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Tacoma has almost half the murder rate of Providence but scores worse in other categories like Assaults, Burglaries and Thefts.
Tacoma also has better weather imo, thanks to its mild winters (low 50's in day, high 30's at night).
Providence is pretty cold in winter (low 40's in day and low 20's at night).
Location: northern Vermont - previously NM, WA, & MA
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Providence is in a tier level above Tacoma, not quite Portland tier level but definitely a good notch above Tacoma. Providence has more eclectic character in its neighborhoods, a bigger college town presence, better dining and shopping, a more vibrant downtown, and much more interesting architecture. This isn't to say Tacoma is bad, both cities have enjoyed a bit of a renaissance since the 90's. Providence just has the renaissance on a bigger scale with more dense urban bones to work with and historic charm to boot.
Providence offers the kind of charm that Bostonians up the road will come down and appreciate. I remember when I was living in Seattle and a lot of people there talk about Tacoma like Seattle's whipping boy. Providence has the ambiance but Tacoma has the beautiful natural setting (the huge eyesore of an industrial port adjacent to downtown notwithstanding) with Mt. Rainier looming large and commanding presence over the city. Tacoma's Point Defiance is an exceptionally beautiful city park with thick evergreen forest and tranquil shoreline on Puget Sound.
Transportation options are quite decent in both cities. Providence has commuter rail to its own airport, Boston, and the Acela train to NYC. Tacoma has commuter rail to Seattle, Amtrak service to Portland and Vancouver, and a downtown light rail line.
Last edited by Champ le monstre du lac; 09-09-2014 at 08:19 PM..
Providence is in a tier level above Tacoma, not quite Portland tier level but definitely a good notch above Tacoma. Providence has more eclectic character in its neighborhoods, a bigger college town presence, better dining and shopping, a more vibrant downtown, and much more interesting architecture. This isn't to say Tacoma is bad, both cities have enjoyed a bit of a renaissance since the 90's. Providence just has the renaissance on a bigger scale with more dense urban bones to work with and historic charm to boot.
Providence offers the kind of charm that Bostonians up the road will come down and appreciate. I remember when I was living in Seattle and a lot of people there talk about Tacoma like Seattle's whipping boy. Providence has the ambiance but Tacoma has the beautiful natural setting (the huge eyesore of an industrial port adjacent to downtown notwithstanding) with Mt. Rainier looming large and commanding presence over the city. Tacoma's Point Defiance is an exceptionally beautiful city park with thick evergreen forest and tranquil shoreline on Puget Sound.
Transportation options are quite decent in both cities. Providence has commuter rail to its own airport, Boston, and the Acela train to NYC. Tacoma has commuter rail to Seattle, Amtrak service to Portland and Vancouver, and a downtown light rail line.
This is all true, good post. Tacoma has a nice setting for it's downtown and some cool old architecture(and some good small museums) but it's extremely sleepy every time I visit. It seems like it's on the verge of being something more, but it still feels quiet despite all the changes. It's a couple notches below cities like Portland or Sacramento, maybe closer to Spokane or Fresno.
Providence is sort of small gem--it's such a nice compact city in terms of the cityscape. Love the old Federal Hill area when I visted, though I'd like to spend more time exploring the city next time I'm in that area.
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