Top Neighborhoods Around JBLM (July 2020)

When we help our clients with their PCS moves to the Joint Base Lewis-McCord area, they ask us one thing. What neighborhoods do we recommend? So let’s chat about our 3 favorite neighborhoods near JBLM. Whether you’re looking for good schools, great shopping, access to fun things to do, there’s something for everyone. 

All of these neighborhoods are located between Portland and Seattle on the I-5 corridor so you have access to so many opportunities each city has to offer. You’ll also be close to quintessential Pacific Northwestern travel destinations like the Cascades, the Olympic Mountains, Puget Sound, and Mt. Rainier. 

Lacey 

Why we like it: 

• Affordability

• Mostly military families

• Great shopping

• Good school districts 

• Newer homes and parks

Located in Thurston County, Lacey is very family-friendly with great food, shopping, and lots of activities for the kids. Money Magazine named it as one of The Top 100 Places to Live in the USA. There are lots of established neighborhoods, some new construction, all within close proximity of all it has to offer.  

A quaint suburban area, it comes with the fun of a big city but maintains a smalltown feel. Residents enjoy access to several state parks, the Olympic National Forest, and no more than a day’s drive to the stunning Washington coast.

Check out listings in this neighborhood here: https://www.jblmhomefinder.com/lacey

Spanaway: 

Pros & cons: 

• Affordability - more house for your money

• Homes with decent-sized lots

• Limited shopping and restaurants

• Major golf course and skating rink within the community

In Pierce County, Spanaway is considered a suburb of Tacoma with a rural, urban feel. Affordable home prices and big lots make it a great place for families. Newer housing developments offer great housing options along with established neighborhoods.  

Shopping is limited, but you’ll be close to lots of great shopping options, restaurants, coffee shops within 35 miles of Seattle. It’s considered a best-kept secret by locals with easy access to city amenities but a quiet, relaxing, community feel.

Check out listings in this neighborhood here: https://www.jblmhomefinder.com/spanaway

Puyallup: 

Our thoughts: 

• Newly constructed homes

• Great master-planned community options

• Great shopping and restaurants options

• Top schools for the area

An established community, Puyallup is located 10 miles southeast of Tacoma and offers the same quick access to the great Pacific Northwestern outdoors with a suburban feel. There are lots of great restaurants, coffee shops and the schools are some of the top-rated in the state. 

Local residents appreciate the distance from Seattle and Tacoma because they have access to everything the bigger cities have to offer but enjoy a quieter more urban feel. With affordable home prices on everything from townhouses, established homes and new construction, Puyallup offers great housing options for new residents. 

Check out listings in this neighborhood here: https://www.jblmhomefinder.com/puyallup

If you have any questions regarding these top neighborhoods or any others we would suggest, please reach out to us - 253.905.9882. We are happy to help you identify the best neighborhood for your individual family needs!