Information provided by: Lauren K.
Base size: It is now a joined base, when we were there it was two separate bases - and both were large on their own! I don't know anything about the McChord side of the base - since we were at Fort Lewis.
On and off base housing: Everything in that area is very old. They were beginning to build new housing as we were leaving, so there should be new nice housing now! Housing in the Steilacoom and Dupont area are beautiful! It is more pricey, but it is the safest area to live in and the nicest (including a small beach in Steilacoom on the bay and an amazing dog park). Lakewood has some OK apartments, but we literally heard gunshots every night and had SWAT raid our complex the one day. I worked in Tacoma - I would not suggest living there.
Neighborhoods to avoid/seek out: Steilacoom and Dupont are wonderful areas to live, Lacey is also very nice if you don't mind the drive. Spanaway is also a nice area, but again a bit of a drive. But it also depends on what area of the base you are working at - both Lacey and Spanaway are near gates to different sections of the base. Stay away from Lakewood and Tacoma, even though they are the cheapest and closest to the main gate - not worth it!
Exchange and commissary: Old and are both old warehouses. No stores in the exchange other than the exchange itself and the barber shop, it does have a few food options.
Attractions and sight-seeing: If you take a 45 minute drive to the Southcenter Mall - it is amazing!! Seattle is great as well, be prepared for a lot of walking. However, it rains - all the time. So be prepared to cancel any Seattle plans because its raining. There are also lots of hiking and camping areas, the mountains are beautiful! But again - it is always raining, so its always wet and muddy and mushy.
Pros and cons: A lot of the buildings on base were actually condemned but still being used, like the barracks building that my husbands company was using. Only one of the bathrooms plumbing worked, and the windows were falling out from the mold in the frames.
Additional info: If you can get stationed somewhere else - I would suggest doing so. People are mean, and it always rains. Crime rate is pretty crazy, on post the crime rate is high too.
are you still taking information on this post? I have lived in Washington all my life and my husband retired from Ft. Lewis (JBLM). I think i might be able to help with some information on this post.
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