Lewis-McChord

[ElizabethBennet]

Does anyone know anything about this base? H is AF and we just got orders there :-)

[kpol]

We were stationed there for almost 3 years. The PNW is an amazing area and we'd go back in a heartbeat. Traffic sucks and the dreariness can get old, but the summer's are great. There is so much to do within a short drive. We left there in 2011 but I can try to answer any specific questions you have.

[ElizabethBennet]

Sept 26, 2016 17:20:52 GMT -5 kpol said:

We were stationed there for almost 3 years. The PNW is an amazing area and we'd go back in a heartbeat. Traffic sucks and the dreariness can get old, but the summer's are great. There is so much to do within a short drive. We left there in 2011 but I can try to answer any specific questions you have.

What are good areas to look at for living off base? 

[kpol]

Sept 26, 2016 18:40:12 GMT -5 ElizabethBennet said:

Sept 26, 2016 17:20:52 GMT -5 kpol said:

We were stationed there for almost 3 years. The PNW is an amazing area and we'd go back in a heartbeat. Traffic sucks and the dreariness can get old, but the summer's are great. There is so much to do within a short drive. We left there in 2011 but I can try to answer any specific questions you have.

What are good areas to look at for living off base? 

We lived in University Place and loved it. We don't have kids, so we didn't care about schools, but if we did, I'd recommend Dupont or Lacey. It seems most families live in those towns, and they are definitely accessible to the base and generally great communities. Dupont is smaller, right outside one of the main gates, and has a "Pleasantville" atmosphere. Last I knew, there was a small grocery store, a few coffee shops and a few local restaurants. It has a lot of local parks and playgrounds, walking/biking trails, and plenty of housing options. 

Lacey is just south of post, and traffic is generally better that direction. It's a bigger "town" and has your big grocery chains, Costco, Target, WalMart, tons of chain and local restaurants. Again, plenty of housing options, but you're likely to get more space for your dollar here. 

[ilovecandy]

I have friend there at lewis. I think they live in lacey but I can't remeber. I have had other friends that live there in dupont. Sorry this post was probably not helpful.

[morecoffeeplease]

I don't have any advice but I've heard amazing things about Washington state.

[ElizabethBennet]

So far, all I have been hearing is positive things, so thats good . Thanks guys

[G22]

Not stationed there, but I spent a couple months out there. I had friends in Dupont and they liked living in that area. Lacey was nice too. Just to echo what the pp said.

Avoid I-5 anywhere near the base at all costs from like 4pm on for a few hours. Damn rush hour traffic. lol ok that may not always be doable. It took me a bit to account for the traffic when figuring out how much time to leave myself to get places.

I did a ton of exploring while I was there. Lots to do so I don't think you'll get bored. As much as I hate the congested traffic, I'd still be happy if we actually got stationed there. Good luck!

Also there was a restaurant in Lakewood maybe, I think it was called Cars? They were known for their breakfast, my H still won't shut up about how good the omelet he got there was.

[Beeps (WOT?*)]

Not stationed there but I live north of town and used to go there when we were stationed on Oak Harbor and after he was discharged for disability so XH could be treated at Madigan. When we lived south of town I used to drive down to meander the base and watch the planes launch. I'm fairly familiar with the area. It's a great base to be stationed at, imo.

If you're living off base, I agree with duPont and Lacey. The grandson used to live in both and both were great. The majority of his life was in Lacey. Good schools, decent area, relatively peaceful, etc.

The area itself is beautiful and there is much to do. You're close in to Rainier for hiking. Not far from several lakes that are good for kayaking and paddle boarding, etc. My brain is woozy right now or I would have lots of superlatives for all the activities and things to do around here. The weather is generally good, despite the rumors, but keep that to yourself because we don't want more people moving up here.

[killercupcake]

My BFF went to law school in Spokane and ended up back in WA in Tacoma a few years later. She loves the PNW.

Not that helpful, I know, but I hear wonderful things.

[Beeps (WOT?*)]

Sept 27, 2016 2:33:14 GMT -5 Stan said:

God I'd love to be there. #superhelpful

I'd love for you to be there too.