Overlooking Commencement Bay with the silhouette of Mount Rainier in the southeast, Tacoma is a stunning port city in the Pacific Northwest region of the USA. This compact city is easy to get around, with just about everything you could need within about a 15-minute drive. Seattle is only a short drive or ferry ride away, which adds to the appeal of moving to Tacoma.
The city is fondly known as the 'City of Destiny' partly because of its historical position as the western terminus of the Northern Pacific Railroad. The 19th-century nickname has stuck as people from near and far continue to flock to Tacoma, whether in search of career advancement or simply to enjoy the region's natural beauty.
Cost of living in Tacoma
Tacoma's cost of living is significantly higher than the US average but generally on par with the Washington state average. It's more affordable than Seattle, though, especially when it comes to housing. For this reason, people commonly use Tacoma as a home base, commuting daily to work in Seattle.
Accommodation in Tacoma is above the national average but below the Washington average – Seattle tends to drive the state average up. Utilities are well priced, and a fairly mild climate year-round rarely requires cranking up the thermostat or blasting the aircon.
Other expenses to look out for include transport and groceries, which are around 15 to 20 percent above the national average. Healthcare is significantly more expensive than the US average, too, but costs can be mitigated by investing in a good health insurance policy.
Getting around in Tacoma
Tacoma is compact and well connected. The city has a network of interlinked roads and numerous public transport options, including commuter rail, light rail, buses, and ferries. Most people commute by car, with an average commute time of 30 minutes.
Pierce Transit manages bus services in Tacoma while Sound Transit oversees the light rail and several bus lines, including express lines. Sound Transit's T-Line covers Downtown Tacoma, Stadium District, and Hilltop, with trains arriving every 10 to 20 minutes.
Tacoma boasts around 30 bus routes, serving neighbourhoods not covered by the light rail. Pierce Transit also offers a door-to-door shuttle service for people with disabilities. All Sound and Pierce Transit buses have bicycle racks, and the City of Tacoma is working on developing cycle lanes throughout the city.
Useful links
Working in Tacoma
Job opportunities in Tacoma are plentiful as the city's healthy economy continues to expand. Tacoma's largest economic sectors include healthcare, retail, and education, while the best-paid industries in Tacoma are utilities, tech and public administration.
That said, companies in Seattle tend to pay employees more than those in Tacoma to offset the higher cost of living. Living in Tacoma while working in Seattle is a well-trodden path to getting the best of both worlds.
Accommodation in Tacoma
The housing market in Tacoma is growing steadily. New developments are continually popping up, and demand is high, making it an ideal time to invest in Tacoma real estate. Whether you're looking to rent or buy, the thriving housing market should make finding your new home easy.
One caveat to bear in mind when house hunting in Tacoma is that some areas have high crime rates and should be avoided. Generally speaking, North Tacoma is a good area to look for a home in, while the eastern and southern areas of the city aren't recommended. While North Tacoma is pricier, residents consider the peace of mind well worth the extra cost.
Finding and Renting Accommodation in Seattle
Healthcare in Tacoma
There are some excellent healthcare facilities in Tacoma, though you'll need good health insurance to access them affordably. The vast majority of Tacoma residents have health insurance, often provided by their employer.
St. Joseph Medical Center is known for its exceptional patient care and advanced medical technologies. The hospital is a significant healthcare provider in Tacoma and ranks among the top hospitals in Washington state. Heartwood Extended Health Care is known for its 24-hour nursing care and long-term support, while Kaiser Permanente Tacoma Medical Center provides services ranging from urgent to after-hours care, complete with a pharmacy.
Residents of Tacoma have a diverse range of health insurance options to suit varying needs and circumstances. Public health plans such as Medicare and Medicaid are widely utilised. For those seeking more comprehensive coverage, private insurance plans cater for a broader range of health services, including specialised and elective procedures.
Understanding Health Insurance in the USA
Useful links
Schools in Tacoma
Tacoma has a fantastic selection of public and private schools to choose from.
Tacoma Public Schools runs the public school district and is noted for its diversity of offerings. This includes options for Advanced Placement (AP) and the International Baccalaureate (IB). The IB is particularly favoured among expat families for its global outlook and easy transferability worldwide.
Public school admissions are based on catchment areas, so parents should bear this in mind when embarking on their house hunt. Non-neighbourhood choice applications can be made, but have strict deadlines and are subject to approval.
Some of Washington's most highly regarded private schools can be found in Tacoma, including Annie Wright Schools and Charles Wright Academy. Both are exclusive K–12 schools with excellent student-to-teacher ratios.
Useful links
Climate in Tacoma
Overall, Tacoma's climate is relatively mild. Rainfall can occur at any time of year, though the wettest months are November through January. That being said, proper downpours are uncommon in Tacoma, and most of the time, the rain is limited to a light drizzle. Locals advise donning a raincoat and enjoying the city's natural beauty so long as showers remain light.
Grey skies are commonplace, especially in winter, and those used to sunnier climes may need some time to adjust. Tacoma has around 140 sunny days per year, compared with the US average of approximately 200.
Useful links
Lifestyle in Tacoma
Tacoma is an artsy, offbeat city surrounded by nature, offering an idyllic and richly varied lifestyle. New arrivals should dive in headfirst to explore their new home. Here are some places to get started.
Point Defiance Park is one of the largest city parks in the United States. Established over a century ago, this lush 760-acre forested area is packed with things to explore. Highlights include the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, Owen Beach, and Fort Nisqually Living History Museum.
Located just a stone's throw away from Seattle – the home of Starbucks – Tacoma takes coffee seriously. You'll never have to look far to find your next caffeine fix, whether you're stopping in at Bob's Java Jive, housed in a building shaped like a coffee pot, or visiting one of BigFoot Java's 24-hour locations.
Choices abound for foodies looking for a bite, with fast-food joints and food trucks particularly plentiful. The matter of where to get the best pizza is hotly debated among Tacoma residents, and new arrivals should waste no time trying out the most lauded spots to be able to weigh in on this favourite topic of conversation.