If you’re looking to live in an exciting and beautiful place, Tacoma might be the place for you. Situated on Puget Sound, Tacoma offers stunning vistas and a plethora of outdoor activities. From hiking and biking trails to world-class wineries and breweries, Tacoma has something for everyone.
Cost of living
According to Forbes, Tacoma has a cost of living that is 5.2% above the national average. Living costs in Tacoma include housing, groceries, healthcare and local transportation. However, the area still has lower costs than most other US cities. In addition, Tacoma has a moderate weather, receiving 40 inches of rain annually, and six months of rainy season.
If you want to live in an affordable city with an artsy and cultural scene, consider Tacoma, Washington. Although it isn’t the largest city in the US, Tacoma has an active arts scene that is making it popular with college students, single professionals and working families. With a variety of activities and entertainment options, Tacoma is a great place for anyone to call home.
Rent in Tacoma is the biggest cost for residents, at 32% of income. The second largest expense is food and restaurant expenses. While Tacoma hasn’t had many big businesses, it’s improving. Rents for studio apartments can run as high as $1,000 per month, not including utilities.
Rent in Tacoma is relatively affordable, but it varies significantly. A one-bedroom apartment outside of the central area of Tacoma can cost around $1,100. Rent in the central region of Tacoma can cost up to $500 more. It’s important to note, however, that rent prices are up 6% in the next few years.
The cost of living in Tacoma, Washington is cheaper than in Seattle, with rents around one thousand dollars. While rents are expensive in the city center, the better neighborhoods offer more affordable housing. In Tacoma, a two-bedroom apartment can cost about $1,200. The second-highest cost of living in Tacoma is food, which comes in at 0.3% higher than rent.
Public transportation
The most convenient way to get around Tacoma is by taking the public transportation system. There are a variety of buses and light rail options that run throughout the city. The Tacoma Link light rail is expanding with two additional stops coming soon: Hilltop Tacoma Link Extension and TCC Tacoma Community College. These new stops will make it easier for passengers to get to and from the city. Eventually, passengers will be able to take the Link light rail all the way to Seattle.
The Link light rail runs every ten minutes Monday to Saturday, and every half hour on Sunday. It connects with the Seattle-Tacoma Express Bus, and is free. Pierce Transit, Sound Transit, and King County Metro have donated bus tickets for NTPAW convention attendees to use on their travels.
The Interstate 5 express lanes and the SR 599 main line intersect in North Seattle at the Northgate Area. From there, the I-5 passes through the cities of Lynnwood, Shoreline, and Mountlake Terrace. Continuing north, the Interstate 5 merges with Interstate 405 in Lynnwood. It then continues northward to Everett.
The Sound Transit Express 590 connects the city of Tacoma with downtown Seattle. The train makes several stops in Downtown Tacoma, including the Dome Station, and is free to use. In Tacoma, the train serves many neighborhoods. Commuters can park their cars for free at Tacoma Dome Station. The Link Light Rail also travels to Puyallup, Kent, and Tukwila.
Historic preservation movement
Historic preservation is a movement to keep local historical buildings intact and preserved for future generations. Tacoma, Seattle, and other cities are trying to do the same. The Seattle City Council is scheduled to vote today on a resolution declaring historic preservation a “victory” and reassigning preservation staff. Similar resolutions have already been proposed in San Francisco and Washington, D.C., and the National Park Service has a public hearing today on a National Register nomination.
Tacoma is home to a National Register-listed historic building. A $15 million re-haul by developer Surge Tacoma will restore the building’s terra cotta facade, clock tower bell, and jail cells. The old building was constructed in 1893 and has undergone a series of renovations and seismic upgrades.
The Tacoma school district also owns a number of significant historic buildings. While many school districts are in the process of tearing down these buildings, the Tacoma school district has remained committed to preserving these historic structures because of their architectural and community value. Historic Tacoma has nominated Oakland Elementary School, McCarver Elementary School, and Hoyt School for historic status and hopes to get council affirmation of these nominations.
The Tacoma Landmark Church is a great example of a historic building that is undergoing a restoration process. The church is situated at the end of Tacoma Avenue, a north/south corridor that stretches through downtown Tacoma. It was designated a Landmark by the City of Tacoma in 1975. The congregation has made a concerted effort to raise the needed funds for the restoration of the building, which is an essential part of Tacoma’s downtown skyline.
The Tacoma area underwent significant changes during the second world war. During this time, shipyards were constructed with steel and war workers began to crowd into the city. Women began to fill jobs once held by men and ethnic minorities migrated from the Deep South. In 1942, Japanese American residents were ordered to leave the West Coast.
Nature wonders
There are plenty of activities and things to do in Tacoma, Washington. From the arts scene to the historical landmarks, this city offers something for everyone. Explore nature wonders and experience the vibrant urban culture. You can visit the city’s favorite restaurants and historical sights. You can also spend a relaxing day at the beach or on the water. If you’re looking for a little more adventure, check out some of Tacoma’s top outdoor activities.
If you’re traveling with kids, visit the Children’s Museum of Tacoma. It has an on-site cafe and stroller parking. There are also lockers for personal belongings. Fort Nisqually was once a major fur-trading post along Puget Sound. Fort Nisqually is now a living history museum depicting a British settlement from 1855.
Tacoma Zoo – A 700-acre park, Tacoma Zoo is home to a number of exotic creatures. Its exhibits include icy-white beluga whales, playful pachyderms, sleek sharks, and adolescent clouded leopards. The zoo also offers a play area for kids, including a whimsical recreation of the historic Point Ruston Ferry.
Swan Creek Park – Another great spot for picnicking, bird watching, and nature-watching, Swan Creek Park is nearly 375 acres of open space and is home to a number of cool events. You can also explore Tacoma on the water via Destiny Harbor Tours. This tour offers a unique perspective of the city from the Puget Sound.
Mount Ranier – Another great natural wonder is the 14,410-foot (4392-m) Mount Ranier. The top of this mountain is an excellent place to view the city’s skyline and take a hike. During the spring, the falls are at their most beautiful.
Housing options
There are many affordable housing options in Tacoma, Washington, from nonprofits to private landlords. The income requirements are different, but these options usually cater to people with extremely low incomes. Housing assistance programs in Tacoma are currently not accepting applications for Section 8, so the wait time for a property is likely to be long.
The Housing Division of the City of Tacoma is responsible for providing service and technical assistance to improve housing conditions. This includes ensuring better safety in neighborhoods, eliminating blight, and stimulating economic development. The city also strives to decrease crime and blight by providing affordable housing to those who need it most. The Housing Division also develops and adopts a comprehensive plan every five years to address community and economic needs.
The Tacoma Housing Authority coordinates with other housing agencies to provide affordable housing for low-income households. These agencies offer single-family homes, duplexes, shared housing, and multi-family units. Many of these organizations also offer rental assistance and mortgage education programs to help people achieve homeownership.
Family Housing Network is another local nonprofit in Tacoma, Washington. This organization provides affordable housing to families and seniors. They also provide mentorship and other services for at-risk mothers. Other programs and services provided by the group include employment workshops, supportive housing, and peer support groups. It also provides housing to people with disabilities.
Students can also apply for rental assistance through the Collegiate Homesharing Program, which matches college students with other college students. They then receive a voucher for rent, which pays for a portion of the rent. The rest of the rent and expenses are the student’s responsibility. This voucher typically covers around $450 a month in rent.
