Crashpads near JB Lewis-McChord

Where the crashpads are

Neighborhoods our JB Lewis-McChord hosts are in

From Lakewood or DuPont it's 5-15 minutes to the Liberty Gate (I-5 Exit 120) or the McChord Main Gate (I-5 Exit 125 at Bridgeport Way); from Tacoma or Puyallup plan on 20-35 minutes down I-5 or SR 512, and double it in the afternoon rush.

• DuPont

  ~5-10 min

  The planned, walkable town right outside the DuPont and Liberty gates — new-ish homes, Steilacoom Historical schools (Purple Star), and a three-bedroom around $1,800-$2,400; the trade-off is a tiny downtown and no quick route to McChord Field except I-5.

• Lakewood

  ~5-15 min

  The base's hometown, wrapped around both main gates and American Lake — the widest range of rentals ($1,600-$2,200 for a three-bedroom), Clover Park schools, and the best pick if you split time between McChord and Lewis Main.

• Steilacoom

  ~10-15 min

  Washington's oldest incorporated town, a tiny waterfront village with ferry service to Anderson Island and the sought-after Steilacoom Historical district; limited inventory, so lease early.

• University Place / Fircrest

  ~20-25 min

  Quieter, pricier, tree-lined suburbs on Chambers Bay's doorstep with strong schools and Tacoma's restaurants 10 minutes away; the commute rides SR 512 or Bridgeport Way, not the I-5 mess.