Tacoma/Lakewood Relocation (Seattle, Puyallup, South Hill: 2015, apartments, lease)

[Sandy1277]

I am currently in NYC and recently interviewed for a position at Western State Hospital in Lakewood. Should an offer be made, I would need to be near public transportation. Having read several posts on Lakewood, there seem to be a general consensus to avoid housing near WSH. This is where I need your help in figuring safe area with bus access. Ideally, I would like commute to be under 45 minutes. The area I was strongly considering was University Place (because of Trader Joe's), however, I would have to transfer to two buses. Advise needed on housing- (preferably condo) and/or areas that would provide a smooth transition. Thank you for your help.

*I temporarily lived in First Hill section of Seattle, hence, I am familiar with Sound Transit etc.

[CrazyDonkey]

WSH, while in Lakewood, is actually closer to Steilacoom, than to areas more normally thought of as being "Lakewood". The areas of Lakewood you need to be worried about are closer to Pacific Hwy S (99) and I-5.

The Pierce Transit #212 serves WSH, running from the Lakewood Transit Center to Steilacoom. The #214 serves Pierce College and connects with the #212, not far from WSH (within possible walking distance). So for a one-seat ride, look for a place close to either of those routes:

http://www.piercetransit.org/files/l...-sysmap-sw.jpg

For instance:

Harbor Oaks Apartments - Steilacoom, WA | Zillow

10316 107th St SW, Lakewood, WA 98498 | Zillow

For a two-seat ride, look at other routes that also serve the Lakewood Transit Center: #2 (University Place-Downtown Tacoma), #3 (Tacoma Mall-Downtown Tacoma), #4 (Parkland-Midland-South Hill/Puyallup), #202 (Meadow Park-Fern Hill), #206 (McChord/Ft. Lewis), ST #574 (Tacoma Dome Station-SeaTac), ST #580 (South Hill-Puyallup TC).

For crime mapping for Lakewood: https://www.cityoflakewood.us/police.../crime-mapping

[Ira500]

Steilacoom's actually pretty nice.

[Sandy1277]

Greatly appreciate your thorough assessment - Thank you. I feel more confident moving forward (with or without job offer) as I need to escape NYC -

[TacTown]

There are a few condos in the Oakbrook neighborhood of Lakewood that is next to Western State. Honestly If I were moving across the country I would get a short term lease at one of the apartments down the street next to Oakbrook. Then I could take my time to plan my next move. You would be walking distance to work and grocery. There are Brighton Place and Beaumont Grand apartments that are livable. I've known many people who have lived in each some hated it and some loved it. Of course they are apartments and apartments suck. You can't trust the reviews because the people that leave them are usually the ones with negative experiences. I've played disc golf at Fort Steilacoom for the last 25 years and frequent the area often. While it's not perfect it's also definitely not bad. There isn't much of a difference between the Oakbrook area and U.P. these days. You'll be paying close to the same for a similar lifestyle but a longer commute. You're also more likely to run into crime on your longer bus commute than the short walk to work.

[elkotronics]

I feel more confident moving forward (with or without job offer) as I need to escape NYC -

Sandy1277 - why do you need ta escape NYC? Besides the obvious - it's an obnoxious hellhole full of annoying New- Yaaawwwkkkkeers all driving each other crazy in that overranked, overpriced , overcrowded city?

[Sandy1277]

Thank you @ TacTown. I do agree with your logic- this is what I plan to do provided I don't get a place that I'm crazy about during my search.

@elkotronics - Why ask? You figured it all out! There remain aspects of NYC that I will forever hold dear, however, I know it is time for change- slower pace with lush greenery. Really enjoyed my stay in Seattle, and also enjoyed nearby cities - some more than others.