Tacoma, WA Homes For Rent

Homes for Rent in Tacoma, WA: What You Need to Know

Tacoma is a port city and the government seat of Pierce County. It’s the third-largest city (population: 217,827) in the state of Washington, behind Seattle and Spokane.

Job Opportunities in Tacoma, WA

Tacoma’s robust economy is driven by a wide range of industries, from military and health care to finance and insurance to aerospace and logistics. The U.S. Army’s Joint Base Lewis-McChord, located in nearby Lakewood, is the area’s largest employer. Other key employers in Tacoma are MultiCare Health System, CHI Franciscan Health, Boeing, Washington state government, and Tacoma Public Schools.

Things to Do in Tacoma, WA

A trip to Tacoma, known for its glass art, is incomplete without a visit to the Museum of Glass. The building itself is a work of art, with its distinct architecture featuring a 90-foot-tall, stainless-steel cone. You can watch artists at work and observe the creation process, from making a sketch to sculpting. The galleries feature 20th century and 21st-century glass art. While you’re at it, visit five other attractions in the city’s Museum District: Tacoma Art Museum, which focuses on works by Northwest artists; Foss Waterway Seaport, a century-old shipping warehouse, and maritime heritage educational center; Washington State History Museum; America’s Car Museum; and Children’s Museum of Tacoma. 

Getting Around in Tacoma, WA

Pierce Transit provides about 9.8 million rides every year. It offers bus, vanpool, dial-a-ride transportation, paratransit shuttle services, and tailored transportation plans for local employers. Sound Transit provides commuter rail service daily between downtown Seattle and Tacoma, with some services extending to Lakewood and Everett. The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, 25 miles away, serves Tacoma and Pierce County.

Cost of Living in Tacoma, WA

There’s good news and bad news when it comes to taxes in the Evergreen State. Washington doesn’t levy any personal income tax, but its sales tax rate of 7% to 10.5% is among the highest in the country. Tacoma isn’t exactly cheap, but it’s still a lot better than Seattle. Tacoma’s cost of living rate, food, and housing costs are 5.3%, 8%, and 4.6% higher than the national average respectively. The median gross rent is $1,180.

Know Your Neighborhoods

Tacoma’s location along the banks of Puget Sound is a major draw. Residents don’t need to travel far to enjoy the beautiful outdoors. The city gets kudos for its vibrant music and art scene, upgraded public transportation system, and diverse population. Tacoma has good schools, although the schools in Canterwood and Artondale boast higher rankings. Both suburbs are a short drive from Tacoma.