The Ultimate steilacoom RELOCATION Guide
Moving to Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) and thinking about living in Steilacoom? Here’s what you need to know.
Steilacoom, Washington:
A Historic Puget Sound Town
Just Minutes from JBLM
If you’re thinking about living in Steilacoom, Washington, it’s the kind of place that instantly feels like a breath of fresh air.
Located along the shores of Puget Sound, this scenic town is the oldest incorporated town in Washington, and it still carries that historic charm today with its beach access, 19th-century homes, and front-row views of the Olympics.
We love making the short drive from DuPont down Steilacoom-DuPont Road. The road winds through tall evergreens, part of a JBLM-owned forest, and opens up to water views as you enter town.
On a clear day, you’ll see the ferry headed out to Anderson island, the water sparkling in the sun. Even on gray days, it’s beautiful.
It’s one of our favorite places to take out-of-town visitors or spend a lazy weekend morning. We’ll grab a coffee, walk the beach with our dog, and let our son play at one of the local parks. It’s the kind of town that invites you to slow down, take a breath, and enjoy where you are.
If you’re PCSing to JBLM and wondering what everyday life in Steilacoom really feels like, here’s a look at what it’s like to call this scenic little waterfront town in the South Sound home.
Where steilacoom Is Located
Steilacoom is a historic town in Pierce County, just west of Lakewood and north of DuPont. It’s Washington’s oldest incorporated town, perched along the Puget Sound with Olympic Mountain views, walkable streets, and access to two waterfront parks.
There are only three ways to access Steilacoom: from DuPont, from University Place, and from Lakewood. This limited access makes it feel a little more secluded, which is part of its charm, since you don’t just end up in Steilacoom unless you’re intentionally heading there. It borders JBLM training grounds and has a tucked-away, peaceful vibe that feels far from the city even though it’s not.
The downtown area is compact and walkable, lined with historic homes, a ferry dock, local shops, and beaches. Many families live in neighborhoods surrounding the core, including the Cormorant neighborhood, Number Streets or closer to Lakewood.
The neighborhoods of steilacoom
Steilacoom is compact, but it’s filled with character. Most of the neighborhoods are nestled along the hillside or down by the water. Here are a few notable areas:
Historic District (Downtown & Saltar’s Point Area)
This combined area includes Steilacoom’s official town center, the ferry dock, restaurants, Pioneer Orchard Park, and numbered streets lined with historic homes. We love walking here with coffee, winding through cute historic homes and charming side streets. Saltar’s Point Beach is where we usually head in summer to let the dog swim and watch the sunset.
Cormorant Neighborhood
A little more tucked away and peaceful. There’s a small playground and field here, and we often come up this way by foot from the trails off 1st or 4th Street. You can only access it by car through Steilacoom-DuPont Road, so it feels slightly separated from the rest of town. We like it for a quiet loop walk and admiring the view.
Manitoba / Hewitt Area
Perched on top of the hill, this neighborhood is known for scenic overlooks and peaceful walks. Hewitt Drive has some of the best views in Steilacoom: ferries, Olympic Mountains, and island backdrops all at once.
West of Union Avenue
This residential pocket sits between the historic district and Cormorant. A mix of home styles, quiet streets, and a few city trails where you can often see bunnies hop.
East Steilacoom (near Lakewood border)
Closer to Steilacoom Boulevard or Lexington St, these neighborhoods are not walkable to downtown but still within minutes by car. These areas don’t have Puget Sound views, but they have quicker access to errands in Lakewood and I-5.
Steilacoom’s Historic District
Steilacoom’s historic district sits right at the heart of town. You’ll find a cluster of 19th-century homes, many of which have been preserved with their original charm. The Nathaniel Orr House, built in 1857, is one of the best-known historic homes and is now part of the Steilacoom Historical Museum. local museums like the Steilacoom Historical Museum, the Wagon Shop, and the Steilacoom Tribal Cultural Center (currently being renovated).
The post office, and town hall are all nearby, and the whole area feels like a lived-in piece of history where you can admire Victorian details, walk by the ferry dock, and run into a neighbor all in one block. It’s small, but full of character.
schools & education
DuPont is part of the Steilacoom Historical School District, the oldest in Pierce County.
Public Schools:
➤ Cherrydale and Saltar’s Point Elementary (K–5), Steilacoom
➤ Pioneer Middle School (6–8), DuPont
➤ Steilacoom High School (9–12), Steilacoom
The schools are either in Steilacoom or DuPont, so access is close no matter where you live in town. You can find all the official details on the Steilacoom Historical School District website.
Early Childhood Care:
There is no childcare center in Steilacoom but there is a cooperative preschool called Willow School for kids age 3 to grade 8. The closest private daycare options are either in DuPont or Lakewood.
Nearby Colleges:
➤ Pierce College Fort Steilacoom
➤ Central Washington University – Pierce County
➤ Clover Park Technical College
➤ Tacoma Community College
Commute & Accessibility
Depending on which road you take, which gate you’re using, and the time of day, the drive to JBLM can be a quick 10 minutes or take a bit longer. Below are the most common access points and some average times:
Integrity Gate (via DuPont) — around 10 minutes
DuPont Gate (Exit 119) — around 12-15 minutes
Lewis Main Liberty Gate (via I-5 through Lakewood or DuPont) — around 15-20 minutes
McChord Field Main Gate — around 20 minutes
During rush hour, Steilacoom-DuPont Road can get backed up pretty far. But outside peak times, the drive is smooth and scenic.
From Steilacoom, you’re also:
➜ 10 minutes to Lakewood
➜ 15 minutes to University Place
➜ 35 minutes to Tacoma or Olympia
If you want military access without feeling surrounded by it, this commute may be worth the tradeoff.
things to do in steilacoom
Steilacoom may be a small town, but there’s plenty to explore. Whether we’re with the kids or sneaking in a date morning, we always end up having a good time. The list below includes some of my favorite spots, and if you want the full lineup of activities and events, check out the Explore Steilacoom page on the official website.
Parks & Trails
➤ Saltar’s Point Beach: beach access, seal sightings, swimming (for the brave ones… or crazy ones like my son and husband).
➤ Sunnyside Beach: playground, kayak rental, family BBQs, access to the beach, right next to the railroad for toddler train watching
➤ Perkins Park & Playground: playground set, swings, sand diggers (my son is a big fan), open field
➤ Cormorant Park: small, tucked-away playground in the neighborhood
➤ Hewitt Drive Scenic Walk: some of the best views in town
➤ Backbone Trail & Manitoba Park: small city trails, scenic overlooks, and a nearby playground
Museums & Library
For cold and rainy days, these spots offer the perfect excuse to stay local while still getting out of the house.
➤ Steilacoom Historical Museum: if you’re interested in Steilacoom’s history, they have walking tours, and access to the historic Nathaniel Orr House
➤ Wagon Shop: small museum displaying tools used by Nathaniel Orr in the 19th century
➤ Steilacoom Library: they offer seasonal activities through the Pierce County Library System, including events for all ages (kids, teens, adults), both in-person and virtual
So yes, Steilacoom is small, but this charming little town has a lot to offer, from waterfront walks and playgrounds, to museums and community events.
Food & Coffee
✧ TopSide Coffee Cabin: our go-to for a coffee, pastry or homemade quiche.
✧ TopSide Bar and Grill: casual restaurant, American food. We love seating outdoor in Summer and enjoying the views.
✧ The Bair at The Bair Drug & Hardware: historic building, living museum, and great breakfast/brunch and lunch options (I love their burrito).
✧ Roundabout Espresso: drive-thru coffee, easy detour before Trader Joe’s.
✧ Steilacoom Tap Room: drinks, indoor/outdoor seating.
✧ Friday Nights: Russo Pizzarium wood-fired pizza outside the taproom (seasonal).
Events
Steilacoom has a full calendar of events (especially in Summer and around Christmas), and we love how family-friendly and welcoming they feel.
Most of them happen right downtown, at Town Hall, the community center, or outdoors. From lectures and workshops to parades and festivals, there’s something for all ages.
Here are some of our favorite events:
✧ Apple Squeeze (Fall)
✧ 4th of July Parade and Festivities
✧ Summer Farmers Market
✧ Summer Concerts
Click the Learn More button below to go to the Steilacoom Official Community Event Calendar and find out what’s coming up.
living in steilacoom
Steilacoom feels like a retreat from the busyness of military life. You hear birds, trains, and ferry horns. It’s the kind of place where a walk can reset your whole day. People know each other, pause to chat at the playground, and genuinely enjoy everything their town has to offer. That small-town charm and tight-knit feel make it easy to feel at home here.
Life here is defined by views, beach access, and a lifestyle that feels more like a coastal village than a suburb of Tacoma. It’s tucked away just enough that it feels peaceful and historic, but still close enough to JBLM and the bigger cities for day-to-day needs. Whether you’re walking along the waterfront, grabbing coffee with a view, or letting the kids play at one of the beaches, you really feel like you get to enjoy the outdoors year-round.
For its size, Steilacoom has a surprisingly good mix of restaurants and coffee shops. But it’s worth noting that the closest grocery stores and pharmacies are in Lakewood, about 10–15 minutes away.
Housing is a mix of older homes (some historic, many need updating), a few newer construction builds (often priced higher), and homes with Puget Sound or mountain views. You’ll also find more budget-friendly homes near the Lakewood border, a little farther from downtown and the beach, but closer to errands and I-5.
If your priority is charm, views, and breathing room over convenience, Steilacoom might be a fit.
Pros and Cons of Living in Steilacoom
What I Love
• Scenic Lifestyle: Waterfront walks and sunset views over the Olympics, Steilacoom turns everyday routines into little moments to look forward to.
• Town Character: Historic homes, small-town streets, and ferries coming and going. This is the closest to a Hallmark movie you’ll get in the PNW.
• Beach & Trail Access: Saltar’s Point, Sunnyside, hillside and city trails offer outdoor space for all to enjoy.
• Community Energy: Between the summer concerts, farmers markets, and 4th of July parade, there’s always something happening (and a good chance you’ll run into someone you know).
• Close But Tucked Away: You’re near JBLM and Lakewood, but it still feels like a little escape.
Things to Keep in Mind
• Grocery Access: Steilacoom doesn’t have a grocery store or pharmacy, so you’ll need to head to Lakewood for errands.
• Commute Time: Depending on the gate, the drive to JBLM can take longer than from other nearby cities, especially during peak hours.
• Train Noise: The railroad runs along the shoreline. It’s scenic, but you’ll definitely hear it the closer you get.
• Housing Inventory: Homes are limited and often priced higher, especially those with water or mountain views.
FAQs
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