Tacoma, Washington
What It Is Like to Retire in Tacoma
Tacoma is a port city of 200,000 on Puget Sound, about 32 miles southwest of Seattle. Commencement Bay is the deep water port for the City, one reason why Tacoma was chosen as the western terminus of the Northern Pacific Railway in the late 1800's. The University of Washington has a branch in Tacoma. The city has invested heavily in restoring the downtown, which has numerous museums and theaters.
Where to Retire in Tacoma and Home Prices
Tacoma has several nice neighborhoods that are suitable for retirees as well as families with children. Some of them include North Tacoma, Old Town, Ruston area, University Place, and Fircrest. Several people have suggested the urban condos in the downtown as being an attractive alternative. There are also active adult communities in the area. The National Association of Realtors reported the median home sale price was $793,300, during the second quarter of 2023 in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area.
What Is Special about Tacoma
Tacoma has numerous parks enjoyed by its residents. At 700 acres, Point Defiance Park is one of the largest urban parks in the country. It has a scenic 5 mile drive through it. Ruston Way is a waterfront area with several parks.
What Is Not Special about Tacoma
The crime rate is high.
Who Will Like Retirement in Tacoma
Local Economy Is Driven by
The port is very important to the local economy.
Climate and Physical Environment
Tacoma is located on Puget Sound in western Washington. The median January temperature is in the low 40's. Most winter months tend to have annual precipitation between 5 and 6 inches, with the summer months relatively dry.
Restaurants & Cultural Scene
In restored downtown Tacoma there is a thriving Theatre District with the 89-year-old Pantages Theater as its anchor. The Broadway Center for the Performing Arts manages the Pantages, the Rialto Theater, and the Theatre on the Square. Other attractions include the Grand Cinema and the Temple Theatre. Other museums include the Washington State History Museum, the Tacoma Art Museum, and the Museum of Glass. A car museum is under construction.
Crime
The crime rate in Tacoma is almost double the national average, including all categories of crime.
Medical facilities
St. Joseph Medical Center and Tacoma General Allenmore serve the Tacoma area.
Transportation
There is a commuter bus service to Seattle, as well as a 1.6 mile light rail to the UW-Tacoma campus. Seattle and Tacoma share a very large airport.
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