Tacoma, Washington
Things to know...
Details that are different from state to state and may make your posting just a little bit easier!
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Weather & Natural Disasters
Washington State offers a mild climate year-round, with winter temperatures averaging 8°C (occasionally dipping below freezing overnight) and summer temperatures averaging 26°C. The region sees about 41 inches of rain annually, with January and February being the wettest months, and enjoys 139 days of full sunshine on average. Snowfall is rare, averaging 6 inches per year, with snow typically melting quickly. Spring often brings occasional hailstorms.
From July to October, wildfires pose a significant threat, while flooding is the most common natural disaster in the state. Washington experiences over 1,000 earthquakes each year, though most are minor and go unnoticed. The state is also home to five active volcanoes, with Mount Rainier presenting the highest risk. To address the potential danger of lahars (volcanic mudflows) from Mount Rainier, Pierce County has implemented an Outdoor Warning System to help protect residents.
Learn more about the natural disasters that can affect the area at Know Your Hazards | Pierce County, WA - Official Website.
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Neighbourhoods
Tacoma, the third-largest city in Washington state with a population of around 225,000, has historically had a higher-than-average crime rate. However, this rate has been decreasing due to a crime reduction plan implemented by the Tacoma Police Department. Like any city, there are areas to be cautious of, such as Salishan, but Tacoma also boasts many safe, family-friendly neighborhoods. Notable areas include the North End (near the University of Puget Sound), West End, Old Town, and Fircrest, all of which are popular for their welcoming communities and quality of life.
Several neighborhoods around JBLM are popular with Canadian families, offering a variety of living options to suit different preferences. Notable areas include:- DuPont: A small city near JBLM known for its close-knit, military-friendly community.
- Lacey: Located 15–20 minutes south, Lacey is family-friendly, with parks, good schools, and plenty of shopping.
- Steilacoom: A historic town offering charm and a peaceful atmosphere.
- Olympia: The state capital, located slightly further south, features vibrant cultural attractions, parks, and amenities.
- Puyallup: About 25 minutes east, Puyallup boasts a charming downtown, parks, and shopping malls.
- Bonney Lake: Approximately 30–40 minutes away, this suburban area offers great schools, outdoor recreation, and proximity to Mount Rainier.
- Yelm: Ideal for those seeking a quieter, rural lifestyle, located 30–45 minutes from JBLM.
While these areas are well-suited for families, some places require more careful consideration:
- Lakewood: Adjacent to JBLM, Lakewood offers diverse housing and a strong connection to the military community but has areas of concern.
- Spanaway and the South End: These areas come with higher cautionary advisories and should be researched thoroughly before committing.
Although Tacoma offers urban amenities like cultural attractions, dining, and shopping just 20 minutes north of JBLM, many families choose to live in surrounding suburbs due to traffic along I-5.
For more details, visit JBLM Housing's Nearby Cities Guide.
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Getting Around
I-5 is the primary highway connecting the Tacoma area to Canada and California, with I-705 providing access to Tacoma. Washington offers various public transit options, including buses, rail services, and ferries, along with bike paths, car rentals, and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft. Given the region’s busy traffic, especially on I-5, it's essential to be prepared for potential delays or detours.
On-Base Transportation:
- GO Transit: JBLM provides a free shuttle service called GO Transit, operating daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. with a set weekday route and point-to-point service on weekends. For weekend service, call dispatch at 253-477-3717.
Off-Base Transportation:
- Pierce Transit: Bus Route 206 serves areas near JBLM, with stops at Madigan Army Medical Center for easy access to the base.
- Sound Transit: Offers regional bus and commuter rail services connecting JBLM to the broader Puget Sound area.
For more about using public transportation in Washington, visit Washington's Public Transit Guide.
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Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM)
Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), formed by the combination of McChord Air Force Base and Lewis Army Base, is one of the largest military installations in the United States and the largest on the West Coast. Fort Lewis is the Army side of Joint Base Lewis-McChord, where a small contingent of Canadians are stationed. The larger Canadian detachment is located at McChord Air Force Base, working at the Western Air Defense Sector (WADS) under NORAD.
The base features multiple access points, with two primary gates operating 24/7:-
McChord Field Main Gate
- Visitor Center Hours: 6am - 7:30pm
- Address: Fairway Rd, McChord AFB, WA 98438
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Lewis Main Liberty Gate
- Visitor Center Hours: 5am - 10pm
- Address: 6029 41st Division Dr, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA 98433
JBLM operates like a self-contained city and is highly supportive of the Canadian detachment, providing a wide range of resources for service members and their families. These include two Exchanges (similar to Canex), two Commissaries for tax-free grocery shopping, the Military and Family Support Center, MWR (Morale, Welfare, and Recreation) programs, a base gym, library, youth center, and more. The base also offers various dining options, barber shops, and a Veterinary Clinic, though appointment wait times may be longer than those at off-base providers.
For more information, check out the following resources:
JBLM Newcomer’s Guide | JBLM Official Website | Explore JBLM MagazineTip: When navigating JBLM, Google Maps tends to be more reliable than Apple Maps.
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On-Base Medical Facilities
Madigan Army Medical Center
9040 Jackson Ave, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA 98431
Madigan Emergency Department
McChord Clinic
690 Barnes Blvd, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA 9843
For general healthcare guidance, please visit www.cfmws.ca/us-healthcare. -
Community Recommendations
Tourism
Washington State is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide variety of activities and breathtaking sights to explore. For comprehensive guides and inspiration on what to see and do in this beautiful state, check out these local websites: Washington State Tourism | Visit Seattle
Facebook Entities- JBLM MWR - This page features upcoming events, activities, programs, base news, and exclusive deals and discounts.
- JBLM Canadian Community - A community-led group for local CAF members and families to connect, share information, and seek advice.
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Children's Education
School-aged children will attend schools within their zoned district, as Washington is a boundary state. Each student's physical address determines their school and district. Most districts have K-5 elementary, 6-8 middle, and 9-12 high schools, though some may have different configurations (e.g., K-6 elementary, 7-9 junior high, 10-12 high school). Contact the district directly for specific information.
Enrollment Requirements:
- Birth certificate (for kindergarten or first-time public school enrollment)
- Transcripts from previous schools
- Immunization records
- IEP (if applicable)
- Proof of residence
Children with an IEP or 504 Plan must present the current plan upon registration. Each district varies in grading, meals, programs, sports, and SPED services. Check with the school directly for details.
JBLM School Support Services
For an easy way to find your school district, you can also use GreatSchools' district boundary map to search by address. -
Nearby Points of Interest
- Seattle-Tacoma Airport - 30m
- Olympia - 40m
- Downtown Seattle - 45m
- Mount Rainier National Park - 1h25m
- Peace Arch Border Crossing - 3h10m
- Washington > British Columbia
