Tacoma WA
Area Overview
Tacoma, Washington is the third largest city in the state and is home to Fort Lewis, a branch of the United States Army, and McChord Air Force Base. Fort Lewis is located 10 miles south and employs over 25,000 soldiers and civilian workers. I Corps resides at Fort Lewis and also 2nd Brigade 2nd Infantry Division, 3rd Brigade 2rd Infantry Division, and seven more units. McChord Air Force base is located south of Tacoma, just north of Fort Lewis. Units currently at McChord AFB include the 62nd Airlift Wing, 446th Airlift Wing, and the Western Air Defense Sector.
Key Attractions
There are many parks to enjoy in Tacoma, WA and beautiful sights to see with Mount Rainier nearby. The Museum of Glass opened in 2002 includes a glass blowing studio and glass art from around the world. In addition to the Museum of Glass there is a also the Tacoma Art Museum, Washington State History Museum, and America's Car Museum. Tacoma also boasts great shopping at the Tacoma Mall.
Employment
Relocating? Find jobs for veterans easily at Joe's Jobs.
Education
Public & DoDDS Schools
There are six school districts within 10 miles of both Fort Lewis and McChord AFB. Click on the following links to visit the respective school district's website.
- Bethel School District
- Clover Park School District
- Franklin Pierce School District
- Steilacoom Historical School District
- Tacoma School District
- University Place School District
Colleges and Universities
There are number of choices when choosing a direction for post-secondary education and relocating to Tacoma, WA.
On-post programs available at Fort Lewis:
Chapman University
Pierce College
St. Martin's College
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
College and universities in the areas surrounding Fort Lewis and McChord Air Force Base:
- Clover Park Technical College
- Green River Community College
- Northwest Baptist Seminary
- Pacific Lutheran University
- St. Martins College
- Tacoma Community College
- University of Puget Sound
- University of Washington- Tacoma
Housing
On-Base Housing
Fort Lewis
Single soldiers reside in the barracks.
For military personnel and their families relocating to Fort Lewis there are 12 villages with over 3600 family housing units in the Fort Lewis communities.
McChord Air Force Base
McChord Air Force Base boasts their renovated unaccompanied housing that consists of 9 dormitories. McChord also owns and operates 983 military family housing units.
Off-base Housing
Mount Rainier just 40 miles from Tacoma, WA provides a beautiful landscape for the residents of Tacoma, WA. Not only does Tacoma's beauty and large military presence draw people to relocate, but also the mild climate, outdoor sports, and no state income tax. The average home sale price in Tacoma, WA for 2008 is $257,506.
VA-Loan
A VA Loan provides many opportunities to get more out of your home investment. For instance, it is easier to qualify for VA loan than a conventional loan and in many instances there is no down payment needed. if you choose to go with off base housing check out VA Loan options in Tacoma, WA.
