What are the best neighborhoods to move to when you’re moving to JBLM? This is a question I get asked quite a lot. JBLM is located between Tacoma (in Pierce County) and Olympia (in Thurston County).
Lakewood
Lakewood is a city located just up I-5 from JBLM. The city of Lakewood is about a 15 minute drive to the JBLM main gate. The city offers a wide variety of home styles and prices. From historic homes to new construction. From million dollar mansions on the lakes to suburban neighborhoods on the golf course. Click here to learn more about Lakewood.
Steilacoom
Steilacoom is one of the oldest towns in Washington State. A 15 minute drive to the main gate at JBLM, Steilacoom is a historic small town overlooking the Puget Sound. Everything is quite closely connected in town, and getting to nearby Tacoma and Lakewood for larger town amenities is pretty convenient. Click here to learn more about Steilacoom.
Spanaway
Spanaway is a very convenient neighborhood for commuting to JBLM. A 15 minute drive through the East Gate puts you on base. Spanaway is an affordable mix of new construction and neighborhoods going back to the 1950’s. Waterfront homes and condos share Spanaway Lake with Spanaway Lake Park. Click here to learn more about Spanaway.
Midland
Midland is a very special neighborhood. In spite of it being a part of the City of Tacoma many of the properties are large and rural feeling. Many people in Midland have horses and other animals. It’s extremely convenient because of it’s location between I-5 and Highway 5-12. Commuting to JBLM from Midland takes about 20 minutes. Click here to learn more about Midland.
Frederickson
Frederickson is located between Spanaway and Graham just south of highway 5-12. It takes about 30 minutes to commute to JBLM from Frederickson. Frederickson has been booming for the last few years with new construction homes, shopping, and businesses popping up. Click here to learn more about Frederickson.
South Tacoma
South Tacoma is one of Tacoma’s most affordable neighborhoods, and is located north of JBLM on I-5. It takes about 20 minutes to commute to JBLM from South Tacoma. South Tacoma is home to historic homes and neighborhoods of craftsman homes. South Tacoma also has South Tacoma Way- with bars, music venues, breweries, and restaurants. Click here to learn more about South Tacoma.
Wapato
Wapato is a neighborhood around Wapato Lake and Wapato Park in the South End of Tacoma. It’s a 20 minute drive from the Wapato neighborhood to JBLM. Wapato has historic craftsman and traditional homes as well as some midcentury homes near the lake. Click here to learn more about Wapato.
Roy
Roy is one of the most rural options for cities near JBLM. A commute to JBLM from Roy is about 20 minutes through JBLM’s East Gate. Roy is a very small town, but just a short drive away from Yelm’s many amenities like shopping, movies, and restaurants. Click here to learn more about Roy.
Parkland
Located 15 minutes from the JBLM Main Gate, Parkland is very close. Parkland is also one of the most affordable neighborhoods near JBLM. The presence of Pacific Lutheran University adds the vibrancy of students and the sporting events, music, and lecturers that the university attracts to the community. Click here for more information about Parkland.
Dupont
Dupont is a small city located just 10 minutes from the JBLM main gate. The city is a planned community full of newer homes, winding drives, and front porches.DuPont is a fabulous place to get out and enjoy the outdoors. There are several great parks located near the Puget Sound and the Nisqually River, as well as TWO golf courses. Click here to learn more about the City of Dupont.
For more information about buying a house near JBLM check out these resources:
- Pierce County Real Estate Update
- The Best Neighborhoods in Pierce County, WA
- The Most Affordable Neighborhoods in Pierce County, WA
- The Most Expensive Neighborhoods in Pierce County, WA
- The Best Cities to Buy a House on Land in Pierce County, WA
Here are some additional resources for checking out how to move to JBLM:
Marguerite Martin is a different kind of Tacoma real estate agent. Check out the Tacoma Neighborhood Guide to find answers to questions you have about neighborhoods in Tacoma and Pierce County. When the time is right to start looking, Marguerite can connect you with a local real estate agent who specializes in the neighborhoods you love most. Click here to contact Marguerite.