Tacoma, WABest Places To Live in the U.S. in 2023
Located along the shores of Puget Sound, Tacoma’s stunning waterfront views, diverse neighborhoods and revitalized downtown district contribute to the high quality of life here. Tacoma residents have access to an affordable lifestyle and plenty of things to do.
Tacoma, WA, Is One of the Best Cities To Live in America
Tacoma, WA, is one of the best places to live in the U.S., thanks to the city’s abundance of green spaces, impressive roster of museums and prime location less than 35 miles from Seattle. Tacoma, Washington’s second-largest metropolis, is situated on Puget Sound’s banks, surrounded by the Pacific Northwest’s natural splendor. That gives its 222,374 residents (and counting) easy access to outdoor pursuits such as boating, fishing, swimming, hiking and biking.
Tacoma has more than 80 parks and recreational properties encompassing 2,960 acres, more than 8 miles of beaches and shoreline, and 46 kid-pleasing playgrounds. One favorite is Point Defiance Park, a sprawling 760-acre wonderland tucked away at the city’s northern tip with an old-growth forest, a zoo and aquarium, rose and rhododendron gardens, and beaches where you can spot seals and other wild creatures. Locals also love the Ruston Way waterfront, a 2-mile paved pedestrian walkway that connects downtown Tacoma to Point Defiance.
Ranking high in the environment category, Tacoma residents are passionate about sustainability and minimizing their impact on local, national and global ecosystems. As a result, the city’s 2023 Climate Action Plan, which went into effect in January 2022, includes commitments to reduce the city’s municipal carbon footprint and increase the availability of green transportation, jobs and affordable housing.
While Seattle’s arts scene often steals the spotlight, Tacoma residents don’t have to travel outside city limits to see exhibits from well-known creatives. At the Museum of Glass, visitors and locals can watch artists in action in the world’s largest hot shop amphitheater and admire the Chihuly Bridge of Glass, the famous pedestrian walkway featuring installations by famed glass artist and Tacoma native Dale Chihuly. Other stroll-worthy cultural institutions include America’s Car Museum and the Tacoma Art Museum.
Tacoma’s excellent schools also draw higher-education seekers to the city. For example, downtown’s University of Washington Tacoma is the largest public university in town and earns favor from students for its affordable tuition compared to other colleges in the West. Meanwhile, Pacific Lutheran University and the University of Puget Sound are highly-ranked private institutions known for their liberal arts programs.
Tacoma, WA Quality of Life LivScore
Tacoma, WA Top Categories
Environment
Amenities
Transportation
Tacoma ranks highest for environment, amenities and transportation.
Weather and Outdoor Activities in Tacoma, WA
While the Pacific Northwest is often known as a rainy region, Tacoma experiences less rain than its counterparts. The city has a marine West Coast climate, experiencing cool to mild temperatures year-round and relatively consistent precipitation throughout the year. The average highs and lows are 73°F and 53°F (summer) and 47°F and 35°F (winter).
The average annual snowfall in Tacoma is relatively low, thanks to its mild marine climate. Though snow isn’t unheard of in Tacoma, it is rare, and the city receives an average of less than 4 inches a year.
The average annual rainfall in Tacoma is between 40 and 45 inches, and it’s pretty evenly distributed throughout the year, with the heaviest rain occurring in the winter months.
Tacoma averages 144 sunny days a year.
Whether you love kayaking, lounging on the beach or strolling the manicured gardens, Point Defiance Park is a haven for outdoor explorers of all stripes.
Tacoma Weather
144 days
Average Annual Sun
43 inches
Average Annual Rain
4 inches
Average Annual Snow
Things To Do in Tacoma, WA
More than 80 vendors bring their best goods to the Tacoma Farmers Market, where you can peruse fresh-picked produce and sample condiments and snacks made by local artisans.
Bring your quarters to Dorky’s Bar Arcade, where gamers of all ages can play an assortment of 1980s-era pinball machines and video games.
Tacoma is one of four Pierce County cities to host the Daffodil Festival Parade every April, which features more than 100 floats, vehicles, marching bands and more.
Pair a round of sangria cocktails with a spread of beef and lamb empanadas and elote gnocchi at Asado, an Argentine chophouse.
The Local and State Economy in Tacoma, WA
Tacoma’s most prominent industries include health care, trade and transportation and manufacturing. Manufacturing is an important industry in Tacoma, and several manufacturing companies are located here, including aerospace and defense contractors like Boeing and the Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
In 2023, the sales tax rate in Tacoma is 10.3%.
No, Washington does not have a state income tax.
Tacoma has several high-quality hospitals and medical centers, including MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health St. Joseph Medical Center and MultiCare Allenmore Hospital.
There are several colleges and universities in Tacoma, WA, including the University of Washington Tacoma, Bates Technical College, Tacoma Community College, the University of Puget Sound and Pacific Lutheran University.
Quick Facts About Tacoma, WA
- Median Household Income
- $70,303
- Median Home Value
- $460,674
- Average State Property Tax
- $3,752
- Total Population
- 222,374
- Median Rent/Mo.
- $1,322
- Average Commute
- 23.18 minutes
Tacoma shines in the environment category, as well as for its diverse amenities. Both helped land it a spot on our list of best places to live in the U.S. Learn more about living in Tacoma or consider other great places to live out West. Another good resource as you consider a move: The Ultimate Guide To Finding Your Best Place To Live.
