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Tacoma, WA

Frequently asked questions

Tacoma, WA

Tacoma is the county seat of Pierce County, Washington, United States. A port city, it is situated along Washington's Puget Sound, 32 miles (51 km) southwest of Seattle, 31 miles (50 km) northeast of the state capital, Olympia, and 58 miles (93 km) northwest of Mount Rainier National Park. The city's population was 219,346 at the time of the 2020 census. Tacoma is the second-largest city in the Puget Sound area and the third-most populous in the state. Tacoma also serves as the center of business activity for the South Sound region, which has a population of about 1 million.

Tacoma adopted its name after the nearby Mount Rainier, called təˡqʷuʔbəʔ in the Puget Sound Salish dialect, and “Takhoma” in an anglicized version. It is locally known as the "City of Destiny" because the area was chosen to be the western terminus of the Northern Pacific Railroad in the late 19th century. The decision of the railroad was influenced by Tacoma's neighboring deep-water harbor, Commencement Bay. By connecting the bay with the railroad, Tacoma's motto became "When rails meet sails". Commencement Bay serves the Port of Tacoma, a center of international trade on the Pacific Coast and Washington's largest port. The city gained notoriety in 1940 for the collapse of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, which earned the nickname "Galloping Gertie" due to the vertical movement of the deck during windy conditions.

Like most industrial cities, Tacoma suffered a prolonged decline in the mid-20th century as a result of suburbanization and divestment. Since the 1990s, downtown Tacoma has experienced a period of revitalization. Developments in the downtown include the University of Washington Tacoma; the T Line (formerly Tacoma Link), the first modern electric light rail service in the state; the state's highest density of art and history museums; and a restored urban waterfront, the Thea Foss Waterway.

Tacoma is at 47°14′29″N 122°27′34″W (47.241371, –122.459389). Its official elevation is 381 feet (116 m), varying between sea level and about 500 feet (150 m).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has an area of 62.34 square miles (161.46 km²), of which 49.72 square miles (128.77 km²) is land and 12.62 square miles (32.69 km²) is water.

Tacoma straddles the neighboring Commencement Bay with several smaller cities surrounding it. Large areas of Tacoma have views of Mount Rainier. In the event of a major eruption of Mount Rainier, the low-lying areas of Tacoma near the Port of Tacoma are at risk from a lahar flowing down the Puyallup River. The city is several miles north of Joint Base Lewis–McChord, formerly known separately as Fort Lewis and McChord Air Force Base.

Health and wellness are integral to Tacoma's lifestyle, and the city offers an array of amenities to support residents' well-being. The Multicare Tacoma General Hospital, a prominent healthcare provider in the Pacific Northwest, has a significant presence in Tacoma, ensuring that residents have access to quality medical care. The YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties offers comprehensive fitness programs, including swimming, group fitness classes, and personal training. Tacoma Center for Urban Waters, known for its environmental programs, also promotes wellness through eco-friendly initiatives and community cleanups. For a more traditional fitness approach, Tacoma Strength provides strength training and conditioning programs. Pure Barre in Tacoma offers low-impact, high-intensity workouts focused on improving strength and flexibility. Massage Envy offers therapeutic massages to help reduce muscle tension and promote relaxation. Metro Parks Tacoma offers various recreational activities including hiking, cycling, and sports leagues. 

Top sites in Tacoma, WA are Museum of Glass, Washington State History Museum, and LeMay - America's Car Museum.

Population: 228,202 (2024). ZIP code: 98404. Area code: 253. Elevation: 243 ft (74 m). Area: 62.42 sq mi (161.68 km²).

FAQs

What is the city of Tacoma, WA known for?

Tacoma is known for its world-renowned glass art, Tacoma’s vibrant urban core is alive with culture. Find yourself surrounded by creativity and city sophistication when you eat, shop, and stroll Tacoma’s downtown. The friendly city inspires many to celebrate the melding of old and new. The City’s many districts abound with culture.

Is Tacoma, WA expensive to live in?

The cost of living in Tacoma, WA is 3% higher than the state average and 20% higher than the national average. Tacoma, WA housing is 34% more expensive than the U.S. average, while utilities are about 6% less pricey. When it comes to necessities such as food and clothing, groceries are around 17% more in Tacoma, WA than in the rest of the country, while clothing costs around 17% more. Healthcare services such as doctor check-ups and dentistry cost 25% more here compared to the U.S. average. At the same time, non-necessary expenses such as entertainment and grooming services are 17% pricier in Tacoma, WA.

Is Tacoma, WA a good place to live?

Tacoma also has a solid economy, due to the city’s long-standing status as an international shipping hub and ample city improvement programs. Unlike Seattle and Bellevue, the economy (and available jobs) sees minimal influence from tech-based corporations like Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and Expedia. Overall, Tacoma is a great place to move to. It has a decidedly lower cost of living than Bellevue or Seattle, provides access to more outdoor activities, has a strong economy, and boasts a cosmopolitan city experience.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Tacoma

Tripalink

Rentcafe

Museum of Glass

Washington State History Museum

LeMay - America's Car Museum

Multicare Tacoma General Hospital

YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties

Tacoma Center for Urban Waters

Tacoma Strength

Pure Barre

Massage Envy

Metro Parks Tacoma

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.