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Located in Northwestern Washington, Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM) is one of the most requested military installations, and it’s not hard to see why. In 2010, the JBLM site was born through the merger of the Fort Lewis and McChord Air Force bases. The site was now able to offer double the number of options and services.

If you are due to make a permanent change of station (PCS) to JBLM soon, read on to find out the essential facts you need to know.

Accessibility

The nearest airport to JBLM is SeaTac International Airport, which is approximately 40 minutes away. However, the strategic location of the base does mean that you will have to account for commuting times while searching for your next property. Whether you choose to stay on or off-base, you will need to secure temporary lodging while finalizing the purchase of your new home, which can be secured with a VA home loan.

Searching for a Property

Of course, you will need to take budget into consideration when selecting a property. However, location is another important factor to consider. If you decide to stay off-site, some cities that are popular with military families include Spanaway, Lakewood, Olympia, and DuPont. Where you eventually choose to stay can depend on the specific part of JBLM you are based in, whether that’s on the northern or southern end.

Families with children will also want to consider the availability of highly-rated schools in the vicinity.

Onsite Amenities and Services

One option open to you is to stay on the base itself. If you go for this option, you will find that most of the housing has either been recently renovated or are completely new builds. Whether you are based on or off-site, you can benefit from a range of amenities that include a track stadium, numerous playgrounds, soccer and baseball fields, a movie theater, and lots more.

Because JBLM is a double base, you will also find many options for services you require, such as childcare.

Things to Do

One major perk of being based at JBLM is the number of places you can explore during your downtime. With Seattle located just an hour away, you can easily plan many fun day trips with family, whether that is for shopping, sightseeing, or a little bit of both. If you are more of an outdoors person, nearby Mount Rainier offers many different types of hikes for all abilities. There are also the Olympic Mountains and Mount Saint Helens to explore!

West Coast Veterans Can Assist You with PCS Planning

Are you a military family with an upcoming move to JBLM? If so, let our team at West Coast Veterans take care of PCS planning so you don’t have to worry. We have years of experience helping active duty military personnel, veterans and their surviving spouses make the move to Washington State. All our team members have ties to the military in some way, and we can assist you with the process from start to finish!

For over two decades, we've been assisting active-duty service members and veterans all over the state of Washington and in Puget Sound. Feel free to read all about us at www.PCStoJBLM.com.

If you will be undergoing a permanent change of station (PCS) to JBLM VA Hospital sometime soon, you may be looking for a housing option to accommodate you and your family. On top of knowing your purchase price and confirming your entitlement for the VA home loan, there are many things you will need to get ready in preparation for the big move.

You can find out some key information about JBLM VA Hospital in our guide.

Location and Basic Information

The JBLM VA Hospital Is also known as the American Lake VA Medical Center. Here, veterans can access a wide range of services, which includes surgery, mental health services, rehab care, and more. Shuttle services are available to transport veterans and their caregivers between Seattle VA medical centers and the JBLM VA Hospital.

Housing

If you are based at the JBLM VA Hospital, you will be able to take your pick from on and off-base housing at JBLM. There are over 5,000 houses on-site with many more options off base. Some of the most popular cities for military families to settle in include Tacoma, Lakewood, and Olympia, all of which are within close proximity to JBLM. Families with children will also want to do their due diligence on nearby schools before deciding on housing options to suit their needs.

Amenities and Services

There is a wide range of amenities you can make use of at JBLM itself. This includes recreational facilities such as an enclosed dog park, a skate park, baseball fields, and children’s playgrounds. A wellness center is dedicated to ensuring that military families can live healthy and active lifestyles.

Support can also be found for military personnel and families in all stages of life. Whether you need help transitioning back to civilian life after a career in the military or you are a military wife who requires support with childcare arrangements, you can find the services you need on-site.

Things to Do

You will find a wide range of area attractions to explore from your base, especially if you are into the great outdoors. Mount Rainier National Park offers plenty of opportunities for winter sports, such as snowboarding and sledding. Being located just an hour away from Seattle, you will be well-placed to plan a city getaway at leisure.

Let West Coast Veterans Take Care of PCS Planning for You

PCS planning can be the last thing you want to think about when you are preparing your family for the big move. If so, let our experienced team at West Coast Veterans take care of all the details on your behalf. All we ask is that you get your financial documents ready for our review, and let us know your report date as well as your purchase price. From there, we will confirm your entitlement and provide you with the best options for your circumstances. We can also match you with a realtor who has experience serving military families if you do not already have one. You can trust our more than 20 years of experience to make your PCS a success!

Since 2001, we've been assisting active-duty service members and veterans all over the state of Washington and in Puget Sound. Feel free to read all about us at www.PCStoJBLM.com.

If you will soon be making a permanent change of station (PCS) to Fort Lewis Main, it can seem like there are a lot of things to do to get ready for the big move. Amidst all that, you do not want to worry about figuring out your financing options, especially when it comes to confirming your entitlement or eligibility with the VA home loan. Here is where you will want to engage professional help so that you can focus on more important aspects of the move for you and your family.

In this guide, you can find out some key information you need to know about PCs to Fort Lewis Main.

Location and Basic Information

Fort Lewis Main is part of the Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM). This means that you get to benefit from double the selection of services and amenities. Just 20 minutes away from Olympia and 10 minutes from Tacoma, Fort Lewis Main is highly accessible, although you may find the traffic getting there to be busy.

History

In 2010, McChord Air Force and Fort Lewis began operating as a joint base. It holds the distinction of being the oldest military installation to be found in the Pacific Northwest region. Camp Lewis can trace its history back to 1917, while the United States Air Force officially became a separate branch of the military in 1947.

Housing

There are housing options both on- and offsite at Fort Lewis Main. With over 5,000 properties onsite, you will find that most of them are either newly constructed or recently renovated. If you choose to live offsite, you will also find many options to suit your needs. You will be able to get referrals and temporary lodging suggestions from the JBLM team.

Amenities and Services

Besides an on- and off-base housing services office where you can seek professional help, you will find a wide range of other amenities and services at JBLM. This includes travel camps and cabins, a comprehensive family support program, a multimedia center, and more. Military families who require assistance with special education or childcare will find that they can be fully supported at Fort Lewis Main.

JBLM is also committed to promoting healthy relationships and a healthy lifestyle, and you can find programs for these purposes on-site.

Things to Do

There are a number of day trips you can plan from your base at Fort Lewis Main. From Whidbey Island and Anderson Island to the Cascade Mountains, outdoor lovers will have plenty to do in the area. The Mount Rainier National Park is another must-visit during your time here.

Stay Ahead of PCS Planning with West Coast Veterans

PCS planning may be one thing weighing heavily on your mind in anticipation of your move to Fort Lewis Main. At West Coast Veterans, our team is dedicated to making your move a success. Because all our team members are connected to the military in some way, we are well-equipped to understand the needs of military families and extend the most suitable advice based on your financial documents and circumstances. Let us lift the load off your shoulders /so you can focus on moving!

For over two decades, we've been assisting active-duty service members and veterans all over the state of Washington and in Puget Sound. Feel free to read all about us at www.PCStoJBLM.com.