JBLM Relocation Guide
Moving to JBLM and surrounding areas (Western Washington) opens up a world of fantastic possibilities for you and your loved ones. One of the largest cities surrounding JBLM in Tacoma, also known as the City of Destiny. With some of the best outdoor activities in the country, amazing natural spaces, a unique history, great schools, and beautiful evergreens, you’ll be glad that you were relocated to this wonderful area. Time after time Western Washington makes numerous top ten lists for one thing or the other. Whether it’s the best city to live in, the most active city in America, the best city to work, live, and play in, the cleanest city, the best value for money city, next tech area, such as Silicon Valley or the best city for Defense Jobs, we think you get the point that there are not many cities that can compete with all that JBLM and surrounding areas has to offer its residents!This JBLM and Surrounding areas guide will help you to understand a bit about the surrounding area, city facts, the military installations in the area, and some of the best communities in the city to live in. Let’s take a closer look at some of the general reasons why so many people love this area so darn much:
Climate & History
WESTERN WASHINGTON QUICK STATS
- Western WA consist of many large cities.
- Western WA is home of several major Fortune 500 companies, such as Amazon, Costco, Nordstroms, etc.
- We have several world famous waterfalls to hike and view.
- We are within driving distance of several beautiful mountains
- Western Washington has a vital resource center for the Defense industry.
CLIMATE & GEOGRAPHY
One of the best things about relocating to Western Washington is the amazing Summers! With lakes and spectacular views of Mount Rainier, plenty of interesting geological formations, and mildly cold winters, you have a great formula for the perfect climate. Here are a few facts about the weather in this simply lovely city:
- Climate: Mild, humid, summer days
- Average Yearly Precipitation: 38.15″
- Average Yearly Snowfall: 5-10”
- Average Humidity: 76%
- Average Yearly Days of Sunshine: 300+
Things To Do
OUTDOOR RECREATION
With 3 National parks, Washington State, has plenty to offer in relation to its outdoor recreation. Whether you are interested in hiking to visit beautiful waterfalls, whale-watching, or mountain and road cycling, you’ll be spoiled for choice in this gorgeous part of the country. The natural beauty will simply take your breathe away from the moment you relocate to this city. Take the time to explore all the trails and parkways throughout the city and surrounding area. Here’s just a small sample of the more well known trails in and around Western Washington:
- Cape Flattery
- Mount Storm King
- LaPush Second Beach
- Lake Wenatchee Trail
- Scenic Hot Springs
- Colchuck Lake
SHOPPING IN WESTERN WASHINGTON
Not only does this city have fantastic outdoor activities but it also has some of the best shopping complexes around! Some of the more popular shopping malls include the following:
- University Village
- Tacoma Mall
- Bellevue Square
- Westfield Southcenter
- Westlake Center
Schools & Universities
world-class facilities, quality education
KINDERGARTEN TO GRADE 12 SCHOOL DISTRICTS
- Puyallup School District
- Tacoma School District
- Clover Park School District
- Franklin Pierce School District
- Peninsula School District
- Dieringer School District
- Sumner School District
- Yelm School District
- Olympia School District
- Tumwater School District
- North Thurston Public School
COLLEGES IN WASHINGTON STATE
- Washington State University
- University of Washington
- Gonzaga University
- Central Washington University
- Seattle University
- Seattle Pacific University
- Pacific Lutheran University
- University of Puget Sound
Washington State Military Installations
live and thrive just minutes from the base
Washington State has ten military installations in and around the city, some of which are training bases and/or combined bases. When you know you are pcsing to Washington State it’s important to know what communities are close to the base and what the community can offer you and your family. The stress of relocating does not have to include the stress of finding the perfect home. We at JBLM Home Finder have helped so many military families find a home that is close to their base, in a community with good schools, and with a selection of homes that fit their family’s needs. Below is a description of where each of these bases are located and some of the potential communities that you may soon be calling home:
Joint Base Lewis McChord
Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM) is located directly south of Tacoma. This central location offers home buyers a variety of neighborhoods to choose from. Whether you want the historic charm of Tacoma city life, a newly constructed property in Puyallup or Lacey, or a more affordable home in Yelm, you’ll have a good variety of neighborhoods to choose from that are within close proximity to the base.
Camp Murray Army Base
Also, located directly south of Tacoma and right outside of JBLM, all conveniences of the larger base JBLM, will work for those stationed at Camp Murray. Rather you are looking for affordability of Yelm or the new construction and larger homes offered in Puyallup and/or Lacey.
Navy Base Kitsap
Navy Base Kitsap is located on the Kitsap peninsula. The closest communities for you to live in are Bremerton and Silverdale. Keep in mind there are many other areas in Kitsap that will be suited to your families housing needs. Please ensure you speak with one of our JBLM Home Finder experts to help you explore all the options in the area.
Washington Neighborhood Guide
find the neighborhoods closest to the bases
When you’re thinking of moving to Washington it’s important for you to get an understanding of the different communities throughout the area. Whether you are looking for a starter family home, a larger property to house your growing family, or a more luxurious house with all the modern updates one could possibly dream of, the communities in Washington are sure to have just what your family needs. If you have any questions about these communities or other neighborhoods you have heard about, then be sure to contact our team of experts! Let’s take a closer look at some of the more well-known neighborhoods in the area:
TACOMA
Tacoma has some wonderful historic buildings, trendy condos, and idyllic homes bursting with character from the late 1800s and early 1900s. Home buyers are attracted to the charm of the area and the ability to walk to just about every amenity available in the downtown core. Shops, restaurants, lounges, bars, museums, and theaters are all within a short walking distance of many of the homes in the beautiful downtown core.
The Historic Old North End is a big attraction for visitors and home buyers alike. The property in this part of downtown includes affordable character homes as well as stunning Victorian mansions close to the million dollar mark. This neighborhood boast gorgeous tree-lined streets that guide you through this truly outstanding part of the city.
TACOMA HOMES ARE CLOSE TO THE FOLLOWING MILITARY BASES
- Joint Base Lewis McChord
PUYALLUP
Real Estate is Puyallup has continued to grow with a variety of home choices including, new construction, historic homes, bungalows and more. The price point ranges from mid-level to higher end homes depending on the neighborhood and the views. This community is truly a community of mix options that can fit everyone’s needs. Many of the roads in this area have old-fashioned street lanterns to guide you throughout this beautiful area. You’ll also find many artisan shops and restaurants to add to the charm of this
PUYALLUP HOMES ARE CLOSE TO THE FOLLOWING MILITARY BASES
- Joint Base Lewis McChord
YELM
Yelm homes that are for sale are ideal single-family residences as many of the properties are located on decent sized lots, perfect for kids to play in the safety of their home. With a few community parks and community events this little town is perfect for every demographic. Not only do the homes have sprawling floor plans, they tend to have large fenced yards, large rooms and 5 piece master bathrooms.
YELM HOMES ARE CLOSE TO THE FOLLOWING MILITARY BASES
- Joint Base Lewis McChord
GRAHAM
Graham homes that are for sale are ideal single-family residences as many of the properties are located on decent sized lots, perfect for kids to play in the safety of their home. With gated communities and private streets, many find the safety of Graham unbeatable. Ideal for those who enjoy a lifestyle distinct from the hustle and bustle of city life, Tacoma is about 45 minutes away and a trip to Seattle can run about an hour and a half from this picturesque town.
GRAHAM HOMES ARE CLOSE TO THE FOLLOWING MILITARY BASES
- Joint Base Lewis McChord
GIG HARBOR
Homes in Gig Harbor range in age, but a lot are relatively new. The homes vary in style too, as you will find a lot of custom built homes on that side of the bridge, some with water views, some with large plots of land and some that are tract homes in a community. Construction in the area has grown over the years and continued grow today, where you’ll find a number of new construction homes added to the market in various areas throughout Gig Harbor. With the growth in commercial space including new restaurants and shopping malls, such as In Town, you’ll be sure to find plenty to keep you busy and full.
GIG HARBOR HOMES ARE CLOSE TO THE FOLLOWING MILITARY BASES
- Joint Base Lewis McChord
LACEY
Homes in Lacey vary in price, offering a great selection of simple starter homes, larger homes and attached condo style homes. Lacey is made up of a number of designer subdivisions, each offering a quiet and safe suburban atmosphere, lots of cul-de-sacs, and sidewalks on each side of the road. Families will enjoy many of the master-planned communities’ private parks, bike paths, and green-spaces.
LACEY HOMES ARE CLOSE TO THE FOLLOWING MILITARY BASES
- Joint Base Lewis McChord
TEHALEH – BONNEY LAKE
New master-planned communities are being constructed as the community continues to grow. With great amenities such as schools, shopping, and dining just minutes away in the town center of Bonney Lake, you’ll have the country lifestyle within minutes of modern amenities.
Tehaleh residents have been lucky enough to find that their community has everything you’d possibly need without even leaving. From gathering spots, such as Summits Lodge, Q Cafe’ for a cup of Joe while basking in the beauty that Tehaleh offers or take advantage of their 20+ mile trails that can be found throughout the community. Not to mention, multiple parks that are nestled within the community, including skate parks, sports courts and soccer fields.
The contemporary home is common in this area, with about 3,000 square feet of living space. The yards have minimal landscaping allowing for you to enjoy time in your home. With expansive views of the mountains, these properties are a must if you are looking for a newer home in a fabulous community.
TEHALEH ARE CLOSE TO THE FOLLOWING MILITARY BASES
- Joint Base Lewis McChord
UNIVERSITY PLACE
University Place homes for sale are ideal single-family residences as many of the properties are located on generous lots, perfect for kids to play in the safety of their home. Patios with fireplaces, pools, and beautifully manicured gardens certainly add to the curb appeal of University Place real estate. Not only are lots on the larger side, so are the wide-open floor plans, boasting vaulted ceilings, massive windows, and two-to-four-door garages. These types of homes are the kind of homes your family will dearly enjoy growing into for many years to come.
Homes in University Place vary in price, offering a great selection of simple starter homes, spacious luxury estates, and everything in between, including duplex style attached units. University Place is made up of a number of designer subdivisions, each offering a quiet and safe suburban atmosphere, lots of cul-de-sacs, and sidewalks on each side of the road. Families will enjoy many of the master-planned communities’ private parks, bike paths, and green-spaces.
UNIVERSITY PLACE HOMES ARE CLOSE TO THE FOLLOWING MILITARY BASES
- Joint Base Lewis McChord
