Living a Outdoor Oriented Lifestyle in Tacoma, Washington

Tacoma, located on Puget Sound southwest of Seattle, is, are many cities in Washington State, a great place for people who love the outdoors. There is of course boating on Puget Sound, which offers excellent cruising.  The city itself has numerous large parks for hiking and biking, most notably Point Defiance Park with its long trails. Nearby mountains offer additional outdoor allure.

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 (see link at top left). The National Association of Realtors reported the median home sale price was $746,200, during the first quarter of 2022 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.

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.

Valuable Links

Tacoma Visitors Bureau

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