We're on our second tour at Lewis and have lived in Lacey, Olympia, and Tacoma. Lacey is, by far, the nicer area to live...but the commute can be harsh some days. A normal 15 minute commute can turn into 45 minutes to an hour depending on which area of Lacey or Olympia you live in. There are parts of Tacoma that aren't very desirable, but there are some good places around if you have time to look. A lot of people I know have chosen to live in the Spanaway, Graham, or Dupont areas. A couple of years ago, these places were very tiny, but they've been blowing up and some nice homes can be found there. Hope this helps!
For both Baseman and Goldsmith - it depends on a few things... First are you married and do you have kids? I currently live in Lacey and it is great but a bit more expensive than Tacoma. We figured it was worth the expense because the school district is really good. However apartments are really expensive - so if you are single - you might want to be more towards Tacoma. Also Lacey is definitely a family type place - not much to do for single folks. As for the drive - I usually plan for 30 minutes depending on who is currently in residence at Ft Lewis. The gate can get really crowded and I have actually spent more time trying to get in than driving. Five minutes can make a difference between sailing through the gate and waiting forever.
Well first of all I hope your ready for a crap load of rain for about 7 months straight. Personally I live on post, which in my opinion is the best bet but the wait list is long. If you plan on lving on post, get on a waiting list ASAP when your here.(if married). I lived in Tacoma which was bad, because there's alot of people who wondor around late at night. I also lived in in Lacey, but the commute is not good. It's not that it's far, but to get on post in the morning and leaving in the evening takes long. DUPONT is the best place, it's a small little city with all new duplexes, etc. It's about 2 miles from the Lewis gate, But it's alittle expensive. Hope this helped.
Thanks for all the advice, everyone. I'm getting married en route to Lewis, and I'm going to the board at the end of September just before I PCS. So I'll either arrive with SGT stripes, or get them shortly after.
I prefer to live off post for a number of reasons and it sounds like that'll be a little easier anyway, because of the waiting list. So, Dupont would be a good place for a young married couple? I'm more worried about my wife's safety and commuting time (well...gas used to commute really) than about things to do in the town/city where we live...there is plenty to do in the surrounding area and none of it is really all that far (even Seattle).
I heard Tacoma has a high crime rate, but from what some of you say it sounds like it wouldn't be too bad? Lacey sounds good, too, but I guess it can take a long time getting in the gate?
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