Point Defiance Park stands as one of America's largest urban parks, featuring dense forests, manicured gardens, beaches, and the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. The Museum of Glass showcases spectacular glass art with live glassblowing demonstrations, connected to downtown by the stunning Chihuly Bridge of Glass. Along Ruston Way Waterfront, residents enjoy waterfront dining at establishments like WildFin American Grill and Duke's Chowder House while taking in views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains.
The median price for single family homes in Tacoma is $502,500, with significant variation by neighborhood. North Tacoma commands a median price of $639,100, while the prestigious Stadium District reaches $1,097,500. Downtown Tacoma features primarily condos, with one bedroom units at a median of $350,000 and two bedrooms at $453,500. The overall housing market ranges from $323,000 to $1,698,000.
Living costs in Tacoma run 26.1% above the national average. A family with school age children needs approximately $132,000 annually to live comfortably, while renters should aim for $68,000. Property taxes sit at 0.94%, slightly higher than Seattle's 0.84%. The city maintains excellent schools, including the A+ rated private institutions Annie Wright Schools and Charles Wright Academy. Public transportation includes Pierce Transit buses and the Tacoma Link light rail connecting downtown to the Theater District. The University of Puget Sound and University of Washington Tacoma campus provide higher education options. Mount Rainier National Park lies 60 miles away, while Seattle's attractions are accessible within 35 minutes without traffic.
