Your complete 2026 guide to relocating near Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Affordable homes ($425K median), lakes and parks, strong military community, family-friendly neighborhoods.
Lakewood is the premier choice for service members stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Located just 10-15 minutes from base, Lakewood offers the perfect combination of military convenience, family-friendly amenities, and genuine affordability in the Seattle metro area.
With a median home price around $425,000 (significantly below Seattle's $850K+), beautiful lakefront parks, excellent schools accustomed to military families, and a community that truly supports those who serve, Lakewood represents outstanding value for military relocations.
Whether you're PCSing to JBLM, retiring in the area, or simply seeking an affordable community with strong military connections, Lakewood provides the quality of life and convenience military families need.
Lakewood offers exceptional value for military families with base proximity, affordability, and strong community support
See how Lakewood's affordability compares to nearby cities
Lakes, parks, military community, and affordable living
From historic waterfront to new developments, find your perfect Lakewood neighborhood
Historic Waterfront
Washington's oldest incorporated town offers historic charm, waterfront living, walkable downtown, and small-town feel. Close to JBLM with excellent schools.
Family Neighborhoods
Newer homes with modern amenities, family-friendly streets, parks and schools nearby. Popular with military families for quality construction and convenience.
Lakefront Living
Beautiful lakefront properties, parks with beach access, boating, fishing. Serene setting close to base. Fort Steilacoom Park nearby with trails.
Most Affordable
Closest neighborhood to JBLM with most affordable housing. Very short commute, strong military community, practical for frequent relocations.
Shopping & Dining
Central location near major shopping, restaurants, entertainment. Convenient for daily errands and amenities. Mix of homes and apartments.
Established Community
Mature neighborhood with tree-lined streets, larger lots, established homes. Quiet residential feel with good schools and parks nearby.
Lakewood schools are experienced with military children and frequent transitions
The primary school district serving Lakewood, Clover Park SD is highly experienced with military families due to JBLM proximity. Schools offer support programs for military children experiencing frequent relocations, including transition assistance and family support services.
Smaller district serving Steilacoom area with 3 schools. Known for smaller class sizes, strong community involvement, and historic charm.
Lakewood is named for its beautiful lakes. American Lake, Steilacoom Lake, Gravelly Lake, and Waughop Lake offer boating, fishing, swimming, and beach access.
Lakewood Towne Center is the main shopping hub with major retailers, restaurants, and services. Historic downtown Lakewood is improving with new businesses.
Lakewood has one of the highest concentrations of military families in the region. Businesses, schools, and residents understand military life and transitions.
Excellent highway access via I-5 and SR-512. Close to Tacoma (15 min), Seattle (45-60 min), and SeaTac Airport (35 min). JBLM is 10-15 minutes from most neighborhoods.
Everything you need to consider before making your move
Side-by-side comparison with nearby cities
| Factor | Lakewood | Tacoma | Puyallup | Federal Way |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $425,000 | $500,000 | $565,000 | $575,000 |
| Avg. Monthly Rent | $1,600 | $1,750 | $1,850 | $1,900 |
| Distance to JBLM | 10-15 min | 20-25 min | 25-30 min | 35-40 min |
| Military Community | Very High | Moderate | Moderate | Low |
| Downtown Vibrancy | Improving | Strong | Good | Moderate |
| School Quality | Good | Good | Very Good | Good |
| Parks & Nature | Excellent | Very Good | Good | Good |
| To Seattle | 45-60 min | 35-45 min | 40-55 min | 30-40 min |
Common questions about moving to Lakewood
Yes, Lakewood is an excellent choice for military families stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. With a median home price of $425K, strong military community, family-friendly neighborhoods like Steilacoom and Lakewood Estates, and proximity to base (10-15 minutes), Lakewood offers affordability and convenience for service members. Schools are experienced with military children and frequent transitions.
Lakewood is located just 10-15 minutes from Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), making it one of the closest cities to the base. The Tillicum neighborhood is even closer at about 5 minutes. This proximity makes Lakewood extremely popular with military families who want short commutes and easy base access for work, appointments, and services.
The best Lakewood neighborhoods for military families include Steilacoom (historic waterfront charm, walkable, good schools), Lakewood Estates (newer homes, family-friendly), American Lake (lakefront living, parks, nature), Tillicum (most affordable, closest to JBLM), and Lakewood Towne Center area (shopping convenience, central location). Each offers different amenities at various price points to fit different military family needs.
Lakewood is significantly more affordable than Seattle. The median home price is around $425K compared to Seattle's $850K+, representing about 50% savings. Average rent is $1,400-$1,800/month versus Seattle's $2,300-$2,800. Overall cost of living is approximately 40-50% lower, making it very attractive for military families on a BAH budget and those seeking to build equity.
Clover Park School District serves most of Lakewood and is highly experienced with military families due to JBLM proximity. With 40%+ military student population, schools are accustomed to frequent transitions and offer support programs for military children. Steilacoom Historical School District offers smaller class sizes. Both districts understand military family needs and provide transition assistance and family support services.
Lakewood offers excellent outdoor recreation with American Lake, Steilacoom Lake, and Fort Steilacoom Park (340 acres with trails, sports fields, dog park). Lakewold Gardens is a beautiful 10-acre botanical garden. Lakewood Towne Center provides shopping and dining. Historic Steilacoom offers waterfront dining and shops. For major entertainment and culture, Tacoma is 15 minutes away with museums, theaters, and events.
Lakewood's safety varies significantly by neighborhood. Areas like Steilacoom, Lakewood Estates, American Lake, and Lakewood Colonial are generally safe and desirable. Some neighborhoods closer to the older downtown area have higher crime rates. Like any city, it's important to research specific streets and neighborhoods before deciding where to live. Many military families successfully and safely live in Lakewood.
For military families, this depends on your PCS timeline and plans. If stationed at JBLM for 3+ years, buying can build equity in an appreciating market with BAH. Lakewood's median home price ($425K) is within many military BAH ranges. For shorter assignments or uncertain futures, renting ($1,400-$1,800/month) provides flexibility. Many military families buy and rent out properties when they PCS, given JBLM's consistent rental demand.
Next Phase Moving specializes in military relocations near Joint Base Lewis-McChord. We understand PCS timelines, military discounts, and the unique needs of service members and their families.