Traffic around Fort Lewis/McChord/areas to live (Tacoma, Olympia: homes, neighborhoods)

[willsjamie]

My husband and I were stationed at Fort Lewis from 2005 to 2008. We lived off of 176th and Meridian for a while before moving on base due to the bad traffic on 512. I'm moving from western Colorado Springs currently, but will head back to the Lewis area this summer.

I honestly can't remember how the traffic is. I plan to live off base this time. I'd like to avoid areas that are filled with military and highly populated areas. I like to feel like I'm really away from work, so Lacey isn't really an option. I'd preferably like to live somewhere with a max 30-40 minute commute. I'd like to live close to the mountains/foothills, but I can't recall if they are within that commute distance.

Any advice on how the traffic is, any recommended areas to stay away from, to check out, etc? I prefer fairly rural because I have two large dogs that like to explore and I don't care for tract homes, and tons of neighbors everywhere.

[pw72]

I-5 has several choke points in Washington, and the area around Fort Lewis-McChord is one of them. However, if you live in Tacoma, or perhaps University Place, or even Puyallup there are ways around it.
S.R. 512 can get you into that area from Puyallup, but even that route can clog up. You say you might like the foothills, perhaps Auburn or even closer to the mountains, Enumclaw or Black Diamond. However, those areas would definitely be more than a half hour, more like an hour.

[Hemlock140]

Seriously, Lacey and Dupont and Spanaway are the only commutes short enough for you. The rest
will involve nasty traffic every day, and actually even worse on weekends spring-fall.

[Melissa82]

We live off of exit 114 in Lacey and the commute is awesome. Takes my husband no more than 15 mins to get on/off post. When we have the unfortunate need to travel North during evening rush hour, I thank God we moved where we are to avoid it.

[Sandy Nelson]

If you're looking for rural, hills and no tract homes, I would recommend Roy or the Black Lake area south west of Olympia. These areas may be just outside your desired commute radius, though. If you don't care for tract developments and you want to be within 30 minutes to post, I would suggest you consider Steilacoom, or the East-side or West-side of Olympia. There are some great walkable neighborhoods with older and charming homes (some with nice views) near parks. or withing walking distance to downtown.

Sandy

[Melissa82]

FYI, they are closing the Roy gate. It's going to create huge traffic issues. People are very upset about it.

[willsjamie]

Originally Posted by Melissa82

FYI, they are closing the Roy gate. It's going to create huge traffic issues. People are very upset about it.

That's ridiculous. Do you know why?

I don't remember the traffic being as bad as you guys are saying. It must have gotten insane since I left in the fall of 2008. I'm not living in Lacey, Dupont, or Spanaway. Too close to base.

[Melissa82]

Originally Posted by willsjamie

That's ridiculous. Do you know why?

I don't remember the traffic being as bad as you guys are saying. It must have gotten insane since I left in the fall of 2008. I'm not living in Lacey, Dupont, or Spanaway. Too close to base.

Yes, the city of Roy cannot afford to fix the roads from the traffic going to the gate. So, in turn they are going to close the gate... messed up, eh?

[willsjamie]

Originally Posted by Melissa82

Yes, the city of Roy cannot afford to fix the roads from the traffic going to the gate. So, in turn they are going to close the gate... messed up, eh?

Well, so much for looking at that area then.

[TXStrat]

I lived in Lacey from 2002-2004 and loved it. We lived off of south Carpenter between the lakes. We were the only military family in our neighborhood and loved the schools. If you want "out of town" settings, I would recommend Roy or Yelm.