Are you considering making Tacoma your home, but you still don’t know much about the city? Located 45 minutes outside Seattle, Tacoma is a thriving city with many historical, cultural, and scenic attractions. Tacoma, Washington, is becoming famous for young singers, authors, artists, and entrepreneurs. There are many important things to consider before moving to this vibrant metropolis. Here is all the information you need about living in Tacoma, from its many neighborhoods to its bustling employment market and outdoor activities, brought to you by Home2Home Moving LLC.
Is Tacoma, Washington, a good place to live?
Whether Tacoma, Washington, is an excellent place to live depends mainly on individual preferences, priorities, and circumstances. However, Tacoma offers a lot of attractive qualities that make it the best choice for many people. Tacoma, also called the “City of Destiny,” is a treasure in the Pacific Northwest’s Puget Sound region. Tacoma provides both locals and visitors with a dynamic and lively urban experience.
Tacoma has plenty to offer everyone, whether you want to explore its historic waterfront, indulge in its varied culinary options, or take in the city’s rich cultural heritage.
Cost of Living
Tacoma’s relatively low cost of living compared to other big cities in the area is one of the best things about living here. Even though housing costs have increased recently, Tacoma still has more inexpensive housing options than Seattle, which is close by. Tacoma is a desirable option for anyone trying to stretch their budget without compromising quality of life because the whole cost of living, which includes groceries, utilities, and transportation, also stays affordable. It is recommended that in Tacoma, Washington, a person should make at least $49,600, and a family should make at least $87,120 annually to maintain a reasonable standard of living.
Education
Tacoma Public Schools is the educational provider in Tacoma, Washington. It offers special education services, alternative learning opportunities, and elementary, middle, and high school education to almost 30,000 students in over 50 schools. Tacoma is also well-represented in higher education, with establishments like Tacoma Community College, Pacific Lutheran University, and the University of Washington Tacoma providing various undergraduate and graduate degree programs, continuing education classes, and professional development opportunities for students of all ages.
Housing Market
Tacoma’s average house price is $454,100, 34.3% more than the national average of $338,100. However, it is still 15.1% less than the average Washington home, which is $534,700. In Tacoma, the average monthly rental price for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,560, which represents a 9.1% increase over the national average of $1,430 but still represents a 10.9% savings over the state average of $1,730.
Job Market
Tacoma boasts a diversified and robust economy, offering opportunities across various industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, education, and technology. Major companies, including Joint Base Lewis-McChord, MultiCare Health System, and Tacoma Public Schools, are located in the city, giving its citizens plenty of employment options. For those willing to commute, Tacoma’s closeness to Seattle and its booming tech industry also provide access to more professional opportunities.
Climate
Tacoma, Washington, experiences moderate, wet winters and chilly, dry summers, characteristic of a marine West Coast climate. Compared to other regions of the nation, Tacoma experiences typically mild winters, with average highs in the mid-30s to low-40s Fahrenheit. Although Tacoma rarely experiences snow, it occasionally happens, especially in nearby higher mountains. Overcast skies are typical during the winter when rainfall is expected.
Tacoma experiences temperate, pleasant summers, with typical highs in the mid-60s to low-70s Fahrenheit. Even though summers are often drier than the rest of the year, light rain or fog in the mornings might still happen. That being said, Tacoma receives a lot less rain in the summer.
Outdoor Activities
Tacoma, Washington, has a variety of outdoor activities that both locals and tourists may enjoy because of its beautiful natural surroundings and mild climate. The following are a few well-liked outdoor activities in Tacoma:
- Hiking: Tacoma and its surroundings provide various hiking paths suitable for strenuous hikes and strolls. Miles of picturesque trails weave through meadows and woodlands along the shoreline in Point Defiance Park, offering hikers breathtaking views of Puget Sound and the surroundings. In addition, there are countless hiking and outdoor exploration options at neighboring locations like Olympic National Park and Mount Rainier National Park.
- Water Sports: Tacoma is a water sports enthusiast’s dream come true because of its proximity to Puget Sound and plenty of lakes and rivers. In the tranquil waters of Puget Sound, visitors can go kayaking, paddle boarding, sailing, fishing, and exploring the natural beauty of neighboring lakes, including American Lake and Lake Tapps.
- Biking: Tacoma has a vast network of bike-friendly roads and trails that let riders see the city and its environs at their leisure. The picturesque Foothills Trail—over 30 miles from Tacoma to Puyallup—is a well-liked destination for bikers of all abilities.
- Gardens & Parks: Tacoma has many lovely parks and gardens that provide locals and tourists with a peaceful diversion from the bustle of the city. In addition to miles of walking routes, Point Defiance Park has botanical gardens, an aquarium, and a zoo. The W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory is home to exotic plant species from all over the world.
Is Tacoma, Washington, Safe?
Tacoma’s safety rating is in the 19th percentile, meaning it is riskier than 19% and safer than 81% of cities. This evaluation focuses on Tacoma’s established borders. Please refer to the table below for a comparison with nearby towns. Tacoma has an annual crime rate of 66.32 incidents per 1,000 residents.
Through collaborations with local companies and people, community engagement initiatives, and aggressive policing tactics, the Tacoma Police Department is dedicated to serving and safeguarding the community. More robust and safer communities can be achieved by fostering healthy relationships between law enforcement and the community.
Pros And Cons Of Living in Tacoma, Washington
Living in Tacoma, Washington, offers both advantages and disadvantages. Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Pros:
- Tacoma’s Nature: Tacoma is surrounded by mountains and stunning views of Puget Sound. The city is a naturalist’s paradise with its parks, waterfronts, and outdoor activity options.
- Cultural Diversity: Tacoma boasts a thriving arts scene, a rich history, and a diverse population. The city’s varied legacy is celebrated via museums, galleries, theaters, and cultural festivals open to the public.
- Affordable Housing: Tacoma generally provides cheaper housing options than Seattle, which is close. These options include apartments, single-family homes, and historic properties. This makes it a desirable alternative for individuals wanting to buy or rent in the Pacific Northwest.
- Strong Economy: Tacoma has a diversified and robust economy, offering job possibilities in manufacturing, healthcare, education, and technology, among other fields. Prominent companies in the region provide stable employment and prospects for professional growth.
- Educational Institutions: Tacoma is home to many respectable educational establishments that offer options for higher education and lifetime learning opportunities. These establishments include Tacoma Community College, Pacific Lutheran University, and the University of Washington Tacoma.
- Engagement with the Community: Tacoma boasts a vibrant neighborhood association, frequent neighborhood activities, and volunteer opportunities that foster community and enable residents to become involved and positively influence.
Cons:
- Traffic: Like numerous other cities, Tacoma encounters traffic jams, particularly during rush hour. Residents who commute in town and to surrounding areas may experience longer commutes and dissatisfaction.
- Weather: Tacoma experiences pleasant, dry summers and moderate, rainy winters. While some might value the mild weather, others could find the regular downpours and gloomy skies drawbacks.
- Limited Public Transportation: Although Tacoma boasts a robust public transportation system that includes light rail and buses, some may find that it only offers convenient access to some city sections or comprehensive coverage.
- Natural Disasters: Tacoma is situated in an area vulnerable to landslides, tsunamis, and earthquakes. Residents should be aware of potential threats, even though the risk is less significant than in other regions.
To sum up, Tacoma, Washington, offers a variety of benefits and drawbacks that people should carefully weigh, depending on their interests and priorities. Although the city’s scenic beauty, cultural diversity, and robust economy give people a lively and dynamic urban experience, others may be concerned about affordable housing, traffic congestion, and crime rates. Ultimately, Tacoma is a desirable option for people looking for a Pacific Northwest lifestyle because of its distinctive fusion of natural scenery, cultural attractions, and business prospects. To decide whether Tacoma is the perfect place to call home, potential residents should consider moving to Tacoma, visit the city, do extensive studies, and balance the advantages and disadvantages.