Tacoma, WA apartments for rent

Tacoma, Wash., houses a creative community where artists, entrepreneurs and small business owners flock in search of a charming destination away from the urban city lifestyle of nearby Seattle. 

How big is Tacoma? 

The city boasts a size of 62 square miles, which is a bit more than one-third of the size of Seattle. 

Where is Tacoma located? 

Tacoma lies 30 miles from Seattle and 145 miles from Portland. 

What is the weather like in Tacoma? 

The city boasts a pleasant, mild climate, with summer highs reaching into the upper 70s and winter temperatures hovering between 30°F and 40°F. The city receives 37 inches of rainfall per year, but snowfall is scarce.

What are the advantages of living in Tacoma? 

Tacoma’s scenic location at the south end of Puget Sound in the shadow of Mt. Rainier — along with the clean air, lovely scenery and vibrant atmosphere it offers — make it quite an attractive place to live. The myriad of entertainment options — ranging from outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking and kayaking to visiting the city’s museums, casinos and theaters — are some of the city’s finest traits. The comfortable weather, outdoor lifestyle, snow-capped mountains, tree-filled parks and events held in nearby Seattle all contribute to Tacoma’s general appeal. 

What are the disadvantages of living in Tacoma? 

Despite being beautiful most of the time, Tacoma can also be quite gloomy, experiencing cloudy, cool weather and mist, along with chilly winters. Traffic around Seattle is considered to be some of the worst in the country.

Is it expensive to live in Tacoma? 

The cost of living in Tacoma is less expensive than in Seattle when it comes to rent or groceries. Tacoma came in at #41 on Livability’s list of Best Places to Live. 

How much does a meal cost in Tacoma? 

An average meal for two at a mid-range Tacoma restaurant costs around $55. 

How much do utilities cost in Tacoma?

Basic monthly utilities for a 915-square-foot apartment cost $208.78, which is nearly $10 more than the average cost of utilities in Seattle, currently set at $198.64. 

How to get around Tacoma? 

Local public transportation is ensured by Pierce Transit in the form of a reliable bus service, offering monthly passes for $72. Ride-sharing programs — such as Uber, Lyft and Zipcar — are all available in Tacoma, along with a few good options for taxi services. Tacoma’s infrastructure was awarded a Bronze Level Bicycle Friendly status by the League of American Bicyclists.

Tacoma Housing Statistics

What is the unemployment rate of Tacoma? 

The unemployment rate in Tacoma is somewhat higher than Seattle and the state of Washington as a whole. 

What are the main industries in Tacoma? 

The largest industries governing the city are technology and agriculture. 

Which are the largest employers in Tacoma? 

MultiCare Health Systems is the largest private employer in Tacoma. Other large companies headquartered or with offices in the Seattle-Tacoma area include Microsoft, Boeing, Starbucks, Nordstrom’s and Amazon.

What is the Tacoma school system like?

Tacoma is part of the Tacoma Public School district, which includes dozens of elementary, middle and high schools, some of which are public, private and magnet. 

What are the top-rated universities near Tacoma? 

Tacoma is home to numerous colleges and universities, including Tacoma Community College, which offers dozens of associate programs; the University of Washington Tacoma; and the University of Puget Sound, which has been listed as one of the Colleges that Changes Lives.

Tacoma Employment Statistics

Tacoma Education Statistics

Tacoma Household Statistics

What outdoor activities are there in Tacoma? 

Mt. Rainier and Mt. Baker offer breathtaking views, plenty of greenery and an abundance of waterfalls, which are ideal for budding outdoor enthusiasts and campers alike. The 760-acre Point Defiance Park is another fantastic destination that features a zoo, an aquarium and a history museum, along with beaches; hiking and biking trails; playgrounds; and picnic areas.  

What are the top attractions in Downtown Tacoma? 

Museum Row is one of Downtown Tacoma’s top attractions, boasting unique stores, fantastic dining options, cute local bakeries and a movie theater that even features live shows on occasion. 

What events are held in Tacoma? 

The Daffodil Festival is held every April in Tacoma, raking among the country’s top 10 floral festivals. The Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting kickstarts the holiday season every November, offering children a fantastic opportunity to see Santa ride in on his sleigh. 

What sports attractions are held in Tacoma? 

The Tacoma Rainiers are the local AAA baseball team affiliated with the Mariners. The Seattle Sounders is a Tacoma soccer team that often makes it to the playoffs. Nearby, Seattle is home to the Seahawks and Mariners teams, which are definitely big draws if you’re an avid sports fan. 

What to see in Seattle? 

If you’re ready to make the journey to Seattle, you can enjoy plenty of fun things to do, from exploring Pike’s Market and the Museum of Flight to visiting the iconic Space Needle and taking part in a Seattle Underground Tour.

What to know about renting in Tacoma?

Tacoma is very good about making tenants and landlords aware of their rights, offering a program in which both parties have access to the tools they need to sustain healthy and safe communities. In accordance with local rules and regulations, landlords have 24 hours to repair any issues involving hot or cold water; heat; or electricity, if it poses a significant hazard. Appliances should be repaired within 72 hours’ time and other work should be completed within 10 days of notice. Because there is no rent control in Washington state, landlords can raise their rent as they see fit at the end of each lease period, but they need to inform tenants of their intention at least 30 days prior. When renting in Tacoma, read through the rental agreement thoroughly to fully comprehend what’s expected of both you and your landlord.