Anyone in Tacoma or Olympia?

KillyKillall

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Jul 1, 2004
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Looking for a change of pace from AZ and g/f and I are talking about going up to the Tacoma or Olympia area.

Do you guys like it there? Why or why not?

Edit: we understand it rains 40-50" per year and snows about 10"

How about quality of life there? Entertaining enough for mid/late 20's but nice enough to raise family?
 

Malfeas

Senior member
Apr 27, 2005
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Tacoma is the armpit of Seattle, but the cost of living is cheaper. Its a bit boring, but safe if you choose the right neighborhood.
 

DaveSimmons

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Aug 12, 2001
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If you're thinking you'll have easy access to downtown Seattle from Tacoma (shopping, clubs, music, etc.), check the map it's a long drive.

I can't say anything good or bad about Tacoma since only I've been there once in 15 years, to attend a wedding.
 

Ricemarine

Lifer
Sep 10, 2004
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Live in Shoreline, Mountlake Terrace, or Edmonds. Safe area, with good schools IMO. Also, you live near 2 malls, Northgate and Alderwood. Kamiak HS pwns. Swimming pool, tennis courts, the works...

Tacoma on the otherhand, it depends where you live... You can live on the ghetto side of it, or the ok side, up to you lol...
 

nboy22

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Jul 18, 2002
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The Aroma of Tacoma ;) yeah... haha I was born in Tacoma! lived in Federal Way till I was 3 or 4 and then moved to Idaho, I think I would've rather lived in Federal Way than Idaho!
 

Vic

Elite Member
Jun 12, 2001
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Pierce county has a poor reputation in the Seattle region. And for good reason. There is very little middle class. You're either rich or you're poor, and it's mostly poor.
 

Sluggo

Lifer
Jun 12, 2000
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Every time I read the title of this thread I wonder when Toyota began producing an Olympia.

<-----dumbass
 

KillyKillall

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Jul 1, 2004
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This is good info since we don't know much about the area. It sounds like we might just want to investigate other areas when we go up there to research.

Thanks for the guidance all.
 

Vic

Elite Member
Jun 12, 2001
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Originally posted by: Sluggo
Every time I read the title of this thread I wonder when Toyota began producing an Olympia.

<-----dumbass
Tacoma, or Tahoma, was the Puyallup Indian name for Mt. Rainier.
 

blackangst1

Lifer
Feb 23, 2005
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I grew up in Olympia, and it's a great place. I would forget about Tacoma, for all the reasons previously stated.

It has a small townish kinda feel, and a fair amount of activities to do. Plus, less than an hour from Seattle. If you like outdoors stuff, its a great place.

Your stats are fairly correct, except for the snow. Olympia really doesnt get that much, and when it does snow its usually less than a few inches. One thing I can say, although it is overcast alot, when its clear and sunny, there is no prettier place in the country (and I've lived alot of places).

Economy is about as stable as Phoenix, although WA in general is fairly heavily taxed. Politically it is very liberal. Very. Oh, no state income tax also.

The largest industries are Microsoft and all of it's subsideraries, Boeing, and Weyerhauser. Very politically correct, and lots of environmentalists.

Truth be told I am contemplating moving back; however, I am very conservative politically, and despise alot of the actions of environmentalists. You really cant avoid em.

Cost of living is OK, about average. I would say housing included probably 10-15% less than Phoenix (I've lived in Phx also hehe).

The music scene is simply amazing, and one of the things I miss most. Whether its jazz, classical, metal, whatever, you will find it there. Along with music, the arts are very prevalant also.

Did I miss anything?
 

PowerEngineer

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Oct 22, 2001
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10" of snow? Not in a "normal" year.

You might look into the Portland/Vancouver area too. Live in Vancouver if possible for taxes and schools; visit Portland for shopping and culture.

 

KillyKillall

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Jul 1, 2004
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Originally posted by: PowerEngineer

10" of snow? Not in a "normal" year.

You might look into the Portland/Vancouver area too. Live in Vancouver if possible for taxes and schools; visit Portland for shopping and culture.


I've been very interested inthe Vancouber/Portland area as well. I just need to go visit to check it out. I had a friend that just moved up there within the last year and seems fairly happy with the area.

Originally posted by: blackangst1
I grew up in Olympia, and it's a great place. I would forget about Tacoma, for all the reasons previously stated.

Thanks for all of the great info. That helps a TON!!!
 

BCYL

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Jun 7, 2000
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Originally posted by: Ionizer86
Bellevue > *, but then again, that's like 10 mins from Seattle.

I have to agree... Tacoma is just a little too far from Seattle for me... Bellevue is nice and close, and rent would be cheaper than Seattle
 
Feb 10, 2000
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I lived in Tacoma for about 2 1/2 years (I was stationed at McChord AFB). I think some of the posters here are getting a little carried away. Seattle-ites (many of whom have never actually BEEN to Tacoma) tend to be very snobbish toward it. I wouldn't go out of my way to live there, but there are some very pretty neighborhoods in Tacoma, and the home prices are about half what they are in Seattle. North Tacoma, in particular, is very pleasant.

Olympia is a nicer town than Tacoma IMO, but it has the downside of being significantly further from Seattle.

Personally I don't love western Washington generally. I seem to be a person who really feels the brunt of seasonal affective disorder, and I find the winters there too gloomy (and I say that living in Minneapolis!). On the bright side, there's a lot to do in Seattle, there are almost unlimited outdoor activities in the area, and it's beautiful in the summer. To each his own I guess . . .
 

mike2fix

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Feb 1, 2001
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Originally posted by: DonVito
I lived in Tacoma for about 2 1/2 years (I was stationed at McChord AFB). I think some of the posters here are getting a little carried away. Seattle-ites (many of whom have never actually BEEN to Tacoma) tend to be very snobbish toward it. I wouldn't go out of my way to live there, but there are some very pretty neighborhoods in Tacoma, and the home prices are about half what they are in Seattle. North Tacoma, in particular, is very pleasant.

Olympia is a nicer town than Tacoma IMO, but it has the downside of being significantly further from Seattle.

Personally I don't love western Washington generally. I seem to be a person who really feels the brunt of seasonal affective disorder, and I find the winters there too gloomy (and I say that living in Minneapolis!). On the bright side, there's a lot to do in Seattle, there are almost unlimited outdoor activities in the area, and it's beautiful in the summer. To each his own I guess . . .


I have lived in Tacoma just over 30 years now, originally from SoCal, and this is the most accurate assessment of all the postings, IMHO.

As with most towns, there are good parts and bad parts, the fact is that housing is quite affordable compared to North: Seattle, Bellevue, etc. I would have no problem moving to Olympia but it is a bit "rural" for my taste, nice area though.

 

KillyKillall

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Jul 1, 2004
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The good info keeps on coming! I like the more urban aspect due to the fact that I want to live somewhere with pro teams so I can go to some games. That is the worst part about living in Tucson..have to drive to PHX to see pro football and even then you just get to watch the Cardinals get slapped like the red-headed step children they are.

Areas researching to live:

Seattle (surrounding area)
Vancouver, WA/Portland, OR area
Denver, CO

hm...The sad part is..I'm probably a few years from moving anyways, but I am NOT raising children in AZ. Damn this state for sucking at everything except retiring.