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.