Joint Base Lewis-McChord
Joint Base Tacoma, Washington
Top neighborhoods near Joint Base Lewis-McChord
Lakewood
Directly adjacent to JBLM's main gate, Lakewood is Washington's largest city by area and home to the largest concentration of military families in the Pacific Northwest. Suburban neighborhoods range from affordable older homes to newer subdivisions near American Lake.
5–15 min to main gate
Puyallup (South Hill)
South Hill is a rapidly growing unincorporated community in Pierce County offering newer homes, excellent Puyallup School District schools, and proximity to shopping along Meridian Ave. Popular with senior NCOs and officers.
20–30 min to main gate
DuPont
A small planned community near the base's southern gate with newer homes, low crime, and a sense of small-town community rare in the Tacoma metro. NW Trek Wildlife Park is a short drive away.
10–15 min to south gate
Clover Park School District / Puyallup School District
Clover Park School District serves Lakewood and has a large military enrollment. Puyallup School District, serving South Hill, has a strong academic reputation and is one of the most popular districts for military families in the JBLM area. DuPont students typically attend Steilacoom Historical School District.
What families should know
- Puyallup School District's Rogers and Emerald Ridge High Schools are among Pierce County's top academic performers
- Steilacoom High School (serving DuPont) has a strong JROTC program and above-average academic scores
- Clover Park's Lakes High School offers advanced coursework and a comprehensive athletic program
Life around Joint Base Lewis-McChord
Mount Rainier National Park
An hour from the base, the 14,411-foot volcano and surrounding national park offer world-class hiking, wildflower meadows, glaciers, and winter snowshoeing—a top draw for every family stationed at JBLM.
Harmon Brewing Company
Tacoma's original craft brewery, open since 1997, with a downtown taproom serving flagship IPAs, lagers, and seasonal ales alongside elevated pub fare.
Museum of Glass (Tacoma)
A world-class museum dedicated to glass art, anchored by a cone-shaped hot shop where artists work live. The iconic Chihuly Bridge of Glass connects it to downtown's waterfront.
Point Defiance Park
One of the largest urban parks in the nation at 760 acres, Point Defiance offers old-growth forests, 5 miles of waterfront trails, Fort Nisqually living history, a zoo and aquarium, and Puget Sound beaches.
Tacoma Mall
The largest enclosed shopping mall in Washington state outside Seattle, with major anchors, a wide dining selection, and easy access from I-5 near the base.
Emerald Queen Casino
A large tribal casino in Fife with gaming, live entertainment, multiple restaurants, and hotel accommodations, popular for special events among the JBLM community.
Buying or renting near Joint Base Lewis-McChord
Home Prices
$380,000–$560,000
Typical Rent
$1,800–$2,600/mo
Pierce County offers dramatically better housing value than the Seattle metro an hour north. Lakewood is the most affordable option; South Hill/Puyallup commands a premium for newer homes and better schools. The JBLM military community is the largest in the Pacific Northwest and creates consistent demand. BAH is well-calibrated to the local market.
Popular neighborhoods: DuPont, South Hill (Puyallup), University Place
Orders to Joint Base Lewis-McChord?
Get pre-approved before you arrive. A VA loan specialist can have your numbers ready this week.
Call (719) 259-2246