If you’re considering moving to Fort Lewis, this article is designed to be a helpful guide to choosing your next home. Fort Lewis, officially known as Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), offers a variety of housing options that cater to different needs, budgets, and lifestyles.
With many quality neighborhoods to choose from, knowing where to begin your search can take time and effort. In this guide, we will provide you with a comprehensive list of Washington homes for sale in and around Fort Lewis.
An Overview of Fort Lewis
Fort Lewis, or Joint Base Lewis-McChord, is a major military installation in Washington state, less than an hour south of Seattle, and 20 minutes away from Tacoma. Joint Base Lewis-McChord is also home to McChord Field It plays a critical role in America’s defense strategy, hosting numerous essential positions and providing valuable services to active military personnel and their families.
One of the key components of the base is the provision of suitable housing options designed to ensure the comfort and security of military families. Ranging from campus housing for unaccompanied personnel to diverse family off-base housing communities, JBLM offers a wide variety of residences to suit every personal need and preference.
One of the top providers of military housing in Fort Lewis is Liberty Military Housing community. It offers living spaces across more than 200 communities located on or near military installations in 10 states, including Washington.
Best Neighborhoods in Fort Lewis
Lakewood: A Home for Heroes
Lakewood is a bustling city in Pierce County and holds a unique place in the heart of those stationed at JBLM. Known for its strong connection to the military community, Lakewood is a proud base supporter, offering access to housing with special discounts and services to active military members and their families.
The local vendors and businesses understand the sacrifice and dedication it takes to serve the country and show appreciation through various programs and initiatives.
Beyond the discounts, Lakewood’s commitment to honoring its veterans is remarkable. The city regularly hosts free or low-cost events for military families, ensuring they feel valued and appreciated. Additionally, veterans and their families can access personalized services to aid their transition into the private sector, further cementing Lakewood’s reputation as a home for heroes.
Lakewood is more than just a city near a military base. It’s a community that celebrates its military heritage and goes the extra mile to ensure its veterans and their families feel at home. It’s a city that values personal dignity and provides an inclusive environment for all its residents.
Choosing a place to live goes beyond just finding adequate housing; it’s about finding a community that understands and appreciates your service. Lakewood is one such community; the sense of appreciation and gratitude here is tangible. Military families can rest assured that they will find more than just a house in Lakewood – they will find a home.
DuPont: A Historic Charm
Nestled against Puget Sound’s shores, DuPont’s city stands as a testament to Washington’s rich history. Originally established as a trading post in 1832 by the Hudson’s Bay Company, DuPont’s rich past can be traced back to its acquisition by the DuPont family, who gave the town its name.
Despite the significant growth and development, DuPont has maintained its small-town vibe and close-knit community atmosphere.
DuPont is particularly appealing to military families, retirees, and civilian professionals due to its proximity to JBLM and numerous prominent businesses, including tech giant Intel, e-commerce leader Amazon, and insurance company State Farm.
As a result, the city offers many employment and career growth opportunities, making it an attractive location for those seeking both personal and professional development.
Tacoma: The Vibrant Waterfront City
Tacoma is a vibrant waterfront community that offers a range of top-quality services and activities. With its historical significance and reputation as the “City of Destiny,” Tacoma brings a unique mix of cultural richness and natural beauty.
With a population size often vying with Spokane for the title of Washington’s second-largest city after Seattle, Tacoma certainly is full of amenities as well as family housing units for those in search of housing off base.
The city teems with diverse cultural attractions, including world-class museums, a thriving arts scene, and various dining and shopping options. Recreational opportunities abound, with numerous parks, walking trails, and water sports available for residents. All these make Tacoma an attractive option for military families seeking an engaging and vibrant community.
Key Takeaways
Finding the right place to call home is vital, particularly for military personnel and their families. Each neighborhood brings unique advantages—Lakewood’s deep appreciation for the military, DuPont’s small-town charm coupled with ample employment opportunities, and Tacoma’s vibrant waterfront community filled with diverse amenities and cultural attractions.
As you consider relocating to Fort Lewis, take the time to explore these neighborhoods further to find the one that best fits your needs and lifestyle. Choosing a neighborhood is just the beginning. To find the perfect home within that community, you’ll need the assistance of a trusted real estate agent.
At eXp Realty, our local real estate agents are ready to help you navigate the home-buying process, ensuring you find a home that meets your family’s needs. With an array of properties to choose from and personalized alerts for new listings, you’ll be well-equipped to search for your new home with ease. Start your journey to finding your perfect home today!
FAQs: Fort Lewis Housing
These are the most frequently asked questions regarding the best neighborhoods in Fort Lewis:
Where to live when stationed at Fort Lewis?
When stationed at Fort Lewis, you can choose to live on the base in military housing or off-base in nearby communities. Some popular off-base neighborhoods include Lakewood, DuPont, and Tacoma, all of which offer different attractions and amenities.
How to apply for on-base housing at JBLM?
You can check out all the family housing requirements and apply for on-base housing at Joint Base Lewis-McChord through the Housing Services Office. You’ll need to submit an application along with your orders, and the office will guide you through the rest of the process.
What is the wait time for JBLM housing?
The wait time for JBLM housing varies depending on rank, family size, and the type of housing requested. It can range from immediate availability to several months. It’s best to contact the Housing Services Office for the most current wait times.
Does JBLM have on-base housing?
Yes, JBLM does have on-base housing. This includes family housing communities, unaccompanied personnel housing, and dormitory spaces. These housing options cater to different needs and offer various amenities. You can obtain relocation assistance at the official website of JBLM.
Is Fort Lewis a good place to be stationed?
Yes, many service members find Fort Lewis to be a desirable station due to its modern amenities, proximity to major cities like Seattle or Tacoma, and access to outdoor recreational activities. The local communities are also very supportive of the military, making it a welcoming environment.
Does JBLM deploy?
Yes, units stationed at JBLM do deploy, often at McChord Field. The frequency and duration of deployments vary depending on the specific unit and ongoing military operations.
Can a civilian live in base housing?
Generally, base housing is intended for military personnel. However, in certain circumstances, civilians, such as DoD employees or military retirees, may be eligible for base housing.
Who gets stationed at JBLM?
A wide variety of units from all branches of the military are stationed at JBLM, including the Army’s I Corps, the 62nd Airlift Wing of the Air Force, and many others. Both enlisted personnel and officers can be stationed at JBLM.
