Anthony Richard - South Sound & JBLM Realtor

After helping several families find their dream home, my own family is currently on our way to our own home in WA. Our home in AZ is currently being renovated for future rental. All this possible thanks to the family’s military service 🇺🇸 Active duty, retired, and veterans please reach out for a family plan of your own.

PCS moves don’t just change addresses—they upend routines, support systems, and family stability overnight.

For spouses, it can mean restarting careers, searching for childcare with long waitlists, and rebuilding community from scratch.
For kids, it can mean new schools, new friends, and big feelings they don’t always know how to name.

What makes it harder?
The resources do exist around JBLM, Olympia, Lacey, and Tumwater—but they’re scattered, buried in acronyms, or passed along by word of mouth after you already needed them.

If your family is navigating a PCS and needs help finding footing, there are local organizations that support military spouses, parents, and children—you just shouldn’t have to hunt for them alone.

➡️ Helpful local family resources are pinned in the comments

If this post saves you time, stress, or a late-night Google spiral, it’s doing its job.
Feel free to save or share it with another military family landing in the area.

🏡 Discover the Best of Cooper Point Living!
Cooper Point gives you the perfect mix of convenience and the great outdoors. Enjoy shopping at Downtown Olympia Mall, Target, Safeway, and Grocery Outlet for budget-friendly groceries.
Hungry? Check out Westside Tavern for bar food and live local music, Thai Garden for customizable Thai dishes, and Blue Heron for delicious pastries and breakfast sandwiches.
Up at the point, explore Evergreen State College, surrounded by over 1,000 acres of wildlife, scenic trails, and a working farm—perfect if you, your spouse, or your children are pursuing education in conservation, environmental studies, wildlife, or native plants.
Cooper Point is also a developing neighborhood, with updates on homes from the 80’s, 90’s, and early 2000s. Plus, enjoy easy access to waterfront living in many spots!
📍 Serving Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, and JBLM residents.

Welcome to JBLM!
You’ve landed in one of the most beautiful outdoor locations you can PCS to in the lower 48! If you’re looking to live off base but still want a short drive to JBLM, Lacey is an excellent choice. It’s the perfect blend of suburban living and nature, giving you access to everything you need while staying close to the outdoors.
Here are some must-visit spots once you arrive:
🌳 Depot Park
A foodie’s paradise with amazing local food trucks.

Small-business stands let you support local shops—or even showcase your own brand if you’re a military spouse entrepreneur.

Open daily from 7 am – 8 pm (hours may vary for holidays and local events).

🌲 Karen Fraser Woodland Trails
One of the most beautiful trails in Olympia/Lacey/Tumwater.

Enjoy local wildlife up close and native plant species—perfect for nature lovers.

🌊 Capital Lake & Percival Landing
A premier Olympia destination with kayaking, local restaurants, and vibrant downtown shopping.

Dining options include seafood, Indian, Thai, Japanese, coffee shops, and food trucks.

Explore local boutiques, jewelry shops, antique stores, and more.

🦆 Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually Wildlife National Park
Located south of JBLM before entering Lacey, this wildlife haven is one of Thurston County’s treasures.

Spot around 200 bird species, otters, beavers, salmon, and more.

I don’t want to overwhelm you just yet! If you want more local tips or just want to get excited about your PCS here, follow this page—I’ll keep you up to date with the best spots in Oly, Lacey, Tumwater, and JBLM.