing.

The Pros and Cons of Living in Jubilee

There are many things that I like about Jubilee. The homes are well-built and have tall ceilings and open floor plans with lots of natural light. The landscaping is smartly designed and attractive.

Besides all the activities, you can choose to be as involved or not involved as you’d like. I’ve sold several homes to single people who were not from the area and they liked the idea of Jubilee’s built-in social network. It’s easy to meet new people.

A downside I would give Jubilee is that it is tucked away in north Lacey. The nearest grocery store is about 10-15 minutes away and you have to navigate the roundabouts and the I-5 diamond. That area is congested and there are a lot of semi-trucks who are accessing the freeway and the warehouses. But otherwise, Jubilee is a peaceful, well-maintained neighborhood surrounded by picturesque natural beauty.

Where is Ovation at Oak Tree?

Ovation at Oak Tree is located south of Jubilee and south of I-5 off of Marvin Road.

What Kind of Houses can I Find at Ovation?

This is a smaller community than Jubilee and is a newer 55+ community with the first homes completed in 2017 and they are still building new homes. They too feature single-story homes ranging in size from about 1,432 square feet up to 2,300 square feet with lot sizes from about 4,700 square feet up to over 12,000 square feet. Most lots are in the 5,000 SF range.

How Much do Homes Cost in Ovation?

In 2022, there were 16 home sales and like Jubilee, had a median sales price of $615,000. Last year, sold prices ranged from $499,000 to $779,524.

For their new construction, they offer 4 home plans ranging in size from 1,634 square feet to 2,190 square feet. These homes are beautifully designed and finished. You can also choose upgrades to make your home even more luxurious.

The homes at Ovation at Oak Tree are beautiful and if you are looking for new construction in a 55+ neighborhood, this is it. The homes are built by Taylor Morrison. New construction prices will vary depending upon upgrades buyers make but most are selling in the mid $500,000 to the mid $600,000 range.

What Can I do in Ovation?

The HOA fee is currently $232/month. This includes two clubhouses which have meeting rooms, entertainment kitchen, fitness studio with locker rooms and saunas, covered patio with a large outdoor kitchen, a heating indoor pool and spa, and outdoor sports courts. There are also over 40 acres of preserved green space with trails and benches. Buyers pay a one-time capital contribution fee of $4,800 at the time of closing.

This smaller neighborhood does not have a golf course like Jubilee but Thurston County has many public golf courses. Ovation at Oak Tree also does not have beach access.

The Pros and Cons of Living in Ovation

What I like about Ovation at Oak Tree are the new homes are impressive and are relatively affordable compared to Jubilee. Although Jubilee has more amenities, Ovation also has clubs and meeting spaces where people can gather and cultivate new friendships.

What I don’t necessarily like is the fact that a busy rail line runs the southern border of the neighborhood. There are homes that back up to the rail line but when you are just a street north of the line, the railroad noise lessens. When I was there at the model home, walking outside, I could barely hear the train.

VIDEO: Driving Tour of Jubilee and Ovation at Oak Tree