Best Tacoma Suburbs for Commuters: Fast Access to I-5, JBLM & Downtown Tacoma (2025 Guide)
One of the biggest pieces of the home search for many of my clients — especially military families, healthcare workers, and anyone commuting into Tacoma or up the I-5 corridor — is choosing a suburb that makes daily driving manageable.
The South Sound has several communities that consistently rise to the top because they offer strong neighborhoods, great amenities, and predictable commute routes. This guide walks through the best Tacoma suburbs for commuters, what the drive realistically looks like, and what daily life feels like in each area.
For families specifically relocating for a JBLM commute, this guide pairs well with your topic:
Housing Near JBLM: The Best Cities, Commutes & Neighborhoods for Military Families (2025 Guide)
1. DuPont — One of the Fastest JBLM & I-5 Commutes in the South Sound
DuPont is consistently a top commuter suburb.
Commute Advantages:
5 minutes to JBLM
Quick access to I-5
15–20 minutes to Tacoma
45–60 minutes to Seattle (traffic dependent)
Why commuters love it:
Master-planned streets
Trails and parks everywhere
Clean, safe neighborhoods
Low-maintenance living
Full community guide:
Living in Dupont, WA (2025 Guide)
2. University Place — Strong Schools & Central Access
University Place isn’t directly on I-5, but its location keeps commute times reasonable.
Typical commute times:
10–15 minutes to Tacoma
20–30 minutes to JBLM
45–70 minutes to Seattle
Why UP works well:
Strong schools
Access to Chambers Bay
Quiet, walkable pockets
High community pride
Full guide:
Is University Place Worth the Price? (2025 Guide)
3. Lakewood — Multiple Gate Options & Fast Freeway Access
Lakewood offers some of the quickest ways into JBLM and Tacoma.
Commute strengths:
Minutes from JBLM North & Main Gates
Direct access to I-5
Quick routes into Tacoma or Gig Harbor
Why commuters choose Lakewood:
Lakes and parks
Affordable options
Centrally located
Learn more:
Living in Lakewood, WA (2025 Guide)
4. Fife — Underrated & Extremely Convenient for I-5 Access
Fife is a smaller suburb but incredibly well-located for commuters.
Commute highlights:
Quick access to I-5
Short drive to downtown Tacoma
Reasonable commute to Seattle compared to many Pierce County cities
Why buyers choose Fife:
Flat and easy to navigate
Quiet neighborhoods
Close to Tacoma, Federal Way, and Puyallup
Fife is ideal for people who want convenience above all else.
5. Milton & Edgewood — Quiet Suburban Living with Great Freeway Access
Milton and Edgewood sit between Tacoma, Federal Way, and Puyallup — giving residents flexibility for diverse commute needs.
Commute strengths:
Access to both I-5 and Highway 167
10–20 minutes to Tacoma
20–35 minutes to JBLM
Easier Seattle commutes than many Pierce County suburbs
What residents love:
Peaceful, established neighborhoods
Larger lots and scenic views
Great balance of quiet + convenience
6. Puyallup (Downtown & South Hill) — Good for JBLM & Tacoma Commuters
Puyallup remains a strong option, especially for military families or healthcare workers.
Commute strengths:
Straight route to JBLM (South Gate connections)
Easy access to Tacoma
Multiple backroad options during high-traffic times
Full breakdown:
Living in Puyallup, WA (2025 Guide)
7. Fircrest — Small, Peaceful & Centrally Located
Fircrest is known for its quiet neighborhoods and central access to shopping, Tacoma, and UP.
Commute advantages:
5–10 minutes to Tacoma
20–25 minutes to JBLM
Close to major arterials
Full guide:
Living in Fircrest, WA (2025 Guide)
8. Steilacoom — Waterfront Views + Easy JBLM Access
Steilacoom offers a quiet, picturesque lifestyle with a surprisingly quick route to JBLM.
Commute strengths:
10–15 minutes to JBLM
Quick access to Lakewood and DuPont for amenities
Simple backroad routes
Full guide:
Living in Steilacoom, WA (2025 Guide)
9. Gig Harbor (East Side) — Best for Tacoma Commuters Wanting Peace & Water Views
Gig Harbor isn’t the fastest JBLM commute, but for working in Tacoma, it’s ideal.
Commute details:
15–25 minutes to Tacoma via Narrows Bridge
35–50 minutes to JBLM
Easy access to highway 16
Why Gig Harbor works:
Scenic lifestyle
Great schools
Quiet, beautiful neighborhoods
Full guide:
Living in Gig Harbor, WA (2025 Guide)
10. Lacey — One of the Best JBLM Suburbs for Predictable Commutes
Lacey is outside Tacoma, but because so many commuters travel between the two cities, it earns a spot.
Commute strengths:
Fast access to JBLM’s East Gate
Predictable drive times
Reasonable routes into Tacoma via I-5
Full breakdown:
Living in Lacey, WA (2025 Guide)
11. Who These Tacoma Suburbs Work Best For
Best for Tacoma Commuters:
University Place
Fircrest
Fife
Gig Harbor (east side)
Milton
Best for JBLM Commuters:
DuPont
Lakewood
Lacey
Puyallup
Steilacoom
Graham (depending on gate)
Best for Seattle + Tacoma Hybrid Commuters:
Milton
Edgewood
Fife
If you're navigating a dual-commute household, this guide may help:
Where to Live When You’re Moving to Washington for Work
12. My Honest Take: Tacoma’s Suburbs Offer Wide Variety for Commuters
What makes Tacoma’s suburbs so appealing is the variety of lifestyles:
Walkable neighborhoods
Waterfront living
Master-planned communities
Rural outskirts
Golf-course communities
Family-focused suburbs
Whether commuters want quiet, convenience, affordability, or outdoor living, there’s a suburb that fits.
If you're commuting to Tacoma or JBLM and trying to choose the right suburb, I’d love to help you compare commute routes, neighborhood styles, and price points. Reach out anytime — I’m here to help make your decision clear and confident.
Written by: Lani Fisher — Washington Realtor Helping Everyday Buyers & Sellers With Confidence