Where to live near Fort Lewis if you are single (Tacoma: to rent, condo)

[newtoJBLM]

I have read all of the threads on where to live near Fort Lewis and almost all of them are geared to families and the best schools. I am looking for recommendations on where to live if you were a single 28 year old male. I would like a house or townhome/condo with a garage and 3 bedrooms, a decent view, and a safe area. I would like to be close to nightlife, restaurants, and places to mountain bike and run. I don't want to be further north than Tacoma or further south than Olympia. I have a large dog so I would either need to be close enough that I can let him out, or a house that I can install a dog door. I also need a place that I will feel ok leaving for a couple weeks at a time for TDY and deployments. Thanks for the help.

[Jake840]

I would say look around Downtown Tacoma or around 6th Ave. in Tacoma. Those are the nightlife and restaurant hubs in the area. And I know alot of people who run regularly through downtown and North Tacoma. Almost everywhere in Tacoma has a view of water, territorial or of the mountains. A townhome of that size might be a bit difficult to find in the downtown area but there are a few. Most are 2 bedrooms or 2 bedroom plus den but I know of a few 3 bedrooms units. Having townhomes with a yard isn't too common in Tacoma, most have patio areas or you have to use the parking strip when taking the dog out. Also in some instances it is cheaper to buy right now then to rent so if you are in that situation to do that it might be something to look into.

Dupont might have some townhome communities with yards but I don't think its really a nightlife/ restaurant hub you would be looking for.

[gypsygirl84]

@newtojblm-I'm a 27 year old single female getting ready to move out that way. I am currently in Louisiana. Big move. Did you ever end up finding the place you were hoping for? I have two small dogs and have to start looking for a place soon. Any tips on the area would be great.

[Ancalagon]

I hated Tacoma. I just hate base towns, I have to put up with Joe enough during the day I don't want to see him AT ALL after COB. Granted it's better than Fayetteville or Columbus, but that's not saying much.

That said, I ended up in the Factoria neighborhood of Bellevue. With easy access to 405 it's about a 45 minute commute to Main Gate in the mornings. Due to traffic it's about an hour to an hour 15 in the evenings.