Welcome to the stunning Pacific Northwest! JBLM is a massive joint Army and Air Force installation located in Washington's beautiful Puget Sound region. A PCS here means unparalleled access to outdoor recreation with the iconic Mount Rainier as your constant backdrop.

Area Overview:

• Location & Climate: JBLM is situated south of Tacoma. The climate is mild and oceanic. This means it doesn't get too hot or too cold, but it is often gray and rainy, especially from October to May. The summers, however, are glorious, with long, sunny days.
• Local Vibe: The culture is a mix of military and classic Pacific Northwest outdoorsiness. People are generally friendly but can be reserved. The pace is more laid-back than on the East Coast.

On-Base Housing & Amenities:

• Housing: Housing is privatized and managed by Lincoln Military Housing. There are distinct neighborhoods for Army (Lewis Main & North) and Air Force (McChord Field) personnel.
• Amenities: JBLM has large exchanges and commissaries, the top-tier Madigan Army Medical Center, and extensive MWR programs that heavily leverage the outdoors. You can rent everything from skis and snowboards in the winter to kayaks and camping gear in the summer.

Local Housing Market & Popular Neighborhoods:

• DuPont/Lacey/Olympia: These popular cities are south of the base and are known for good schools, safe neighborhoods, and a strong military community feel. DuPont is right outside the gate and is almost entirely military families.
• Puyallup/South Hill: Located to the east, this area is a sprawling suburb with more shopping and dining options. The commute can involve traffic on Highway 512.
• Steilacoom: A charming, historic town on the water with a highly-rated school district, but housing can be more expensive.

Schools & Childcare:

• On-Post Schools: There are no DoDEA schools on JBLM. Children attend schools in the surrounding districts based on their address.
• Off-Post Schools: The school districts in DuPont (Steilacoom School District), Puyallup, and North Thurston (Lacey) are generally well-regarded by military families.
• Childcare: Multiple CDCs and FCC homes are available on the installation, but as with all major bases, waitlists are the norm.

Things to Do & Pro-Tips:

• Local Must-Dos: A trip to Mount Rainier National Park is non-negotiable. Explore the Museum of Glass in Tacoma. Take a ferry from Steilacoom to Anderson Island for a quiet day trip.
• Insider Info: Invest in good rain gear and learn to embrace the "liquid sunshine." The gray winters can be tough, so finding indoor hobbies or planning weekend trips is key to thriving here. The traffic on I-5 between JBLM and Seattle is notoriously bad.
• Weekend Trips: Seattle is about an hour north (traffic permitting) for Pike Place Market and major league sports. Portland, Oregon, is 2.5 hours south. The Washington coast and the stunning Olympic National Park are a few hours west.