Hey Tex,
When I was stationed at Ft. Lewis I lived in Spanaway but at that time I didn't have children to worry about schools but where I was, the crime wasn't bad. Depending on where in Lakewood, the crime varies as does the schools. You can usually be on the fort from Spanaway in about 30 minutes and that puts you within decent reach of Tanwax, Kapowsin, Ohop and Rapjohn which all have some crappies in them, although I'll warn you, the crappie fishing here isn't what your used to, both in size and quantity.
Wish you the best, and once your up here, let us know, we always welcome another warmwater fisherman.
Andy