JB Lewis-McChord, WA (JBLM) - Nearby Cities

LAKEWOOD, WA
Lakewood is a city of 58,000 people which was officially incorporated in February, 1996. It is a major suburb of Tacoma and is home to the state psychiatric hospital, Western State. The local economy is dependent on the two local bases, McChord AFB and Fort Lewis Army Base, which were recently combined to be Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Located just 9 miles from the Fort Lewis and McChord Field, the town offers a thriving community for those military personnel and their families who are looking to relocate to the area.

Local attractions include the B and I Amusements which offer many games that children would enjoy in a mini circus environment. It was the former home of Ivan the Gorilla who was moved to the Atlanta Zoo several years back to allow him more social interaction with other gorillas. Other attractions in nearby Tacoma include the Museum of Glass and the Tacoma Art Museum. Both museums offer free admission one afternoon a month to allow visitors a chance to enjoy the many cultural exhibits on display.

SPANAWAY, WA
Spanaway is a town near Tacoma, WA, which has a current population of 21,000 people. It is often linked with its neighbor Parkland and was originally under the control of the Hudson Bay Company which raised many agricultural products in the area. Nearby Spanaway Lake is a large attraction for those looking to relocate to the area. Located just 9 miles from the Fort Lewis Army Base and McChord AFB (now Joint Base Lewis McChord), the town offers new residents a quiet community in a more rural setting for those looking to raise a family here.

Local attractions include the Le May Car Museum which features hundreds of antique cars in the largest privately owned car collection in the world. Harold and Nancy Le May are the proud owners of the collection and offer visitors 1-2 hour tours by reservation. The museum is open year-round and offers a gift shop as well. The Lake Spanaway Golf Course is also nearby and offers a very challenging course for players of all levels.

TACOMA, WA
Tacoma is a port city located about 31 miles south of Seattle. The current population is 199,000 people and is the third largest city in the state of Washington. In the early 1800s, the city was chosen to be the main hub of the Northern Pacific Railroad and became known as the "City of Destiny", a name it retains to this day. Located just 9 miles from Fort Lewis Army Base and McChord AFB (now called Joint Base Lewis McChord or JBLM), the town was named as one of the "most livable" areas in the country as well as the "most walkable" city in the country.

Housing in the area is a mix of new constructions, historic homes, and everything in between. The city has grown over the years causing new neighborhoods to spring up when housing is needed. As a result, there are many different styles of home available to the buyer. Prices vary depending on location, and homes sell for above the national average.

Local attractions include Point Defiance Park which includes a five-mile walking trail through scenic wooded areas with views of the Puget Sound from several local open viewing areas. The park also includes a moderate-sized zoo with many different animal exhibits including an elephant enclosure, a monkey house, and a sea otter pond. Nearby is the Museum of Glass which sits on the waterfront and features many unique glass exhibits including an active glass blowing shop which includes the work of local artist, Dale Chihuly.

PUYALLUP, WA
Puyallup is situated about 5 miles east of Tacoma and has a current population of 33,000 people. The town was named after the Puyallup Tribe of the Native Americans. The town is in a rural setting and was known for its production of hops from the early 1800s. In later years, agricultural crops took the forefront. The town is home to the Western Washington Fair which is the 8th largest fair in the country. Located just 15 miles from the Fort Lewis Army Base and McChord Air Force Base (collectively known as Joint Base Lewis McChord or JBLM), the town is a thriving community in which to live and work.

Local attractions include the Ezra Meeker Mansion which was the residence of the founding father of the city. The mansion has been refurbished and is now open to the public for tours year-round. South Hill in Puyallup is home to a very large mall as well as a multitude of restaurants and shopping centers. The South Hill area is a thriving community with every major store available. In nearby Eatonville, visitors will find Northwest Trek which offers tram tours of animals in natural roaming areas. Spring is a great time to visit as the park is filled with new baby bison and deer. The tour takes about an hour and a picnic area and cafe are provided as well.

LACEY, WA
Lacey is a suburb of Olympia and has a current population of 39,000 people. The main industries for the town were cattle, milk, and forest products. The proximity to the larger towns of Tacoma and Olympia have made Lacey a commuter town, and the town has grown and become a thriving community of its own. Located just 15 miles from the Fort Lewis Army Base and McChord AFB (now Joint Base Lewis-McChord or JBLM), the town is a peaceful alternative to the larger cities located nearby. Military personnel and their families will find the Lacey area a great place to raise a family. The short commute to the base is an added bonus.

New constructions are available throughout Lacey. Other homes for sale and rent can also be found. Because Lacey is still something of a commuter town, the neighborhoods are often quiet. Many military families call Lacey home. 

Attractions in the area include the Lacey City Museum which is a small museum open to the public that offers historical exhibits and photographs highlighting Lacey's early days. Admission is free and donations are accepted. There are several golf courses in the nearby area including the Capitol Golf Course, the Meriwood Golf Course, and the Links Course. With spectacular views of Mount Rainier, the courses offer golfers of all ages challenging courses on which to home their skills. Golf pro shops, lessons, and equipment rentals are also provided.

OLYMPIA, WA
Olympia is the capital city of the state of Washington and the county seat of Thurston County. It has a current population of 42,000 people and was home to the Olympia Beer Brewing Company until 2003. The city is home to the Evergreen State College which offers programs in music and the arts. With the college nearby, the city is now home to many talented artists. Located just 22 miles from the Fort Lewis Army Base, Olympia offers a thriving community for those looking to relocate to the area.

Homes for sale in the area aremedian price $304,000 for a 3 bedroom, 2 bath residence. Rental properties such as apartments are also available starting at a monthly rent of $1000-2500. For those visitors looking for temporary lodging, local hotels such as the Quality Inn and the Best Western Tumwater Inn offer accommodations including high speed internet access and complimentary breakfasts. Nightly rates start at $75.00.

Local attractions include the Olympic Flight Museum which offers vintage aircraft exhibits. The museum is located at the Olympia Regional Airport and even offers virtual tours of the insides of the aircraft. The facility is now open Monday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is also nearby and offers 3,000 acres of wetlands and marshlands which are nesting areas for a variety of migratory birds. Also nearby is the Red Wind Casino which offers table gaming and slot machines with all the favorite casino games.

YELM, WA
Yelm is a small town in Thurston County, Washington with a current population of 3,200 people. It was named Yelm, which is an Indian word meaning "land of the dancing spirits" since the heat rising off the prairie gave the illusion of invisible dancing creatures. Its main economy has been agricultural and forestry products and the railroad helped the town grow and prosper. Located just 22 miles from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Yelm offers a peaceful community for those military personnel and their families who are looking to relocate to the area.

Local attractions include the Yelm Prairie Historical Museum which is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the historical beginnings of Yelm through exhibits and old photographs. The local Red Wind Casino provides visitors with multiple gaming options including blackjack, craps, roulette, and slot machines. With a full-service buffet and covered parking, the casino is a great place for an adult night out. Live music is featured in the lounge during the week and on weekends.

DUPONT, WA
Dupont is a city with a current population of 2,400 people and was first incorporated in 1912. Dupont grew up around an explosive plant that was originally built in 1906, and people working at the plant were the first inhabitants of the town. The town is located near Sequalitchew Beach where many species of wildlife live. Fort Lewis Army Base is only 22 miles from the city making it a prime location for military personnel and their families who are looking to relocate to the area.

Homes for sale in the area start at $207,000 for a 2 bedroom, 2 bath residence. Rental properties such as apartments are also available starting at a monthly rent of $655 for a 2 bedroom, 1 bath unit. For those visitors looking for temporary lodging, local hotels such as the Liberty Inn and the Guesthouse Inn and Suites offer accommodations including high speed internet access and complimentary breakfasts. Nightly rates start at $140.

Local attractions include the Dupont Historical Museum which offers exhibits featuring the Nisqually Indian Tribe, the Hudson Bay Fur Traders and the workers that worked in the explosive plant. Through photos and artifacts, the museum strives to preserve the rich heritage of Dupont's past. The Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is also nearby offering 3,000 acres of wetland and marshlands and highlighting the need to preserve these areas of the species of migratory birds which frequent the refuge each year.

STEILACOOM, WA
Steilacoom is the oldest incorporated town in Washington and has a current population of 6,000 people. The town's main source of income was manufacturing and exporting lumber to California. Steilacoom was set to become the main transportation hub, but the Northern Pacific Railroad picked nearby Tacoma instead. Now, Steilacoom is considered a bedroom community to Tacoma. Located just 22 miles from the Fort Lewis Army Base, the town offers the best of both worlds with the entertainment venues of the Tacoma area, but the peacefulness of the smaller town atmosphere.

Local attractions include the Steilacoom Tribal Museum and the Steilacoom Historical Museum. Both museums offer exhibits based on the rich heritage of the region and the role that the early settlers played in the evolution of the city that is now Steilacoom. With artifacts and photographs, the museums tell the story of how it all began. Nearby Tacoma offers the Point Defiance Park and Zoo which includes a five-mile nature walk through the wooded park. The park also includes a full zoo with sea otters, elephants, and a monkey house.

ROY, WA
The City of Roy sits to the south of JBLM. At the time of the 2010 census, 793 people called Roy home. The city is located along Highway 507, which runs from McKenna to Spanaway. It is just a short drive from the East Gate at Joint Base Lewis McChord. Roy is great for military personnel and families looking for a home away from city noise, but still close to base. Also, with Olympia to the northwest and Tacoma to the northeast, the big city, and all of it's entertainment, shopping, and culture is only a short drive away.