McChord AFB, WA

McChord Air Force Base, Defender of Liberty - - -

McChord Air Force Base is located about 40 miles south of Seattle in the Tacoma area. The base was developed prior to World War II and is seen in this historic photograph of the main gate with a favorite recreation spot, Mt. Rainier in the background.

This base is home to a significant fleet of Boeing C-17 military transport aircraft, used on a variety of missions, including some civilian oriented operations. McChord is currently providing National Science Foundation support in Antarctica, bringing vital cargo and people into incredibly cold temperatures and harsh wind conditions. And, although there are bases closer to the disaster site in Haiti, there are currently four McChord C-17s assigned to the relief mission.

McChord personnel often find housing opportunities away from the base in communities that provide good neighborhoods at a lower cost than in the bigger cities. An example of these alternative well planned and newer communities is Rochester. Here it is possible to save around $100,000 on the price of a home like the one pictured here, that my partner Nina Cross sold. This substantial saving is over what would be paid for a similar home in the Olympia or Tacoma areas.

This small town alternative area is about a 2 hour drive from Pacific Ocean beaches and not too far from the recreational and camping opportunities around Mt Rainier. A compelling feature for military families in these smaller town alternatives is that the homes are typically good quality, on larger lots where the neighbors know each other and take care of their property.

For more information on this special series, go to the introductory post: How Can We Assist Our Defenders of Liberty?

We look forward to assisting our military personnel and government employees with their real estate related needs in the Seattle/Puget Sound area, or anywhere in the country through our private referral network with trusted professionals.

(Note: the photos in this post are public domain.)

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** Current Rates 5.00% as of 4/16/2009