Tacoma Homes For Sale | Tacoma Real Estate
You may remember hearing Tacoma, Washington in stories about turn of the century gold rushes when people from all over North America flooded through the Pacific Northwest on their way to the Yukon to search for gold bullion. If that is your only impression of the city, you'll be pleasantly surprised to hear that the ensuing years have transformed Tacoma, WA into a thriving city of trade and commerce. A real estate purchase in Tacoma is a real investment and the kind of home you'll want to live in until your grandchildren grow old. To provide you, the potential buyer, with more information on real estate in Tacoma, WA, the real estate agents of the city have created this webpage to give you a quick overview.
Tacoma, Washington: The City of Destiny
In the Pacific Northwest's famous Puget Sound about halfway between Olympia and Seattle lies the city of Tacoma, Washington. With a population of 197,000, Tacoma is the third largest city in the state. The history of settlement in the area can be traced back to 1852 and the city takes its name from the original name of nearby Mount Rainier: Mount Tacoma. Its nickname, "the city of destiny" comes from its location at the end of the Northern Pacific Railroad and its predicted prowess as a combined sea/rail shipping port.
Over the last few years Tacoma, WA has rated highly on several lists pertaining to quality of life. It was named one of the most livable cities in the country and the most sexually healthy city in the United States. Residents also tend to stress out over their jobs, however, as Tacoma is an interesting mix of blue-collar industry and white-collar technology jobs. It is simultaneously known for handling 18 million tons of cargo per year through its port, producing vast quantities of paper and refined oil products, and as the #1 wired city for its community-wide high-speed internet.
Tacoma, Washington also has a large military presence thanks to nearby Fort Lewis Army Base and McChord Air Force Base, which together employ more than 30,000 people and a significant student population due to the presence of the Tacoma campus of the University of Washington and numerous smaller colleges and universities. Other well-known Tacoma features include the Museum of Glass, the Titlow Beach SCUBA diving area, and acres upon acres of parkland and arboretums.
Neighborhoods and Home Styles in Tacoma, WA
Housing and neighborhood conditions in Tacoma, Washington are characterized primarily by two things: suburbanization and urban renewal. As more and more suburban residential neighborhoods radiated outward the downtown core fell into decline and is only now being revitalized. Now, thanks to new investments, you can find gleaming high rise towers containing brand new condos, apartments, and offices that would appeal to young professionals. The McCarver neighborhood, once known for crime, has also been converted to townhouses and condos for urbanites in the past few years. The Theater District has become the center of gay and lesbian culture, while the Stadium District is still mostly apartments catering to the working class.
Some neighborhoods, like the North Slope, straddle the boundary between urban and suburban. The North Slope has apartments, town houses and bungalows in the Craftsman, Tudor and Four Square style while Proctor calls itself an "urban village" and features a farmer's market. Tacoma's geography also offers some spectacular views, like the one from Prospect Hill overlooking the waterfront and the one from Skyline overlooking Tacoma Narrows. Homes in these neighborhoods tend to be larger and more expensive, some selling for over a million dollars.
The popularity of Tacoma, WA homes and the views they offer has driven prices up over the last few years. The cost of living is now 112.7, higher than the United States average of 100. Housing, too, has increased in value, though it still lags behind the Washington State average. The average home is valued at about $252,000 while renting costs about $750 per month.
Contact a Tacoma, WA Real Estate Agent
If you're considering making a real estate purchase in Tacoma, Washington or thinking about selling your home there, simply contact one of our knowledgeable real estate agents for assistance. They know all the ins and outs of this sometimes-complicated housing market and are able to smooth the transition for you in a way that you wouldn't be able to manage on your own. Call today and take advantage of their superior home search and negotiation skills. You'll be glad you did.