Located on the scenic Puget Sound, Tacoma is a well-appointed city with an average population of 200,000.
Many regard Tacoma as a great place to live for the city’s beauty and comfort. The residents of this town are often found singing praises of this place. Nevertheless, it goes without saying that every place has its fair share of downsides too.
So, is Tacoma a good place to live?
This guide will discuss the pros and cons of living in Tacoma. A thorough read of this guide will help you determine if Tacoma is a good place to live. So, let us get going!
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Pros of Living in Tacoma
Rich in Job Opportunities
Located on the coast, Tacoma is a port city. Being a port city, Tacoma is profuse with job opportunities!
Apart from being a port city, Tacoma is also close to Seattle. Being so close to Seattle also makes Tacoma a ground for high-profile companies to go hunting for employees, including Microsoft and Amazon.
Being a Tacoma resident, you can leverage the ideal location of the city and its exposure to high-profile employers. According to the City of Tacoma’s Website, some major employers include:
- The Military
- Healthcare System
- Government Jobs
- Educational Sector
Surplus Outdoor Activities
The town’s locals are huge fans of exploring the outdoors, eating good food, and appreciating the fine city art.
As you move to Tacoma, you will find yourself overjoyed with the town’s numerous activities. For example, Tacoma remains an attraction to tourists worldwide for its glass art.
Apart from the unique art concepts, Tacoma has amazing restaurants and small shops selling unique collectibles. Tacoma is a great move for keeping your belly full and finding entertainment within pristine art and the town’s rich culture.
Some terrific restaurants suggested by Eater are as follows:
- Sushi Tama
- Peaks and Pints
- Cham Garden Korean BBQ
Comparatively Affordable than Seattle
When you fare Tacoma to the neighboring Seattle, you will find Tacoma has relatively low living costs.
Albeit the living costs in Tacoma sit 11% higher than the national average, living costs in this city costs a whopping 46% lesser than in Seattle.
Similarly, the housing expenses in Seattle are 80% higher than the national average, whereas the housing expenses in Tacoma are 21% lower than the average housing costs in its state. As an added benefit, Washington state does not charge any state income tax from its residents.
Living in Tacoma, you might save some money annually and spend on attaining a better quality of life.
More from where to live: Safest Neighborhoods In Portland, Oregon
A City Full of Beautiful Sights
Besides its amenities, the biggest plus of moving to Tacoma is its beautiful scenery.
Tacoma falls on Puget Sound, an astounding water body causing stunning aquatic views. The mountains spread over Puget Sound further elaborate the scene and make the view breathtaking.
Apart from Puget Sound, Tacoma is full of countless trails and parks. Moving to Tacoma sounds like an absolute win for someone who loves the outdoors.
According to TripAdvisor, some top outdoor destinations include:
- Point Defiance Park
- Mile Drive & Trails
- Owen Beach
Delightful Weather
Washington gets a bad rep for extensive rainfall. However, reality appears contradictory to the common beliefs and the usual weather forecasts.
Tacoma is not that wet, with approximately 39 inches of average rainfall annually. On the other hand, the summers hit the hardest in January, with average high temperatures ranging from 48 degrees in January and 77 in July and August.
Studying these scores, it’s easy to conclude that Tacoma harbors delightful weather throughout the year. The nice weather will allow you to enjoy outdoor activities and live without having to deal with extreme temperatures!
Friendly, Diverse Neighborhoods
With approximately 20 neighborhoods scattered around the town, Tacoma is home to people with different lifestyles and preferences.
Regardless of the lifestyle people prefer, you will find the city’s majority population to be friendly and supportive.
Consider settling in the aesthetically appealing neighborhoods to get the best of Tacoma. The neighborhoods feature well-constructed infrastructure and nice locals to quickly make you feel at home!
According to movetotacoma.com, the best neighborhoods of the town include:
- 6th avenue
- Hillside
- Point Ruston
- UPS Neighborhood
Cons of Living in Tacoma
Now, let us discover the bad sides of life in Tacoma:
High Tax Rates
After all, Tacoma is in Washington. Washington is infamous for being the fourth state to have imposed the highest sales tax in the entire country!
The sales tax in Tacoma is 10.2%, 2.2% higher than the national average of 8%. Apart from the sales tax, property tax in Tacoma is significantly higher than in other Washington cities!
The Property Tax of Tacoma is 1.21%, whereas the property tax imposed by the state is 1.031%.
Wildfires!
Some summer days in Washington get irresistibly hot, and Tacoma is no exception. The high hot temperatures mean that there always remains a threat of wildfire constantly.
Ever since the frequent eruptions of wildfire in 2020, Wildfires in Washington have become a daily routine. As you move to Tacoma, expect to see the skies filled with dense black smoke during summer.
High Crime Rates
Tacoma sits high for having a bad reputation for safety and increasing crime reports.
With crime rates 171% higher and violent crimes approximately 117% higher than the national average, safety is a huge concern for anyone planning to move to Tacoma.
See: 10 Safest Cities to Live in Colorado
However, there are neighborhoods in the town that exhibit safety for its residents. If you move to Tacoma, settle in a safe neighborhood. Please refer to the neighborhoods mentioned earlier as viable moving options.
Final Words
If we have to conclude the topic in a single line, Tacoma is a good place to live. The comfortable lifestyle and a healthy range of amenities, among other pros, will make you favor moving to Tacoma.
However, your decision should include your preferences and the downsides mentioned in the guide above. Moving is a big decision and must be thought about thoroughly. Hence, take your time and weigh the pros and cons before moving.
We hope the insights provided in this guide prove helpful in shaping your decision.
Hi, I’m Ashley a freelance writer who’s passionate about personal finance. Ever since I was young, I’ve been fascinated by the power of money and how it can shape our lives. I’ve spent years learning everything I can about budgeting, saving, investing and retirement planning. So if you are looking for tips, advice, or just a little bit of inspiration to help you on your financial journey, you have come to the right place. I am always here to help, and I am excited to share my passion for personal finance with you.
