If Tacoma is so bad,why are people moving there? (place, control)

[dtemama]

My family just moved to Tacoma from Charlottesville VA, and we really like it. (I read these forum pages religiously before our move.) My husband and I have come to the conclusion that the image of Tacoma as a "scary" place to live is now being perpetuated by Tacomans to keep it a secret how much cool stuff is going on! As so many have noted, certainly areas to avoid (like anywhere), but overall we've been quite impressed.

[green_mariner]

Originally Posted by dtemama

My family just moved to Tacoma from Charlottesville VA, and we really like it. (I read these forum pages religiously before our move.) My husband and I have come to the conclusion that the image of Tacoma as a "scary" place to live is now being perpetuated by Tacomans to keep it a secret how much cool stuff is going on! As so many have noted, certainly areas to avoid (like anywhere), but overall we've been quite impressed.

I am glad you liked it. I know there are much worse places than Tacoma.

[gametaipan]

Originally Posted by dtemama

I have come to the conclusion that the image of Tacoma as a "scary" place to live is now being perpetuated by Tacomans to keep it a secret how much cool stuff is going on! As so many have noted, certainly areas to avoid (like anywhere), but overall we've been quite impressed.

Hehe good one, i hope u are right, my gf and i just bought a home by south tacoma, hope u are right about it, well i will report here with anything i find or experience.

[green_mariner]

References of Tacoma being uber-violent remind me of what some people might try to say about cities like Mpls. When I think of violent cities, I think of New Orleans, Atlanta, Miami, St. Louis, Detroit, Birmingham. Tacoma doesn't even register in that aspect. Kind of blue-collar, yes. Violent, well, go check out the aformentioned cities and come back to me on that.

[achtungpv]

Originally Posted by pirate_lafitte

I am glad you liked it. I know there are much worse places than Tacoma.

I'd read how bad Tacoma was on this board and went with that mindset when we took multiple trips to the area last summer. My conclusion was that the only way it can be considered bad is if you compare it against the rest of the region. If Tacoma was in TX or anywhere in the south, it'd be one of the nicest cities in the state. You PNWers are lucky you don't know what a **** hole really is.

[green_mariner]

Originally Posted by achtungpv

I'd read how bad Tacoma was on this board and went with that mindset when we took multiple trips to the area last summer. My conclusion was that the only way it can be considered bad is if you compare it against the rest of the region. If Tacoma was in TX or anywhere in the south, it'd be one of the nicest cities in the state. You PNWers are lucky you don't know what a **** hole really is.

I know what a craphole is. I spent Christmas vacation in the greater New Orleans area one year and apart from the French Quarter, most of the place didn't look that great, and some parts looked grimy. This was years before Katrina did its number on New Orleans. That is why I think the bad reviews about Tacoma are more just a dislike of Tacoma rather than an indication of what it's really like.

[No attitude]

Originally Posted by redwine

This is why I can't stand Seattle. Snobby mentality thinking that they are the best thing ever. Seattle is nothing more then an isolated city that means nothing to the rest of the country.

I know what you mean, it's like a west coast "snob" attitude.Especially in women and that seems to trickle down like a pee waterfall.Seattle does mean something to the rest of the country though; Microsoft,starbucks,rain and Cobain

[Tiger Beer]

Originally Posted by Randy@Tacoma

Tacoma is great:

The most international part of the city is the Hilltop. People from Asia, Africa, Europe, and America all converge in this wonderful neighborhood with heart and soul! Homes can be found for cheap, some in need of repair. Location to Downtown is superb - a 5 minute walk.

6th Ave is our quirky, nightlife, chic urban neighborhood. My favorite! Getting expensive though...

Proctor is upscale, refined, and expensive. Homes go for 300k and up!

Stadium District is stately, urban, and full of character. Established old homes and condos can be expensive...

Lincoln District is a very Asian influenced neighborhood. Cheap and diverse. Close to Downtown, mall, and freeway.

And South Tacoma is blue collar - grungy and all. Cheap and close to the freeway.

Tukwila is a dumpy suburban shopping center - there isn't much going on.

Seattle is overpriced. Yes, it is truly a great city, but no one can afford to live there (that is, anyone who makes less than $60,000 a year).

This is a great thread.

Actually earlier tonight, I was researching most of the cities in WA for reasonably priced housing...NONE existed...I was mostly looking at Seattle, Olympia, and Bellingham - as they seemed the most desireable - or the general Seattle area around it.

I'd crossed Tacoma OFF my list based on reputation and the 'Tacoma Aroma' I'd often heard about. From this thread, I am definetely going to be putting it back on my list

[dtemama]

I haven't seen our neighborhood mentioned specifically and I wanted to give it a plug. We are living near the University of Puget Sound. We can walk to the Proctor District or to 6th Ave. We often take evening strolls on the UPS campus -- it's really quite lovely.

[green_mariner]

I need to make a return to the Puget Sound and take a look at Tacoma for myself.