Hi there,

I’m Alice

I’m so glad you’re here!

I’m a French transplant, military spouse, mom of two, and proud dog mom living in beautiful DuPont, Washington, just minutes from Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM).

My husband and I PCSed here in August 2020, right in the middle of the COVID pandemic.

We drove across the country from Fort Bragg, North Carolina, with our 95-pound Doberman and a baby on the way. We had just bought a duplex in Lakewood, sight unseen, over Facetime, planning to househack for our first year.

Like many families, our PCS didn’t go quite as planned. The moving company canceled the morning we arrived, so we scrambled to find help unloading furniture (while I was pregnant and couldn’t lift a lot). Between finding new doctors, choosing where to give birth, and adjusting to a new duty station with no nearby family, it was… a lot.

But amid the chaos, we found moments of magic — driving around Tacoma and University Place, discovering local trails, walking our dog by the water, and catching those breathtaking views of Mount Rainier. That’s when I started to see what makes the Pacific Northwest so special.

Move to JBLM Doberman Dog Chili Uhaul moving truck

How We Found Home

A year later, with a four-month-old baby in tow, we discovered DuPont while searching for new trails. We fell in love instantly, the tree-lined sidewalks, the playgrounds, the easy access to JBLM, and the feeling of community. We found ourselves coming back every day for walks, and eventually decided: this is where we want to raise our family.

Now, we spend our free time exploring the trails, riding bikes with the kids, and walking our dog through the parks, rain or shine. We love that we can be in the city, by the beach, or in the mountains all in one day. That’s the magic of living near JBLM.

Move to JBLM Welcome Home Signs
Move to JBLM Alice Finseth Headshot

Why I Created Move to JBLM

I started Move to JBLM because I wanted to create the resource I couldn’t find when we first moved, something personal, local, and real.

When I talked to new neighbors, I realized they had the same questions I once did: Where should we live? How are the schools? What’s there to do around here? Even after finding a home, there were still so many unknowns about life in Washington.

Most PCS information online felt impersonal or out of touch. I wanted to build a space that felt like chatting with a friend who’s already been through it; someone who gets military life, the chaos of moving, and the excitement of starting fresh.

My mission is simple: to help military families PCSing to Joint Base Lewis-McChord feel at home faster, and even fall a little in love with the Pacific Northwest along the way.

Move to JBLM Family Picture Mount Rainier view

What You’ll Find Here

Move to JBLM is your friendly guide to life in Washington, from PCS prep to everyday living. Here, you’ll find:

  • Honest, first-hand insights about moving to JBLM and military life in the PNW.
  • Local guides to neighborhoods, schools, parks, and family activities.
  • Recommendations for coffee shops, hikes, and family activities we personally love.
  • Free resources and digital guides to make your PCS smoother and less stressful.

Whether you’re just researching or already unpacking boxes, my goal is for you to feel relieved, informed, and excited about your next chapter here.