Tacoma & South Puget Sound
Tacoma, Washington
City
Port city on Commencement Bay below Mount Rainier
Tacoma is the seat of Pierce County and a working port city with a museum district, historic neighborhoods and Mount Rainier filling the skyline.
History & Local Character
Built by the Northern Pacific Railroad and a deep-water port, Tacoma earned the nickname City of Destiny and later added a world-class glass art scene.
Housing & Real Estate
Historic North End homes, Stadium and Proctor bungalows, downtown apartments and new units at Point Ruston.
Restaurants & Shopping
Sixth Avenue, Stadium District and Point Ruston hold breweries, seafood, pho and family restaurants.
Schools & Education
Tacoma Public Schools serves the city, with University of Puget Sound, Tacoma Community College and UW Tacoma.
Parks & Recreation
Point Defiance Park, Ruston Way and the Tacoma Narrows shoreline give the city extensive waterfront recreation.
Transportation & Accessibility
I-5 and SR 16 meet in Tacoma; Sounder commuter rail, Link light rail and the Tacoma Narrows Bridge serve the region.
Local Businesses
Port and maritime trades, glass studios, restaurants, breweries and small manufacturers.
Nearby Attractions
- Museum of Glass
- Point Defiance Park
- Mount Rainier
- Chambers Bay
Advantages & Considerations
Advantages
- Comparatively affordable housing
- Strong arts and museum scene
- Deep-water port jobs
Considerations
- Industrial corridors near the port
- Wet winters
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tacoma known for?
Tacoma is known for its port, the Museum of Glass and Chihuly collections, Point Defiance Park, and its view of Mount Rainier.