Job transfer to Tacoma, but where should I live? (Seattle: homes, safe area)

[brichard]

In a few months I'm being transferred from San Diego to an office at Lewis-McChord. I'm trying to prepare myself for the shock of the change in weather. But other than that, I'm concerned about where I'll be living. I'm single, so I don't want to live in some lonely suburban environment where it's harder to interact with people. I want to be in a walkable neighborhood. I've heard so many negative things about Tacoma, so I'm worried about living there even though that's where my job will be. So that's led me to consider an area between Tacoma and Seattle. Again, I want to be in a walkable neighborhood. At the same time, I don't want to be wasting good time every day with a horrible commute. Breaking it down, I want: 1) an easy commute to the job in Tacoma; 2) a walkable, fun neighborhood; 3) a safe area. Any suggestions?

[CrazyDonkey]

Seattleites like to rank on Tacoma, but it is mostly just fine, and much less expensive than the Seattle area. Avoid Lakewood, Parkland, and South Tacoma. For safe, walkable, and fun neighborhoods, look at Tacoma's Northend: Downtown, Theater District, Stadium District, Old Town, Proctor, Wedge District, 6th Ave, North Slope, Ruston. Up and coming: Hilltop. Less expensive, but still nice: Mid-Tacoma (near the Tacoma Mall).

https://www.windermerepc.com/neighborhoods/tacoma

[brichard]

Originally Posted by CrazyDonkey

Seattleites like to rank on Tacoma, but it is mostly just fine, and much less expensive than the Seattle area. Avoid Lakewood, Parkland, and South Tacoma. For safe, walkable, and fun neighborhoods, look at Tacoma's Northend: Downtown, Theater District, Stadium District, Old Town, Proctor, Wedge District, 6th Ave, North Slope, Ruston. Up and coming: Hilltop. Less expensive, but still nice: Mid-Tacoma (near the Tacoma Mall).

https://www.windermerepc.com/neighborhoods/tacoma

Thank you so much for the information and the link.

[dtuba]

Another vote here for the North End of Tacoma. You don't want to be any further north though; the traffic is real bad and getting worse every day.

Also, University Place is much closer to JBLM. It's a suburb, but it is become more dense and walkable in some parts. It's not as fun or interesting as Tacoma, but your commute will be less of a headache.

[brichard]

Originally Posted by dtuba

Another vote here for the North End of Tacoma. You don't want to be any further north though; the traffic is real bad and getting worse every day.

Also, University Place is much closer to JBLM. It's a suburb, but it is become more dense and walkable in some parts. It's not as fun or interesting as Tacoma, but your commute will be less of a headache.

I've been looking at SigAlert to see what the traffic is like. My job will be just south of Tacoma. It seems that if I were to live north of Tacoma in the direction of Seattle I would be going against traffic to and from work. At least that's what I've observed on SigAlert: in the mornings, heavy northbound traffic, but light southbound traffic. And the reverse in the afternoon. Is this not the case?

I've heard a bit about the North End. Thanks for the suggestion of University Place. I will take a look at that.

[rantiquity]

California...

[Neerwhal]

Originally Posted by CrazyDonkey

Seattleites like to rank on Tacoma, but it is mostly just fine, and much less expensive than the Seattle area. Avoid Lakewood, Parkland, and South Tacoma. For safe, walkable, and fun neighborhoods, look at Tacoma's Northend: Downtown, Theater District, Stadium District, Old Town, Proctor, Wedge District, 6th Ave, North Slope, Ruston. Up and coming: Hilltop. Less expensive, but still nice: Mid-Tacoma (near the Tacoma Mall).

https://www.windermerepc.com/neighborhoods/tacoma

Agree.

Tacoma is nice. I wouldn't dream of commuting from Seattle to JBLM. I have several friends who bought homes in Tacoma, where it's less expensive, and commute to work in Renton and Factoria. They love it.

It seems that if I were to live north of Tacoma in the direction of Seattle I would be going against traffic to and from work.

Generally, yes, though traffic to the base is always bad.

[tommy64]

I would live on the hill near Steilacoom/Chambers Creek. Great view of the water. It's got a small 'quaint' feel to it and is close enough to the busier parts of the city. It is a bit spendy but a great alternative to North Tacoma or U Place.

[CrazyDonkey]

Originally Posted by dtuba

Another vote here for the North End of Tacoma. You don't want to be any further north though; the traffic is real bad and getting worse every day.

Also, University Place is much closer to JBLM. It's a suburb, but it is become more dense and walkable in some parts. It's not as fun or interesting as Tacoma, but your commute will be less of a headache.

Nice for a couple or young family, but much less for a single wanting easier access to a dating/social scene. Same for Steilacoom or the nicer parts of Lakewood. Mid-Tacoma could be a good compromise - closer to JBLM, but still within easy reach of Tacoma's "livelier" areas.

[MJ5150]

What do you plan to do in your walkable neighborhood?
You can walk around in any neighborhood, but your expectations of what you'll see, hear, and do make a difference.
Are you hoping to walk to the grocery store or a restaurant, maybe a shopping mall? Walk to a park and relax? Walk to a bar or nightclub?

Good idea to stay north. Northbound I-5 coming south of JBLM is a huge mess during normal commute times, and the alternatives aren't all that great.

-Mike