What to Know before moving to Tacoma

Tacoma, WA, is a great place to live, work, and play—and now people are getting to know it. If you’re looking to relocate to this wonderful city, here are six things to know about Tacoma.

1. Tacoma is set for growth

While it’s northern neighbor Seattle is often among some of the most recognized cities in the country, Tacoma is earning recognition of its own—especially right now in terms of growth. According to a recent Forbes report, Tacoma is the No. 2 housing market to watch in 2021.

According to the report, nearly three out of every four houses sold in October 2020 being purchased within two weeks.

2. There are jobs in Tacoma

Not only is the housing market something to watch, but Tacoma’s job market has a positive outlook as well. Despite the coronavirus, jobs increased by 1.8% over the past year, with the average salary being more than $51,000.

The highest paying jobs you’ll find are in healthcare, computers—but you may have an easier time landing a job in retail trade or educational services. 

3. Check out these Tacoma neighborhoods

Any time you’re relocating to a new area, you gotta know the neighborhoods. Each one is unique, giving a distinct facet of the overall city. For instance, South Tacoma has a convenient location and plenty of parks, while Key Peninsula offers a rural feel with plenty of nature.

Click here to explore the Tacoma neighborhoods for yourself.

4. Know where to eat in Tacoma

Protip for moving or even visiting any city: know where the locals eat, and eat there too. For instance, if you want a steak, go to Cuerno Bravo in Downtown Tacoma. Even with Covid-19 precautions, the steakhouse and its premier cuts is great for special occasions. If it’s seafood you’re looking for, hit up Lakewood’s Captain Crab. And if all else fails, grab some pizza at Tacoma Pie just southeast of War Memorial Park.

5. Tacoma’s Glass Museum is a must-see

Many cities have big, well-known spots that otherwise end up to be tourist traps and not really enjoyed by the locals. Tacoma’s Museum of Glass is definitely not one of them. With plans to reopen in early 2021 after Covid-19 shutdowns, this facility is part museum, part education facility, part workshop—and the only museum west of the Mississippi that uses the medium of glass.

6. The Cost of Living in Tacoma

According to BestPlaces.net, which scores cities on an index where 100 is the national average, Tacoma earns a score of just over 113, slightly above the national average but below the state average of Washington. You’ll see significant savings in areas such as health and utilities, but housing is easily the biggest expense.

The medium home cost is nearly $310,000, but you can find savings in apartment rentals. 

Another significant way to save money involves Tacoma self storage. Whether it’s to help you relocate, maximize space in your apartment, or even expand your business, a storage unit in Tacoma gives you more space on a budget.

Click here to learn more about Tacoma self storage.