Fort Lewis Traffic Concerns (Seattle, Lakewood: rental, loan, living)

[Teleutesl]

My husband and I will be relocating within the next few months and Fort Lewis is, as of now, one of our top 2 choices. We just have once concern. Ironically both of us have developed anxiety in high traffic areas. Is the Fort Lewis area a big metropolitan area (since next to the 5 freeway and nestled between Olympia and Seattle), or is it more like a smaller city with moderate conjestion? The area sounds ideal minus the thought of driving around white-knuckled with blood pressure up due to the anxiety. Is there an area we should look into for housing that may offer a more rural feel?

Also we are relocating from Germany, and it will take approximately 3 months for our household goods to arrive. Does anyone know if the base offers loaner furniture (for off base housing)? It was offered when we arrived in Germany which is why I ask. Thank you in advance.

[Hemlock140]

Some of the nearby areas such as Spanaway, Lakewood, Parkland and Dupont
are far more liveable yet close enough that the traffic, while always heavy makes for a short commute. I'd suggest Lacey as the best though the commute is a little longer, and depending on the time of day may not be too bad. That area of I5 is actually worst on the weekends with people going
south from Seattle Saturday and back Sunday.

[eidas]

the I5 traffic is HORRIBLE around JBLM!! I have freeway terror & have to disagree with Hemlock140 - I will actually drive thru that area on weekends but NEVER midweek.

I do know of one "back road" way in (the east gate?) where if you were coming from Roy, Yelm, Graham area could be used; there may be others.

[Sandy Nelson]

Teletesl,

There is no temporary furniture. ACS has a loan closet where you can get dishes, iron, ironing board, etc. Did you ship all your goods in one household goods shipment, or did you also have a hold baggage shipment?
There are some fully furnished temporary lodging places in the Fort Lewis area that may work for you. There are also furniture rental businesses.

If you want to avoid traffic, there is always on-post living. The next best alternative would be Dupont, as it's right across from post and you don't even need to get on the interstate. Another option would be Roy, Yelm or McKenna, which are all close to the East gate. You would avoid interstate traffic, but the commute would be a bit longer. For a 10 minute commute with just a short stint on I-5 (2 exits), I would recomend Lacey's Hawks Prairie area.

[scotty208]

Originally Posted by eidas

the I5 traffic is HORRIBLE around JBLM!! I have freeway terror & have to disagree with Hemlock140 - I will actually drive thru that area on weekends but NEVER midweek.

I do know of one "back road" way in (the east gate?) where if you were coming from Roy, Yelm, Graham area could be used; there may be others.

Looking to move to the Yelm area and was wondering if the east gate is how I'd access Lewis (if so how long of a commte is it), looking to shorten my commute and stay clear of I5. Thanks.