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Old 03-09-2017, 12:08 PM
 
42 posts, read 67,726 times
Reputation: 56

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Hello,

I am a Travel Nurse looking to relocate to JOINT BASE LEWIS/MCCHORD Base for work.

I do not know anything about the area other than its Beautiful!

I am looking for areas to possibly rent an apartment during my contract. I looked on a map, and it looks like some areas might be Tacoma or Olympia? Are there certain areas to stay away from (not safe for a single woman)?

It would be great to walk to dinner, coffee, be close to parks, or trail systems. But not a must.

How is traffic in the area? I would most likely be working 6am to 3pm.

I would love any suggestions you might have. I am coming from NV>NM>ND>CO>AL>CO

Thanks again, I hope to get some invaluable feed back!
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Old 03-09-2017, 12:54 PM
 
Location: Rochester, WA
14,483 posts, read 12,114,400 times
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If you're a city gal, you might want to be in Tacoma... if you're a country gal, you may want to be out the back side of the base toward Roy and Yelm, if you're a smaller town/suburban gal, then Olympia/Lacey... Or Steilacoom.

Everyone says they want to walk to things.... and I think I get the dream, but the reality is, from October through April or May, it's often raining and cold. And in July and August, it's too hot... so that leaves may be a month or two spring and fall when walking is a good idea. You might as well plan to drive. It's just not an area made for walking.

Your commute times do seem off 8-5 enough that traffic may not be too bad. I mean... it's always a little bad nowadays, but usually it moves, except during peak commute.
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Old 03-09-2017, 01:16 PM
 
42 posts, read 67,726 times
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What's hot and cold? I walked everywhere in Las Vegas in the Summer, and rode my Horses in ND winters😉

Are there any area to avoid? Unsafe?

I like a mix of restaurants, coffee houses, and parks. But I love a small town feel too.

Is there any housing in the Country? Right now I am looking at Apartments that do short term rentals.

Thank you for the great info!
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Old 03-09-2017, 01:25 PM
 
42 posts, read 67,726 times
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Also, I would like to be within a 30 Minute commute. Is that possible? And with that in mind, what are some safe pretty areas within that time frame? Thanks😆
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Old 03-09-2017, 05:56 PM
 
Location: Independent Republic of Ballard
8,071 posts, read 8,367,466 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by zodnmic View Post
Are there any area to avoid? Unsafe?
Areas close to the main base entrances. Areas near Pacific Hwy SW in Lakewood, for instance. Some areas in Parkland and Spanaway can be iffy.

For walkable/safe neighborhoods, with access to groceries, shops, restaurants, bars, parks, transit, etc., look at Tacoma's Northend (Stadium, Old Town, Proctor, North Slope, Ruston, Sixth Avenue, etc.). I've also heard that the area around the Tacoma Mall is not bad.

If looking for a three-month temporary lease or sub-lease, you'll be dependent on where those will be available, which might not be in the most desirable areas.
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Old 03-09-2017, 07:10 PM
 
42 posts, read 67,726 times
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I was reading Lacey is a cute town. How far away is that from the base? I will be working at the Hospital. Does it take awhile to get off base with traffic?
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Old 03-10-2017, 11:11 AM
 
Location: Independent Republic of Ballard
8,071 posts, read 8,367,466 times
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Lacey is more of a 'burb than a town. You might also look at Steilacoom and DuPont. Traffic does bottleneck between Lacey and the main base entrance - others who drive it will need to give you specifics. Living in the Olympia/Lacey area will make visiting Seattle much more difficult.
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Old 03-10-2017, 11:19 AM
 
Location: Shelton, WA
329 posts, read 470,724 times
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No expert here since I am looking to possibly move to WA this summer.. But we did make a trip out there couple months ago and fell in love with Gig Harbor.. its over the bridge so you will have a toll going one way.. But check it out, its beautiful. Has shops, and can go for walks near the water..
Another we loved is Olympia..
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Old 03-10-2017, 07:24 PM
 
42 posts, read 67,726 times
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Thanks so much....anyone know how far Gig Harbour is from the Base?
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Old 03-10-2017, 07:29 PM
 
Location: Pacific NW
545 posts, read 411,672 times
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Look at University Place...not far from JBLM but I'm not sure where your workplace will be...Madigan Hospital? Anyway, UP has done a lot in their town center including adding residential units so you could easily walk to coffee/food/etc.

I would recommend the North End of Tacoma where I live but it may be a nasty commute from JBLM in the afternoon. Of course, YMMV. I live near the Proctor neighborhood which has food and coffee and a library and some interesting shops.

Don't listen to the nay-sayers. Tacoma/Lakewood/UP is walkable weather nearly year round. Just put on a raincoat and some waterproof shoes and you'll be fine.
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