Joint Base Lewis-McChord sits between Tacoma and Olympia in the South Puget Sound region of Washington State — one of the largest military installations in the country and home to I Corps, the 2nd Infantry Division, the 62nd Airlift Wing, and dozens of tenant units across both the Army and Air Force sides of the installation. For military families PCS'ing here, the neighborhood decision is genuinely consequential — the Puget Sound traffic is real, the commute options are limited, and choosing the wrong side of the installation can add 30 to 45 minutes to your daily drive. Here's how the most popular neighborhoods actually compare.
Lakewood — Best for Lewis Main Post Families
Lakewood sits directly west of the Lewis side of JBLM and is the most popular off-post choice for families assigned to the Army side of the installation. It offers the shortest commutes to the main cantonment area and has a dense concentration of military families, rental housing, and services oriented toward the installation. Home prices in Lakewood are affordable relative to the broader Puget Sound market, and the neighborhood has a well-established military community feel. The tradeoff is that Lakewood's character is distinctly suburban and military-adjacent — it lacks the independent restaurants, outdoor access, and lifestyle amenities that draw some families to communities further afield. For families who prioritize commute above everything else, Lakewood is the most practical choice.
University Place — Best Overall Balance
University Place sits northwest of Lakewood with quick access to both JBLM gates and the Puget Sound waterfront. It offers better schools than Lakewood, more community character, and access to waterfront parks and trails that make off-duty time noticeably better. Home prices run somewhat higher than Lakewood but remain accessible for most mid-grade enlisted and officer BAH levels. University Place consistently ranks as one of the most popular choices for JBLM families who've been at the installation before and know what they're looking for — the combination of manageable commute, better lifestyle amenities, and stronger schools makes it the best overall balance in the immediate JBLM area.
DuPont — Closest to McChord Field
DuPont sits just south of JBLM adjacent to the McChord Air Force side and offers some of the shortest commutes to the flight line and Air Force facilities. It's a master-planned community with a distinct character — walkable streets, a small town center, parks, and a community design that doesn't look like standard military-adjacent suburban sprawl. Home prices are competitive and the community has a loyal following among Air Force families who've been stationed at McChord. The school district serving DuPont is Steilacoom Historical School District, which has a strong reputation for a district of its size.
Tacoma — Urban Access, Longer Commute
Tacoma proper offers urban amenities, independent restaurants, a waterfront district, museums, and a genuinely interesting city character that the suburban communities closer to JBLM don't have. The tradeoff is commute — getting from most Tacoma neighborhoods to JBLM gates during morning rush hour can add 20 to 40 minutes compared to Lakewood or University Place. For families who prioritize lifestyle and are willing to manage the commute, Tacoma's South End and neighborhoods near Proctor District deliver a meaningfully better off-duty experience. It's particularly popular with senior officers and dual-income families who have more flexibility with commute timing.
Olympia and Lacey — South of JBLM
Olympia and Lacey sit south of JBLM along I-5 and draw families who want more space, newer construction, and lower home prices than the communities north of the installation. The commute runs against the primary traffic flow — most of the congestion runs northbound toward Tacoma in the morning and southbound in the evening, so south-of-base families sometimes find the drive more manageable than distance alone suggests. Lacey in particular has seen significant residential development over the past decade with master-planned communities, strong schools in the North Thurston School District, and a growing commercial corridor that reduces the need to drive north for everyday errands.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best neighborhood near JBLM for military families?
University Place offers the best overall balance of commute, schools, lifestyle amenities, and home prices for most JBLM families. Lakewood is the closest and most affordable option for Lewis Main Post families. DuPont is the top choice for McChord Air Force side families.
How far is Lakewood from JBLM?
Lakewood sits directly adjacent to the Lewis side of JBLM with most neighborhoods within a 10 to 20 minute commute to the main cantonment area. It offers the shortest average commute of any off-post community near the installation.
What school district serves families near JBLM?
Clover Park School District serves most of Lakewood. University Place School District serves University Place. Steilacoom Historical School District serves DuPont and Steilacoom. North Thurston Public Schools serves Lacey and southern communities. School quality varies significantly by district — verify your specific address before committing.
Is it better to live north or south of JBLM?
North of the installation — Lakewood, University Place, Tacoma — offers more amenities and shorter commutes to the main Lewis cantonment. South of the installation — Lacey, Olympia — offers more space and newer construction at lower price points, with commutes that sometimes run against the primary traffic flow and can be more manageable than they appear on a map.
What is BAH at JBLM in 2026?
JBLM falls under the Tacoma-Lakewood Military Housing Area. BAH rates reflect the competitive Puget Sound housing market and are among the higher rates for Army installations nationally. Verify your exact rate by pay grade and dependency status at militarypay.defense.gov.
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