What do people like about living in Tacoma? With hundreds of thousands of people and dozens of neighborhoods- there is no one answer to that question. So we rounded up a film crew and went across Tacoma asking people about their lives in Tacoma. Our Tacoma neighbors share what they like about living in Tacoma in their own words!
Denny: Living in the North Slope & Stadium District of Tacoma
Denny moved to the North Slope when he was 21, and he has lived there ever since. “I bought this house in 1984. I am in my 35th year living here.” Reminisces Denny. To Denny, the North Slope is like a village. He loves the vast variety of home styles the North Slope boasts, from historic victorian castles, to sweet, quaint cottages. In the late 70’s, Denny and a few others from the neighborhood formed the North Slope Historic District “We realized how important it was that we were all together working for the good of the neighborhood. So that’s when we formed the North Slope Historic District Association.”
Denny talks about things have changed in the Stadium District over the last twenty years. Denny’s story of living in Tacoma is all about organizing, civic engagement, running a business, and changing with the times. He’s all about engaging with city and county government. “Don’t be afraid to show up for your own benefit,” he says. “The next thing you know you’re comfortable talking with them and telling them what your needs are. The next thing you know you’re probably going out and getting a few of your neighbors to come with ya! By golly, 20 years from now you’re on the city council.”
Tom and Marti: Living on the West Slope of Tacoma
Tom and Marti have lived in Tacoma for more than 30 years. Marti is a member of the Puyallup Tribe,“My people have been here for 30,000 years or more. Some people have arrived here after World War II, some after World War I, some have arrived here by plane, some have arrived by boat and by train, but here we are together neighbors. Good neighbors we can all be. Good neighbors are those who will lend a hand when somebody needs help. A place to feel safe, and space so we can hear our own thinking, and to enjoy this beautiful, beautiful place we have.”
Tom’s advice for being a good neighbor? “You should leave things better than when you arrived, and so I’ve always been struck by the need to do something to make a difference that is a positive difference. Being a good neighbor is commitment to justice, fairness and community, and it’s commitment to sustainability.”
Tommie: Living in Central Tacoma
Tommie moved to Tacoma in the late 1950’s from Arkansas after her stepfather was stationed at Fort Lewis- now called JBLM. She was still a teenager, and leaving her friends behind and starting over at Stadium High School was hard. Little by little she made one friend at a time and found her community. Over the years living in Central Tacoma’s Hilltop she’s been married, raised children- and now lives in the same home her parents bought when they moved to Tacoma. She’s completed nursing school, joined the military, and been deployed to a warzone during the first Gulf War. Helping people in Hilltop and being a good neighbor is Tommie’s passion in life. “I love the work that I do for others, I love my home, and I love my community. I wish that everyone could feel the same way that I do about their community.”
How do I find the right neighborhood for me in Tacoma?
Tacoma locals Marguerite (creator of MovetoTacoma.com) and Anne take a walk through Downtown Tacoma, the Thea Foss Waterway, Old Town, the Brewery Blocks, and South Tacoma while sharing their process for helping friends and clients choose what neighborhood is right for them. Covering topics from safety, to home style, schools, and filmed on location in Point Ruston, Old Town, Thea Foss in Downtown Tacoma, South Tacoma, and South Tacoma Way- this video is an ideal resource for people researching Tacoma Neighborhoods. You can get a feel for what different parts of the city look and feel like while getting the inside scoop on choosing a neighborhood in Tacoma.
How much does it cost to buy a house in Tacoma?
The median price in Tacoma is currently about $475,000 . The median price un Tacoma varies widely by neighborhood. That’s slightly under the median for Pierce County which is currently $520,000. Tacoma is still a seller’s market, there are not enough homes listed for sale to meet the demand of buyers in Tacoma.
More Information about What It’s Like Living in Tacoma:
Things I Wish I Knew Before I Moved to Tacoma
The Most Expensive Neighborhoods in Tacoma
Most Affordable Neighborhoods in Tacoma
How to Buy a House in Tacoma Right Now
Wondering how Move to Tacoma can help you as you explore neighborhoods?
Step 1: Explore the Clickable Neighborhood Map of Tacoma
Our clickable neighborhood map of Tacoma’s neighborhoods is our pride and joy. Click through to find images and videos of each neighborhood. The Neighborhood guides on the map also include median home price information, blog posts about the neighborhoods, podcast episodes about the neighborhoods, and candid quotes from local neighbors.
Step 2: Listen to the Move to Tacoma Podcast
The best way to learn about Tacoma is to hear from the people who live here. On the Move to Tacoma Podcast Marguerite interviews Tacomans who’ve been here generations and Tacomans who just got here. From business and technology leaders to politicians and activists and everyone in between. The Move to Tacoma Podcast will give you insight into why people move here and how they find meaning and happiness in Tacoma.
Step 3: Read the Blog Posts on MovetoTacoma.com
On the Move to Tacoma Blog we have been writing about things to do in Tacoma, where to eat in Tacoma, hot button community topics, neighborhoods and more since 2015. There are hundreds of posts to help you find what you love in the City of Destiny. From posts about where to eat and drink to interviews with locals- the blog is a great place to keep up one what’s happening in Tacoma and Pierce County.
Step 4: Get a Realtor Referral from a Local Realtor
Marguerite Martin is a different kind of Tacoma real estate agent. Reach out to find out answers to questions you have about neighborhoods in Tacoma and Pierce County. When the time is right to start looking, Marguerite can connect you with a local real estate agent who specializes in the neighborhoods you love most. You can see reviews from past clients who’ve worked with Marguerite on Yelp and on Google.
