Tag: Off Post Housing

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Your Relocation Guide to Joint Base Lewis-McChord – The Top 10 Cities to Live Near JBLM

Relocating to a new city can be daunting, especially when you’re a military family. You want to find a city that not only accommodates your needs but also provides an environment where you and your family feel safe and at home. Fortunately, when relocating to Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) in Washington, there are plenty of great towns and cities to choose from. Here’s a guide to help narrow down the options for you – the top 10 cities to live near JBLM for military families.

  1. Lacey

Located just a few miles from JBLM, Lacey is a popular city for military families. This city is known for its family-friendly environment, excellent schools, and scenic parks. One of the advantages of living in Lacey is its affordable cost of living, which ensures that you’ll be able to make the most out of your military salary.

  1. Olympia

Olympia is the capital city of Washington and is just a few minutes drive from JBLM. The city boasts a rich history and culture, making it a great place to explore. Olympia is also home to excellent schools, healthcare facilities, and job opportunities. However, the cost of living in the city can be slightly higher than in other nearby towns.

  1. Tumwater

Tumwater is a small town located on the southern edge of Puget Sound. It’s a great place for military families who prefer a slower-paced lifestyle and a smaller community. The town is known for its excellent schools and a thriving business area, which offers job opportunities for locals.

  1. DuPont

DuPont is an up-and-coming city that’s located just a few minutes from JBLM. It’s known for its affordable cost of living and friendly environment, making it a great place for military families to settle down. DuPont also offers a variety of recreational activities, including golf courses and hiking trails.

  1. Yelm

Yelm is an ideal location for military families who want to enjoy the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. The town is located in the heart of a beautiful countryside and is perfect for those who love horseback riding and other equestrian activities. Yelm is also known for its great schools and affordable cost of living.

  1. Lakewood

Lakewood is located just south of Tacoma and is a popular option for military families who want to be close to the base. The city has excellent schools, healthcare facilities, and a plethora of recreational activities such as parks and lakes. Lakewood also offers ample job opportunities for both civilians and military personnel.

  1. Steilacoom

Steilacoom is a historic town that’s known for its scenic beauty and friendly community. This charming town is located on the Puget Sound and offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, boating, and fishing. Additionally, Steilacoom offers good schools and a low cost of living, making it a great place for military families to call home.

  1. Gig Harbor

Gig Harbor is a picturesque town located just a few miles from JBLM. It’s known for its beautiful beaches, stunning waterfront views, and quaint downtown area. Gig Harbor has excellent schools, healthcare facilities, and a tight-knit community that’s perfect for military families who want to feel at home.

  1. Puyallup

Puyallup is a city located about 20 miles southeast of JBLM. It’s known for its welcoming atmosphere and affordable cost of living. The city has excellent schools, healthcare facilities, and a thriving business sector that offers job opportunities for military spouses and veterans.

  1. University Place

Located just a few miles from Tacoma, University Place is a great option for military families who want to be close to the city but still enjoy a small-town feel. The city is known for its excellent schools, breathtaking views of Puget Sound, and a variety of recreational activities such as golf courses and parks.

Finding the right city to call home when relocating to Joint Base Lewis-McChord doesn’t have to be challenging. This guide provides you with the top 10 cities to live near JBLM, covering everything from an affordable cost of living and excellent schools to stunning views and a welcoming community. Whether you’re looking to be close to the base or prefer a smaller town, there’s something on this list for everyone. Good luck with your relocation, and we hope you find the perfect city to call home.

Read more: Your Relocation Guide to Joint Base Lewis-McChord – The Top 10 Cities to Live Near JBLM

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    Off-Post vs On-Post Housing at Joint Base Lewis McChord – What You Need to Know Before You Decide!

    As a military family, you’re familiar with the challenges of transitioning to a new base every few years. If your next stop is Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM), you may need to decide between off-post or on-post housing. This is an important decision that affects everything from your budget to your everyday life. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve put together this guide about everything you need to know before you decide between off-post and on-post housing at JBLM.

    The Housing Options Available on JBLM
    One of the advantages of living on post is that the military offers home models with ready-made leases. Unfortunately, this comes with some downsides, like availability. On-post housing often runs out of space, especially during peak seasons, leaving military personnel waiting months for a living space. This delay may be frustrating for some. Off-post housing, on the other hand, allows you to choose from a wider variety of properties. Working with an experienced realtor can help you narrow down your options to meet your family’s lifestyle and budgetary needs.

    The Cost of Living on JBLM
    When deciding between off-post and on-post housing at JBLM, you need to consider the cost of living. On-post housing is typically more expensive, usually costing near 100% of your Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rate. Off-post housing, on the other hand, allows you to pocket the difference between your BAH and rent, which can add up to significant savings over time. Living off-post also allows you to shop around for better deals on utilities, groceries, and other necessities.

    The Commute Time to JBLM
    When living off-post, you must consider the commute time to JBLM, which can affect your quality of life and overall job performance. The traffic in the area can be heavy during rush hour, so you need to factor this into your decision, along with the distance between your home and the base. Living on-post allows you to avoid this issue altogether, but you’ll need to consider your access to services outside of the base. Living off-post is also ideal for families who want to explore the surrounding areas and amenities.

    The Pet-Friendly Policies at JBLM Housing
    If you’re a pet owner, you need to consider the pet-friendly policies at JBLM housing. On-post policies can be strict, often limiting the size and breed of pets allowed. Renting off-post allows you more flexibility with regard to pet ownership. Many off-post homes are pet-friendly, and property owners are often more inclined to allow pets since the properties are their investment. Off-post living can often be a better option for those with pets.

    Building Equity

    On-post housing options available can be very limited, and you may not have the option to move into a home that meets all your requirements. Owning a home off-post comes with the opportunity to build equity. Using VA benefits, veterans can buy a new home with little to no down payment. This allows them to build ownership over time and generate profits through ownership.

    The Amenities and Services Available on JBLM and Off-Post
    Finally, you need to consider the amenities and services available on JBLM and off-post. The on-post housing community is designed to cater to military families with services like community centers, playgrounds, and sports fields. Living off-post allows you to explore the wider community, including schools, churches, hospitals, and parks. Off-post housing also allows you more flexibility in choosing the amenities you need, especially for families with specific interests or needs.

    Choosing between off-post and on-post housing at JBLM is a big decision that requires careful consideration. By considering the housing options available, the cost of living, the commute to JBLM, pet-friendly policies, and amenities and services, you can make an informed decision that meets your family’s needs. If you want to find the perfect home for your family, consider working with an experienced realtor like me. Contact me today to learn more or get assistance in getting you home.

    Read more: Off-Post vs On-Post Housing at Joint Base Lewis McChord – What You Need to Know Before You Decide!

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