So, I'm a college student here and The unemployment rate is 3.5%, which is pretty low. Crime rate is something to consider — Tacoma sits at 845.2 per 100K. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
24 upvotes
2 Replies
Elizabeth Brown
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 8 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into running, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Highland side vs the West side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
32 upvotes
Eleanor W.
I've lived in South for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from San Francisco, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Decent public transit for the size
- The weather scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for singles. No regrets on my end..