10 Reasons to Live in Tacoma Instead of Seattle

There’s much to be said for moving to a smaller city over a larger one. If you’re looking for a less busy environment, looking to save money, or just want to experience the great outdoors more often, a major metropolitan area might not be right for you. 

And if you’re looking to move to the Pacific Northwest and the state of Washington seems appealing, you might be looking for options that aren’t Seattle; while Seattle has plenty of reasons to draw potential new residents, other areas in Washington can better fit your lifestyle.

Tacoma, WA, is one of those areas, and there’s so much to consider moving there for. You’ll get the modern convenience and lively culture of a major city alongside the laid-back energy of a smaller town, and you’ll find much lower rental and home prices there while still having easy access to both beautiful outdoor spaces and the bustling city of Seattle. 

Here, we’ll go over ten reasons why Tacoma is an excellent place to live.

1. Access to the outdoors

If you enjoy hiking, biking, rock climbing, snowboarding, skiing, or sailing, you’ll be in good company in Tacoma. Mount Rainier is close by, and its Sunrise and Paradise trails offer breathtaking views for hikers willing to make the trek. If you’re more into open water activities, you can boat, swim, and wakeboard at gorgeous Lake Tapps.

Winter sports enthusiasts of all skill levels will also find plenty to enjoy in the Tacoma area. The Summit at Snoqualmie and White Pass are perfect for beginners and families, and Crystal Mountain is excellent for skiers and snowboarders looking for more of a challenge and a wider variety of terrain. 

There’s no shortage of places to find new equipment or get expert advice on anything outdoor, either; head to Sturtevant’s or Ski Mart if you’re looking to up your winter sports game.

2. A lower cost of living

Your dollar goes much further in Tacoma than in Seattle, plain and simple. 

According to AreaVibes.com, the cost of living in Tacoma is 0.9% less than the Washington state average, while in Seattle, it sits around 25% higher than average. 

Home prices are also much lower in Tacoma; Seattle’s median home price, approximately $441,000, is nearly double the median home price of Tacoma, an estimated $230,100.

3. The Museum of Glass

Art and culture enthusiasts will be delighted by Tacoma’s role in the Studio Glass movement, in which glass was first used to create three-dimensional art pieces. 

The Museum of Glass was started by Tacoma resident and influential glass artist, Dale Chihuly, and retired president of the University of Puget Sound, Dr. Phil Phibbs, as a celebration of the city’s artistic identity.

Not only will you find all kinds of fascinating works of glass art at the Museum of Glass, you’ll also find artists actively creating their own new works if you stop by the on-site Hot Shop. 

And outside the museum, you’ll find the 500-foot-long Chihuly Bridge of Glass to walk along, whether you’re approaching or leaving.

4. Galloping Gertie and bridge design

Speaking of bridges, Tacoma was once home to “Galloping Gertie”, also known as the famously unstable Tacoma Narrows Bridge which collapsed in 1940. 

The Washington State History Museum in downtown Tacoma has plenty of information on this classic civil engineering failure, which contributed a lot to bridge design principles after the incident. 

You can also visit the bridge’s much safer replacement, lovingly referred to as “Sturdy Gertie”, which is still active today.

5. Arts and performances

Downtown Tacoma’s Theatre District is the perfect destination for fans of live performances. It’s home to the Tacoma Opera and Tacoma Symphony Orchestra, which often perform in the gorgeous Rialto Theater. 

You’ll also find the Jazzbones Restaurant and Nightclub there, which often books regional musicians like Big Wheel Stunt Show and Jeanlizabeth.

Comedy fans can catch local and touring acts at Tacoma Comedy Club for an evening of laughs. 

If music is more your jam, Tacoma hosts several music festivals throughout the year, including the Tacoma Jazz and Blues Festival and the Freedom Fair. Kids can even get involved with music by joining the Tacoma Youth Symphony.

6. Food and restaurants

Since Tacoma is a waterfront city like Seattle, you’ll find no shortage of incredible seafood restaurants to explore. Duke’s Chowder House offers – you guessed it – fresh Alaskan seafood, as well as excellent chowder. Steamers Seafood Cafe offers gorgeous views of the Puget Sound and some of the best fish and chips around.

If you have a craving for tater tots, you’ll find them at the Guy Fieri-spotlighted Dirty Oscar’s Annex, with Parmesan-stuffed tots that come with sun-dried tomato ranch. Visit Odd Otter Brewing Company to wash down your meal with a local craft beer, and if you’re looking to cook your own delicious dishes, make regular stops at the Tacoma Farmer’s Market for locally grown and produced goods.

7. Coffee

Seattle may be the city you think of when you think of Pacific Northwest coffee, but Tacoma has plenty of excellent roasters and coffee shops to choose from. Cosmonaut Coffee Co. boasts experienced baristas with extensive knowledge of coffee. Blue Beard Roasters makes its own brews in the Historic District, and Valhalla Coffee maintains a Viking theme while roasting excellent beans. If you’re looking for espresso, look no further than Bertolino’s.

8. Visual arts

Tacoma is an incredibly art-forward city, and no area of downtown doesn’t have some sort of breathtaking mural or sculpture. Thanks to the Tacoma Murals Project, you’ll find 27 beautiful murals by local artists that infuse the city with color and life. 

If you’re looking to create your own art, get in touch with Spaceworks Tacoma, which helps artists rent out empty and abandoned storefronts to use as dedicated studio space. Amateurs and professionals alike can sharpen their skills at studios like Open Arts Studio.

9. Museums

Glass isn’t the only thing you can learn about in Tacoma’s museum district. The Washington State History Museum will paint a vibrant picture of the settlers and Native American tribes that made the state what it is today. 

But if you’re looking for more specific museums, Tacoma has you covered as well; see beautiful art at the Tacoma Art Museum, marvel at classic cars at the LeMay Car Museum, learn about the maritime history of the area at the Foss Waterway Seaport, and bring your whole family to the Children’s Museum of Tacoma.

10. Weather and local celebrations

You may expect Washington to be one of the rainier (excuse the pun) areas of the U.S., but both Tacoma and Seattle enjoy an average of 141 sunny days and 39 inches of rainfall per year. No matter the season or weather, though, you’ll find incredible local festivals and celebrations in Tacoma. 

From the spring Daffodil Festival to the summer’s Taste of Tacoma to the Fall Garden Festival, there’s no shortage of local culture. Winter brings Zoolights, a family favorite that entails an evening of exploring Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium to see some of the most exquisite Christmas lights in the Pacific Northwest.

What if I still want to visit Seattle?

While Seattle may not be the day-to-day lifestyle you’re looking for, it’s still a beautiful and entertaining place to visit, being only 45 minutes from Tacoma. Everything from the iconic Space Needle to the Pike Place Market is just a day trip away.

Rent a Storage Unit in Tacoma, WA to Kickstart Your Move

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