Where to Live When You’re Moving to Washington for Work: Commute Times, School Districts & Local Culture Explained

Whether you’re moving for Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing, hospitals, or federal work — Washington is one of the most unique and diverse places to relocate to.

 Here’s your insider breakdown on choosing the right area based on commute, budget, lifestyle, and your family’s needs.

 1. Top Areas for Job Relocation

Puyallup / South Hill

• Perfect for families wanting space, convenience, and great schools.

Tacoma

• Ideal if you want culture, walkability, and closer commutes.

Lacey / Olympia

• Great for government, education, and families wanting quieter living.

DuPont

• Top choice for JBLM-adjacent professionals.

Bonney Lake

• Newer homes, bigger lots, upscale suburban feel.

2. Commutes to Major Employers

Seattle:

• Tacoma → 35–60 mins

• Puyallup → 50–90 mins

• Lacey → too far for daily commute

Tacoma:

• Puyallup → 15–25 mins

• Bonney Lake → 25–35 mins

JBLM:

• DuPont → 5–10 mins

• Lacey → 20–30 mins

• Puyallup → 25–40 mins

 3. School District Realities

 Families moving for work often prioritize:

• Puyallup School District

• Steilacoom School District

• North Thurston (Lacey)

• Sumner-Bonney Lake

Each has strengths depending on your child’s needs.

 4. Lifestyle Fit

 Let’s keep it real…

Where you live affects everything — commute, routine, costs, stress level, and long-term comfort.

 Your ideal place depends on:

• Whether you want space

• Whether you want walkability

• Age of kids

• Budget

• Proximity to work

• What pace of life you want

No two relocations look the same — and they shouldn’t.

Considering a Move to Washington?

 Let’s talk about what you value most — and I’ll help you choose a community that feels like home the moment you pull into the driveway.