Tacoma, Washington SperlingViews

I lived in Tacoma for 4 years from 1997-2002. As a transplanted easterner, I was a little less than thrilled at first, but it quickly grew on me and I was very sorry to leave in the end. The geographic setting is beautiful -- mountains on one side, ocean on the other. Winter is DARK and rainy, but is more than made up for by the best summers anywhere (warm but not really hot, sunny, sunny, sunny, no humidity). Just when we were leaving, the city was really starting to pick up with a lot of downtown rennovation, UW campus, and more amenities. I've been back to visit since, and it's really looking good. The only downside to the area is the horrible 24-7 traffic on I-5 and other hightways. I always thought the ironic thing about Tacoma was the huge chip it has on its shoulder about not being Seattle -- Tacoma is MUCH more liveable than it's northern neighbor! Would love to go back, but unfortunately the housing boom in the last couple years has put most decent housing out of sight.

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re: I miss this place! - 11/28/2006 - 2/8/2009
I am currently in southern California and looking for a “better” place to live. Reasons that we are considering moving: - too expensive -too much traffic - too hot in summer - not enough “greenery” due to too little rain - too much traffic - no seasons - people are often not that friendly There are positives of course but, for me and my family, I think it’s time for a change. Could you tell me how your city stacks up? Thanks so much

housing is going up - 5/4/2007

prices are[read more...]

Tacoma is best kept secret - 2/14/2007

I've lived in numerous parts of the country and always come back to Tacoma. Get off of the freeway and look around. It has everything to offer and is on it's way up with a revitalized downtown. The[read more...]

I miss this place! - 11/28/2006

I lived in Tacoma for 4 years from 1997-2002. As a transplanted easterner, I was a little less than thrilled at first, but it quickly grew on me and I was very sorry to leave in the end. The[read more...]

"City of Destiny" - 11/24/2006

I moved to downtown Tacoma almost 3 years ago for my job. I prefer the feel of a larger 'happening' city, and If it wasn't for the traffic on I-5, I probably would have lived up in Seattle (up the[read more...]

Gangs are in control of Eastside - 10/19/2006

The gangs run the Eastside of Tacoma. Most people in this area live in fear. Four attacks in the last week. You hear gunshots at night from drive bys. The cops do nothing and it is the opinion of[read more...]

Tacoma aka Tacompton - 6/12/2006

I'm looking to leave this city ASAP! I'm tired of the gangs, drugs and[read more...]

My Scoop on Tacoma - 5/26/2006

The city of Tacoma is finally rapidly changing, for the better! Very expensive condos are going in wherever they can tuck them, as well as new commercial buildings. The Port & the RR are very busy.[read more...]

Most Improved City - 1/31/2006

Tacoma has redeemed itself from the old stereotype of "Aroma of Tacoma" due to the paper mill industry in downtown area. Visiting it for the past two years, the city has indeed cleaned up and the[read more...]

crime - 1/2/2006

Why is crime in Tacoma so high? When I compare it to national averages as well as to certain other cities it doesn't look very favorably, especially on rapes and property[read more...]