Living In Tacoma Washington | one year update
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- Опубликовано: 17 авг 2023
- We all know that moving can be a big decision, but what are the pros and cons of living in Tacoma, Washington? In this video, we'll take a look at both sides of the coin. We'll look at what it's REALLY like relocating to Tacoma Washington and what daily living in the city of Tacoma Washington is like once you get settled in. Hopefully, this video will help you make the decision that's right for you! And ultimately, if you move to the puget sound area, please let me know! Let's grab a coffee. :)
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I,m a black man and that great State of Washington was the most wonderful place I ever lived in this country.
I can easily say the same! It’s got it’s problems but it’s by far the most beautiful place I’ve ever lived in. ✨💕
@@AmandaAwakens Wonderful, and i wish you the most happiness!
I and my black wife (30 years married) moved from South King county to the Ruston complex last December. I've been very impressed with North Tacoma. Even the parks are better. Your assessment of Tacoma is spot on.
I believe the closeness of JBLM contributed to the number of black people.
Oooh I’m so curious about the Ruston Complex. It looks beautiful but definitely super pricey. So glad you found this to be spot on and I’m sure JBLM has a major impact on the racial makeup of Tacoma. Be well!
King County rent is definitely high and it can be expensive too live in parts of wa state
I'm a native of Tacoma. I've lived years away and have come back in my retirement years. I wish you were my neighbor. Attitude is everything and yours is the best.
Oh how I was I was a native Tacoman to have been able to grow up in such a beautiful place! You’re very fortunate in that sense. And thank you! My attitude isn’t always as positive lol but it’s really just a reflection of how I feel about my new home (the good and the bad). Be well and have a lovely weekend! ❤️
I lived in Tacoma from July 2021 to February 2023. It was definitely unique. The people who live there are VERY proud of that city, they do not want to be lumped in with Seattle. I was very surprised that it was actually that many black people in Tacoma. To me the Puget Sound is similar to the Bay Area in California. Seattle is similar to San Francisco: more upper crust and snooty and Tacoma is similar to Oakland: blue collar and gritty with a lot of character.
They really are proud of being from “Grit City” as they call it lol. My boyfriend is from here and before we started dating he hadn’t been to Seattle in YEARS which was mind blowing to me lol. Most of the Tacoma natives do not associate with them folks lol.
@@AmandaAwakens facts I made friends with quite a few people and when ever I would plan to spend the day in Seattle, I asked them what was there to do up there they all told me "We don't fool around with Seattle like that!"
I graduated from the University of Washington, Tacoma. Overall, i had a good experience. Yes, the natural splendor and outdoor activities of the Pacific Northwest are great... but the cost of living is high. This economic factor primarily led to my wife and I moving to North Carolina. However, we've faced more societal prejudice here as an interracial couple. Tradeoffs, or weighing the pro's and cons, can suck sometimes.
Tacoma is very beautiful. I grew up there that’s home home. I’ve been in Texas for 11 years and most definitely want to come back spring of ‘24. Stuff really has drastically changed from 09. Thanks for this!
Thank you for taking the time to watch and comment! I appreciate you. I'm so jealous that I didn't grow up in Washington but really thankful to call it home now.
There's no "perfect" city, I'm from St. Louis and many people would describe it as from from it but there are aspects that make it pretty cool. I now live in Florida and while it has many positives after 25 years I'm itching to see a new sights. Keep exploring all areas have something special about them.
This is very true! There are pros and cons everywhere in the world. And really, our homes are our bodies and minds and not our location. It’s all perspective.
Belated welcome to the area! I transplanted here twenty-five years ago and love the region, am just a bit north of you. I'd love to live on one of the coastal islands here, though. The only drawback has been the Seattle Freeze - for real. I love how you discussed this with such neighborly feel and let someone appreciate it through your eyes, both benefits and drawbacks. I hope you continue to enjoy it here.
Thank you! I’m a huge fan of the area and plan to live here for quite some time. The Seattle Freeze is so true and such a bummer though. Besides my boyfriend all the friends I’ve made are transplants!
A positive thing that I love about Tacoma is their support of the arts! The Museum of Glass and the Tacoma Museum of art have a free evening once a month (third Thursday?). The Tacoma Refugee Choir is amazing and I highly recommend checking them out. A favorite gem of mine is the Grand Cinema, it’s a non-profit movie theater with a local community-feel. They have events like monthly free family flicks, Weird Elephant screenings, and they host the Tacoma Film Festival, Cat Video Festival, and the awesome 253 Film Festival every year!
Tacoma is super supportive of the arts! It's really a beautiful thing to see :)
You have such a positive vibe
Hey! I’m moving there on the 26th of this month and I can’t wait 😊
As a lifelong Tacomian...? I agree with everything here. But with the added bonus. At Titlow beach/park. If you follow the main pathway along the water/railroad tracks you can ger to a really cool hiking trail. It can link up to a parking point up the hill you just drove down. Or you can try to follow it along the water toward the narrows. Some spots have areas to grill/picnic. And benches. Not a lot of people know about these trails but its maintained by Metro Parks of Tacoma.
Hey, thanks for sharing this! Super helpful.
Be well. 💕✨
The term is Tacoman, AFAIK.
Thanks for your video!
Of course! Hope it was helpful. Be well. ❤️✨
Thank you! 🙏🏿
Absolutely! Feel free to reach out if you have more questions. Be well.
Thank you. I enjoyed your video.
So glad you enjoyed! I really love Tacoma. :)
I ADORE your hair!!!!!!!!!!
Aww thank you so, so much! It's such a quick and easy style.
Thank you so much! You're definitely selling me on Tacoma. As another recent NE transplant to the PNW 👋
Hello fellow NE to PNW transplant! Where were you living before? And what part of the PNW (Washington?) are you living in now? And Tacoma is an awesome place. It definitely has its flaws but I really believe a lot of those flaws (or at least the high visibility and impact of those flaws) comes down to your location within the city.
I love the great outdoors and glad to know you do too. Be safe and have a great day 😊
They're called the "great" outdoors for a reason! Nothing beats it. Have a lovely day.
Hello Amanda ,This is the first time i have come across your cite I was born and raised in Kirkland and have lived in the area all my life I watched it all grow up and have seen all the changes that have come here .I was a long haul trucker most of my adult life I am now retired ,and reside in Tacoma .As far as it goes you are spot on in your description of the history of the area and the way things are now .This tells me a lot about you and i like it . I see there are a few in the post's that are looking for Insite as to what they will find as they are wanting to come to this area .In this I would like to help .If you are interested in this just let me know here and time willing for you maybe a meeting some where and you can ask me questions so you can help others . After all that's what neighbors are for , helping others that are new to the neighborhood .or wishing to be .
Hello, I'm looking to relocate to Washington state and was told the crime rates in Tacoma are very high, are you able to give me insight on this?
Gotta link that light rail to the main line and Tacoma would be perfect
I don’t think it would make Tacoma perfect lol but boy would it be a lot better. It would be so nice if you could just take the light rail across the city or at least more parts of the city.
I left upstate NY for western Ohio for school. I actually like it. I love the space and abundance of eateries here. I am calmer also. I've been to Columbus and enjoy that city also (so many nice restaurants and festivals). The plan was to return to NY but due to the cheaper homes, I am looking to buy a home now. Bowling Green is a nice town also.
Aww congrats on the move and the alignment you’re feeling in your new space. So happy for you! Be well and I wish you continued luck/results based on your wise decisions! ✨💕
I am planning to move there in Tacoma from the Philippines, hopefully within the year!!!
Awesome! I’m wishing you the absolute best in that transition. Take care. ❤️✨
hey Amanda!
Thank you so much for this breakdown of living in Tacoma. I am also from the east coast and hoping to travel to Seattle as a travel nurse. I was wondering if you could mention the neighborhoods that are safe to live in and ones that should be avoided, that would be so helpful since I am trying to research the city from the east coast :)
Hi sweetheart! Honestly I’m not that familiar with Seattle. I know cities like Renton and Bellevue and Mercer Island (20-30 minutes) outside of Seattle are safe options but I’m not sure about within the city. Sorry I can’t be more helpful :(
@AmandaAwakens sorry I meant Tacoma!
@@avakiki10oh well of course! There’s Stadium District, University Place, Proctor, Ruston, and if you’re willing to be a little outside of Tacoma there is Gig Harbor which is ritzy and expensive but very safe! ❤
Hi 👋🏽 I know this video is old but I have a few questions:
What's the weather like each season in Tacoma?
How's the entertainment in the city? (clubs, sports, theaters, etc)
What was the general ball park of moving expenses for you?
Thanks for any feedback. Im currently working to escape the east coast (NJ) & the PNW area seems like its more my speed
Hello, hello! Here’s my thoughts:
A) Weather can vary based on an El Niño year versus a La Niña year. The former means warmer winters and the latter usually means colder winters. Overall though, the weather is really mild and easy to deal with IF you can get pass the gray and the drizzly rain with the occasional downpours, but from my experience it’s mostly just the drizzle. Spring is wet and summer is amazing but there has been an increase in temperatures but that’s been everywhere due to climate change. Overall though love summer weather and fall too!
B) I’m not a clubgoer so I truly have no idea what that scene is like. There’s PLENTY, literally endless amounts of entertainment options between Tacoma and Seattle though, especially in Seattle which is anywhere from a half hour to hour long drive depending on traffic. And there’s a wide variety of options for those who are outdoor enthusiasts, theater goers, sports enthusiasts, art and music enthusiasts, etc.
C) As far as moving goes I came from upstate NY and received a $5,000 moving bonus from my school and spent every penny and this was just me moving with all my belongings packed in my car and my doggo. I stayed in three hotels along the way and split the trip up into four days.
I hope this helps! If you want more detailed feedback feel free to shoot me an email. Tacoma is not perfect and has a lot of downsides but I ADORE the PNW and at this point I really couldn’t see myself living in any other part of the country. 💕✨
I do remember Tacoma, being called aroma Tacoma, back in the 1960's and the 1970's, because, of the paper mills, and other mills. I do like the aqua park/building in Northwest section of Tacoma.
I’ve heard of the Tacoma Aroma! I never smell it but I’ve definitely heard of the phrase lol.
So ironic how I watch your videos often & now Ima be stationed there for my first duty station.
Aww amazing! Let me know when you arrive and we can grab a coffee. ❤️
Hi, my son is being stationed there. Are there any recommendations for places/areas to live?
@@AmandaAwakens cool. I’m goin to a concert in Seattle next month.😊
I'm glad you're enjoying your new home, Amanda. I have never been to WA, but I really like those nature images. I am also a NY native.
Oh man upstate New York is one of the most beautiful places on the face of the planet. I miss the gorges!
@@AmandaAwakens I live in the suburbs near NYC. Most people think of only NYC when they think of NY state, not aware how different and beautiful upstate NY is. I recall as a kid how amazing the view of the stars was at night.
Interesting! I am a NY native and spend much time upstate. I've also been to the west coast quite often and see the appeal. If you don't mind what was the decision in wanting to move? Love your videos and you are beautiful
Hey, thank you for the sweet compliment! There were several reasons why I left. I was going through a breakup, a better job opportunity in the west came along, and I prefer the weather and the overall climate (socially as well) here in Washington!
@@AmandaAwakens all makes sense. Keep up the great work
I lived in Tacoma for nearly 6 years. I grew up in Dallas-Fort Worth metro. One thing I noticed it's hard to make friends in the Pacific Northwest. People are kind of introverted.
I totally agree! All of the close friends I’ve made are all transplants. It seems very difficult to make friends with people who are from the area but I found it easier to make friends with Tacomans than Seattleites for sure. Be well and happy holidays! ✨
@AmandaAwakens thank you. Yeah. Dating is horrible in Tacoma. People have used the term Cascadian Calm or the Seattle Freeze. Trying to start a conversation or pursuing someone romantically was extremely difficult.
@@donnyramay2635 Absolutely! I hated the dating scene. People can be incredibly flaky.
Thank you! Thinking about transplanting from Southern California to Tacoma in the next year! We are an interracial couple
Awesome! Tacoma definitely has its downsides and it's far from a "city on the hill" but all in all I really enjoy it and depending on the neighborhood you live in (Proctor, University Place, Ruston, etc.) a lot of the downsides are less visible and less pressing. I'm a major fan of the state.
@@AmandaAwakens honestly I’m looking to move somewhere near water, colder weather, and less hustle/bustle than the greater Los Angeles region. I know traffic is picking up out there….but I plan on visiting soon. Do you recommend visiting during summer and winter for a more complete idea of the city climate?
@@tiffanyriser Thankfully traffic in and around Tacoma is not bad. The problem is heading to and from Seattle during peak hours of travel (6-9) and (3-6). And oh man if you want water and colder weather with overall less hustle and bustle Tacoma is definitely the place! As far as weather goes and when to visit the summer is amazing. No humidity, usually dry, definitely hot in August and early to mid September but overall around the 70s/80s and just stunning. But, I do think it's an unrealistic view of what the rest of the year is like. Spring, Fall, and Winter are fairly similar when it comes to the potential for wetness and grayness and it does get really wet here and really gray. But I haven't seen as many downpours as I've experienced just super gray, DRIZZLY days. And the drizzle is the absolute worst to me even more than the downpour. The downpour can be relaxing and cozy but the drizzle is just the worst lol. I hope this helps!
@@AmandaAwakens wow this was amazing feedback Amanda! Thank you so much! Enjoyed your video and all your help! 🙌🏾✨💕
I am planning on moving to Tacoma Washington soon, i'm from Texas!! And the fact it has the trees and the color changing leaves with the seasons, i've wanted that in my life. So I can't wait until I am able to go! I am trying to find a job at the moment that way I can invest in buying a car, having enough money to atleast buy an apartment there in Washington Tacoma. I would like to drive over there, only because I want to see it's beauty when driving there and when you're in the sky I dont think i'll be able to see it's details.
I am wanting to live there because of what it has for me that I wanted in my life, and job opportunities!
I am just wanting to move right a way. :)
I am wishing you the absolute best of luck! I believe the best time to come ironically is either winter or early spring so you can see what much of the year is: cool, gray, and rainy! The summer is STUNNING but doesn’t really set you up for a realistic view of Western Washington at least. Regardless you will see breathtaking views. Wishing you the best of luck! ✨❤️
@@AmandaAwakens Thank you very much!!!
How is Lakewood, WA now? I was there in 1990 right outside the main gate to McChord AFB. I have to go back eventually. Detroit Ave, Boston Ave, Chicago Ave.
I cannot answer this as I haven't spent much time in Lakewood and the areas I HAVE been in aren't great lol. But, my partner, who was born and raised in this area says that just like Tacoma there are good parts of Lakewood and bad parts of Lakewood and it hasn't changed as much as Tacoma has in the last 10 or so years. I hope that helps. The best way to figure out how it is of course is to come back and visit :)
I had no idea all the beaches were basically rocks😂 thanks for sharing that! Planning to move either to there or Portland so this was so helpful! (Edit: I saw you reply to your comment section and had to ask, what are your thoughts on Portland vs Tacoma? Have you ever been to Portland? I’m really struggling to choose between the 2! Portland seems to have better transit and food but Tacoma seems more family oriented & diverse? I’m torn and would love any advice!!🙏 I’m a young woman and just want somewhere safe that I could picture living for a long time 🥰
Hi hi! Yes, there are a lot more rocky beaches than sandy beaches at least in Western Washington. I don’t know if Eastern Washington even has beaches lol. To be fair though the beaches are stunning! I’ve only been to Portland once and therefore can’t say what it’s really like. Many people say though that the problems in Seattle/Tacoma are exacerbated in Portland but I don’t know if that’s true or not but I have heard that pretty commonly from Washingtonians (who could be very biased lol). I hope this helps and don’t hesitate to reach out with more questions!❤️✨
@@AmandaAwakens thanks so much! You’re amazing!
Thank you for this video! I moved to East Seattle area this March from Alabama and looking for areas to buy a home. My real estate agent has been sending me Tacoma listings but when I check the crime map, it is high. Are there any neighborhoods/areas I should be aware of? Thank you for any feedback you may provide!
You are so welcome! Tacoma definitely has its fair share of crime but I don't know if it's higher per say than in Seattle but it could be in comparison to size. As far as neighborhoods go, I would avoid Hilltop and the downtown Tacoma area and steer more towards University Place or even the Stadium District and Proctor Neighborhood. Also, there's Ruston and Gig Harbor is about 15-20 minutes outside of Tacoma. It's a very nice area but quite expensive and you will have to go through the toll to come in and out of the city but could be worth it depending on what you are looking to spend! I hope this helps and welcome to the PNW from one southern girl to another.
Thank you so much for the feedback!❤️
So thankful for this video and your POV as a black woman 😍
Oh yeah please feel free to send me an email if you ever have Tacoma based questions! ✨❤️
Hi! Moving there this summer and visiting in March. Any recommendations for good places to rent? I’m a Mom and would prefer to rent a home however, a nice apartment is sufficient too
Okay, moving in the summer time is amazing because that’s hands down the best season in Washington! March will likely be more realistic of a typical day in Washington lol. As far as neighborhoods, Fircrest, University Place, Ruston, Proctor, and North Tacoma are all great options. I hope this helps you. ❤️
Thanks for your post. Hi, my son is being stationed there. Are there any recommendations for places to live?
Hello! You are so sweet. Here’s some suggestions from my partner who is a Gig Harbor/Tacoma native: Fircrest, University Place, Lakewood (but do research on the nicer areas), Ruston, and there’s Gig Harbor which is on the pricier side by far but super nice and safe. I hope this helps and am wishing your son the best of luck in this transition. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have more questions. Be well! ✨
I truly appreciate the information. Best wishes@@AmandaAwakens
How’s the traffic like from Downtown Tacoma to Belfair WA?
Hello! I hope you have a safe move. Traffic on highway 16 can be rough, but better than i5. Bremerton from Tacoma is at least a 45 minute drive (33 miles distance) and Belfair from Tacoma is a minimum hour drive (with no traffic) and 36 miles distance. Also, there’s the bridge toll to keep in mind. Hope this helps! ✨❤️
hii, im thinking about doing an exchange (im brazilian) and i was thinking about moving to Tacoma. are there immigrants? i would be very happy if they had because I thought the city was very beautiful 🩷
Absolutely there are immigrants living in Tacoma but I don't know what is the distribution of Central and South American immigrants. It might be best to take a visit and see how you like it. :)
❤😂
I just recently moved here. How did you make friends here?
SLOWLY lol. But that’s because of my introverted nature. The friends I made were able to make friends far more easily through meet up groups (primarily), work, family, and by putting themselves out there via book clubs, hikes, and other interest groups. My closest friends I met through my job and through Bumble BFF. And now, I’m making friends through hanging out with the friends of my friends, if that makes sense. It is possible but hard, depending on your nature. Be well and happy holiday season! ✨
What about Bremerton WA?
I was stationed there at the ship yard for about a year and a half. If that's why you are going there, be advised it is very slow there.
That's funny we neighbors live in seattle
Oh that's awesome! I was just in Seattle yesterday buying some maps down at Metsker's. I really think Seattle is lovely despite some of the hardships the city faces. Be well
@@AmandaAwakens you right seattle definitely has some things to work on homelessness alot of people out there need better programs maybe some more avenues for the homeless to get them out of their situation its sad
Will I be treated as a ghost there because I am a brown man.
I don’t think so! I have found Tacoma to be really laidback and diverse and “brown men” are no anomaly in Tacoma or Seattle, if that helps! ✨💕
Hi Amanda.
Hello, hello! ✨💕
@@AmandaAwakens love you content. From a white man married to a black woman, your doing it right. Quality and character above all.
@nowere4579 oh thank you so much! That’s very kind of you to say. ✨💕
When you want to live in Detroit, but pay San Francisco prices, choose Tacoma.
It’s definitely expensive here.
this is SPOT on! Tacoma is like a West Coast version of Detroit. Funny thing is, I met a lot of people who relocated from Detroit while living there.
Is there more white people in Seattle?
In comparison to black people, yes.
@@AmandaAwakens Amanda, I never could understand people who went hiking or slept overnight in the woods. All these people that spend thousands of dollars to climb a mountain and get frostbite and loose a few fingers and toes. As a white man, I could never understand why white people do that. So, I talked to a good friend of mine, Kanye West. And Kanye told me, White men don't know how to make love properly. Only a black man can please a women. I said, Kanye, please! You gotta help me! Teach me how to make love like a brother so I can please my special lady. So, all that week, Kanye was teaching me, telling me white men are sloppy at sex and they aren't satisfying to a woman. He said, you got to take your time and do it the right way. You gotta get your woman in the mood. Put on some Barry White, make love slowly and satisfying. Kanye taught me all that week. Then when my special lady came back from visiting her sister in Dallas, I surprised her and dropped in on her. She was sleeping in the back room. I put on some Barry White, turned all the lights down low. Slowly eased my way into bed with all the lights off and started, slowly, slowly, satisfying her and working it like a true brother! My lady awoke and said, "Kanye, is that you?"