Preschool/neighborhood Recommendations?

Updated on April 15, 2009
J.H. asks from El Paso, TX
5 answers

Hi Tacoma moms!

My family is moving to the Tacoma area next month from the East coast & I'm still trying to figure out where we should rent a house. Our son will turn 3 this summer so I want to find somewhere near a decent preschool (preferably co-op but I'm open to more traditional schools as long as they're not super-expensive).

We're deciding between University Place, Steilacoom, Lakewood, & Dupont. I've heard that there are several sketchy areas in Lakewood but it seems like the most affordable option that's within a short commute to Madigan that my hubby was hoping for. My biggest criteria is that it's a good place to raise a young child. Any suggestions (on schools or places to live) are much appreciated! We're doing all of our searching online so I'm really nervous about comitting to a home without actually seeing it but knowing it's near a good school will help me feel better.

--J.C.

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J.L.

answers from Seattle on

Hi J.C.,
My daughter goes to Narrows Cooperative Preschool in University Place and we love it. The teachers are wonderful. We have a great classroom and a wonderful group of families. Since I am also the membership chairperson this year, I'd be happy to email you info about Narrows. Please give us a call at ###-###-####.

I also grew up in University Place and my father was stationed at McChord for many years. My mom now works at Madigan on Fort Lewis and commutes from University Place. University Place has great elementary schools. I also believe that the part of Lakewood near Idewild elementary school and near Steilacoom is a nice community. Both Steilacoom and Dupont are also nice communities but I've heard that the lack of a grocery store in Dupont is very annoying.

For other great info about Tacoma, check out http://www.tacomamama.com/ a wonderful resource for kid friendly activities in Tacoma.
Good luck on your upcoming move,
J.

2 moms found this helpful
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L.S.

answers from Seattle on

dupont is nice, lots of walking trails and parks, but there is no grocery store, so if it's late at night and you find you need something you may end up going to Walmart in Lacey, or driving to Lakewood. Post traffic can be horendous when both McChord and Ft. Lewis personnel are ending the duty day. Why not send your son to preschool on Ft. Lewis. My two girls have been going since January and love it. Preschool also goes for 3 hours and most preschools I have looked into/heard about are only 2.5 hours.

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N.D.

answers from Seattle on

Hi...
I live in University Place..one of the better areas around here. I'm not sure what you're looking for as far as housing but there are 2 places for rent in my neighborhood..not sure how big they are or anything. I also live next to a daycare/preschool center it's called "In his hands" but I don't really know much about it. We are close to alot of schools here and Madigan isn't too far from here at all..
I can get you more info on the rentals if you like.

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M.Z.

answers from Seattle on

Dupont and University Place are both very nice. Lakewood and Steilacoom also have very nice areas, but some parts are not so nice.

As far as preschools go. The only ones I am familiar with are in University Place. There is a co-op called Narrows Co-op. My neighbor's son started going there in September. She really likes it. There are also preschools at Unversity Place Presbyterian, Mount Cross Lutheran, and Evergreen Primary School.

Welcome to the area!

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J.S.

answers from Seattle on

Bates Technical College has several co-op preschools and parent education programs. Check out their website for more info.
Lakewood- We are a military family living in apt in Lakewood. I wouldn't say sketchy areas so much but huge variety in neighborhoods. The neighborhood behind us has old apt, new construction single fam homes and a house with a horse. Outside pic will give decent idea of area. THink of a chain link fence or small front yard as not as nice of area.
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