Gig Harbor or other town for assignment to McChord AFB? (Seattle: apartment, rentals)

[Coolhand68]

I'm in the process of researching some towns within driving distance of McChord AFB. I've read mixed reviews on some of the closer ones like Lakewood, so I'm wondering if Gig Harbor would be ideal for me. I would need a 2 or 3 bedroom place with a budget of about $1,400 for rent plus $200 - $300 for utilities. We have a small dog aslo. I want to be in a good school zone for my daughter who will be going into fourth grade. So a few questions about Gig Harbor:

Is it a long commute to McChord AFB during peak rush hour?

Are there shops, supermarkets, restaurants within walking distance of residential sections of Gig Harbor, that is, can I walk from my house/apartment to a corner deli or convenience store? How is the quality of life in Gig Harbor overall?

How are the schools in Gig Harbor in regard to safety (gang activity etc), forgive my ignorance, but I know nothing about the area surrounding McChord except from people who lived there a few years ago and they said there was a significant gang problem in the local schools surrounding the base.

A little off topic, but can I just drop a fishing line anywhere where there is water in the area or are there restrictions? I'm sure permits are required, but are there only certain areas designated for fishing from piers or the surf?

Are there other areas you would recommend for living within 30 minutes or do of the base?

[pw72]

Gig Harbor is a world away from Lakewood and Tacoma. The vibe is totally different. Gig Harbor is much more small town, is more expensive, and probably safer.

The commute involves crossing the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, recently expanded with a second span. It is tolled, however.

You might also consider Puyallup, which is also close to McChord. Further out is Enumclaw and Black Diamond. All three I believe to be less expensive than Gig Harbor.

[fy10fyr]

Depending on where in the Gig Harbor area you'd be coming from, and on the time of day, 30 mins to MAFB could be iffy.

[Ira500]

I'd also look at either Steilacoom or Olympia. Both have good school districts. Steilacoom is a much smaller town but closer to McChord. Both are pretty. Gig Harbor is very nice, and has great schools.

[mthomson]

Gig Harbor does tend to be a bit priceier, but you could find a good rental in the price you mentioned. Schools are among the best in the state. It's an easy commute, very little traffic, but as has been mentioned, there's a toll ($2.75 round trip) and probably about 1/2hr. I can get to McChord's main gate in about 25min from my office in N Gig Harbor.
If you look at the Point Fosdick area (Quail Run, Quail Park neighborhoods) you'll be within walking distance of grocery stores, the Uptown Center (movie theater, shops, etc) and restaurants. Other option is North Gig Harbor and you can walk to Target, Costco, etc. Most of GH is pretty far out from shops other than those 2 spots.
Any public beach you can fish from. The best is Narrows Park, right under the Tacoma Narrows Bridge.
Gig Harbor would be my first choice, but as most people who frequent this forum know, I'm biased! I've lived in Tacoma and enjoyed it...I don't think it's nearly as bad as the reputation it sometimes gets, but we LOVE living in Gig Harbor.

[implnner]

I, too, have the same questions. We are moving in the summer and coming from a rural (very cold) post. I have several further questions:

How much longer of a commute-time would it be to rent towards North Gig as opposed to the Artondale area? Should we definitely stay away from KPN? My husband will be working towards the Madigan area of base and I will be attending UW-Tacoma (at least part-time at first).

I noticed during my research that, for example, Evergreen elementary has 25 sex offenders within a 1/2 mile radius. I think I saw 4 total on the peninsula. Has this ever played into anyone's decision? A good school system is of the utmost importance.

Looking at the maps, you can see that there are quite a few railroads in the Lacey area. Are they bothersome?

It seems there aren't many rentals in the Artondale area and I thought I read that someone advised to stay away from Compass Mgmt? Thoughts on this?

<whew> Thanks in Advance! We are soooo excited about moving!!

[mthomson]

They KPN has a tougher reputation than the rest of Gig Harbor, some of it warranted, some of it not. Evergreen is way out in Longbranch, giving you about a 60-70min commute to Madigan. North Gig Harbor (Peacock Hill area) has lots of well priced rentals and is an easy commute. Artondale actually does have several rentals (check Craigslist.com) but due to all the side roads you need to be a bit aware of where you're renting, or it can be 15min just to the HWY16, then another 30 to Madigan.
Compass Mgmt, MGM, and others in Gig Harbor aren't known for being really good, either for the owners or the renters. Sometimes it work out, other times they're impossible to get into action. I'd go the Craigslist route.
Feel free to run any addresses by me if you're curious of an area.

[implnner]

I am feeling sooo much more indecisive now than I did even before I started reading this forum!

The sponsorship director from my husband's unit called me. I told her my "tentative" plans about wanting to live in Gig Harbor and she pretty much pooh-pooh'd and nixed it. The unit is closest to the Dupont gate, and she stated that the commute time would be close to one hour, and traffic would horrible in the after-work commute (is this true?). She lives in Puyallup. However, I have read several posts regarding: 1) the traffic getting into Puyallup and 2) possible not-so-nice areas. She mentioned that Lacey would be our best bet. It seems that many places (other than Dupont), would be close to a half-hour commute any way you look at it.

We are relocating from a rural area, and quite frankly not used to worrying about gangs/drugs/proximity to sex offenders. My kids attend a school 17 miles from post (but we love the school). My husband and I plan to fly out latter June and scope out the are for ouselves (hopefully, if all the planets align properly). But, I would still like opinions because I am just the consummate planner and will not be satisfied otherwise.

Thank You for Your Input-It is Much Appreciated!!!

[Sandy Nelson]

Dupont is probably the most convenient place to live closest to the military bases. It offers walk ways, bicycle paths and parks throughout the community. You can walk or bike to the restaurants, cafes and pubs. It's a real easy jump on I-5 to get to Lacey/Olympia for the conveniences of the big box stores, or to Tacoma/Seattle for city life.

Dupont has good schools, and many of the homes have views of the Sound, the Olympics or Mt. Rainier.

Here is an article from the Seattle PI about Dupont: DuPont: Where historic and quaint meets the 'new urbanism'

Other than Dupont, Lacey is also a convenient and popular choice of a place to live.

I hope this helps.

Sandy

[mthomson]

It's not an hour, and the traffic won't be horrible. However, I'd look at Dupont if you are near the south gate.