Tacoma, WA, known as 'The City of Destiny,' offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern urban amenities. Located in the Puget Sound region, Tacoma is a large city that serves as a major cultural and economic hub. Major nearby cities like Seattle and Olympia enhance its status as a central point in the region. Tacoma's blend of historic landmarks, cultural festivals, and urban amenities creates a distinctive living experience.
Tacoma is home to several iconic landmarks, including the Museum of Glass, the historic Tacoma Art Museum, and the scenic Point Defiance Park. The city offers a variety of attractions, from the beautiful Ruston Way Waterfront to the bustling Tacoma Mall, known for its shopping and dining. Tacoma's dining scene is diverse, offering everything from Pacific Northwest cuisine to international dishes.
Annual events such as the Tacoma Film Festival and the Tacoma Maritime Fest highlight the city's vibrant cultural scene and provide unique entertainment opportunities for residents and visitors. These events celebrate Tacoma's rich cultural heritage and community spirit. Prestigious institutions like the University of Washington Tacoma contribute to the city's academic and cultural vibrancy, fostering a thriving intellectual community.
The arts and culture scene in Tacoma is dynamic and diverse, with numerous theaters, music venues, and art galleries. The Broadway Center for the Performing Arts and the Washington State History Museum are just a few of the cultural landmarks that showcase the city's commitment to the arts. Living in Tacoma provides ample opportunities to engage with art, music, and history, making it an exciting place to call home.
Tacoma’s community is welcoming and diverse, creating a friendly environment for newcomers. The city is home to professional sports teams like the Tacoma Rainiers (MiLB) and the Tacoma Stars (MASL), providing plenty of excitement for sports fans. Major industries in Tacoma include healthcare, education, and logistics, with significant employers such as MultiCare Health System and the Port of Tacoma driving economic growth. The city has extensive public transit options, including buses and light rail, making commuting convenient.
Amenities
Conveniently located, the area boasts a variety of amenities, including grocery stores, shopping, coffee shops and entertainment options all within walking distance.
Commute
The high commute score in this area could imply easy access to public transportation, as well as shorter-than-average commute times to your workplace.
Employment
With higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates, this area scores extremely well in the employment category.
Housing
Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.
Health & Safety
Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.
Cost Of Living
This area is known for its high cost of living, which means you should anticipate higher costs for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries, and health care.
Crime
Reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people, this area may be perceived as an unsafe place to reside. These statistics encompass both violent and property crime rates.
Tacoma is a highly populated city located in the state of Washington. The city has a population of 223,137 people. In Tacoma, there are 4,487 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. In Tacoma, only 48% of people over the age of fifteen are married. This city could be a good option for singles ready to mingle. Something to be aware of when living in Tacoma are the above average commute times. If you're looking for a short commute to work, this might not be the right area for you. With one way commute time of 30 minutes, this comes in much higher than the national average of 26 minutes.
Without the right tools, relocating to any new area can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Tacoma, Washington could be a positive experience for anyone who puts in the effort to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. The best areas in Tacoma and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, cost of living, commute, health & safety, employment, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Washington and national averages.
With a livability score of 78 out of 100, Tacoma is ranked #2,147 in the United States and #112 in Washington. Based on this score, Tacoma would be considered a very livable city! Tacoma also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! There are nine total categories that generate the livability score. Tacoma ranks well for education (B), employment (A-) and housing (A+) There are some categories that Tacoma scores poorly for, including: cost of living (D). It might be worth taking a closer look to determine why.
If you're considering living in Tacoma, it comes with numerous advantages, particularly in the form of an extensive selection of local amenities. These amenities play a pivotal role in elevating the quality of life within this vibrant community. From easily accessible grocery stores, to conveniently located fitness facilities, a diverse range of dining establishments and a multitude of shopping options, Tacoma provides a comprehensive array of resources for its residents. This ensures the effortless fulfillment of your daily needs and creates ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The convenience of these local offerings greatly contributes to the overall appeal of the area, making it an enticing destination for those in search of convenience, diversity, and a gratifying lifestyle. If you're contemplating a move, the abundance of local amenities could very well be a defining characteristic of this area. Some of the interesting things to do and attractions include: Museum of Glass, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, and Point Defiance Park.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Tacoma market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Tacoma is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Tacoma come in at $555,043, which is 12.9% higher than the Washington average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Tacoma, the home price to income ratio is 5.8, which is 7.4% higher than the Washington average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Tacoma | Washington | National |
| Average one way commute | 30min | 27min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 71.8% | 72.3% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 10.9% | 10.2% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 6.5% | 6.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.5% | 0.9% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 2.6% | 3.6% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 6.4% | 5.6% | 4.6% |
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