Moving to Tacoma, a few questions (Seattle, Olympia: homes, teaching jobs, neighborhood)

[amyltc]

My husband just got a job in Tacoma. He'll be making 50,000 per year, is that enough income for a family of 4 around this area? Also, where is a good area to live around Tacoma? Is it better to live in the city or the surrounding area? I don't want to work, but if I have to are there teaching jobs available? Does anyone know how well they pay?

[mthomson]

You should be fine on that income. Tacoma is going to be fairly affordable. Surrounding areas (University Place, Fircrest, Gig Harbor) are nicer in my opinion (and UP and Gig Harbor schools I feel are better), but they can be a bit pricier. Even in Gig Harbor, you can get a nice 4bd/2.5ba home for around $300k-$350k. It may be '80s but still nice in a nice neighborhood. Tacoma homes will tend to be older and a bit less expensive, but the taxes are higher in Tacoma.
You can see the Tacoma School Districts pay scale and benefits on this site. I have several clients who live with their families in Tacoma and Gig Harbor with about $50k income.

[Woland]

Originally Posted by amyltc

My husband just got a job in Tacoma. He'll be making 50,000 per year, is that enough income for a family of 4 around this area? Also, where is a good area to live around Tacoma? Is it better to live in the city or the surrounding area? I don't want to work, but if I have to are there teaching jobs available? Does anyone know how well they pay?

Your family could live on $50K/year if you are frugal and good at budgeting. That will determine whether you need to work or not.

There are nicer areas around Tacoma, even some in Tacoma proper. As mentioned above University Place is a nice area to live.

A teaching job may be difficult to find. With the state of the economy teachers are being laid off here. Lots of competition for any openings. Average salary in Pierce County (where Tacoma is) is $46K, but starting salary is about $41K.

[AlexJones]

I have no idea why anyone would want to live in the ashtray of Seattle.

You could easily live in Olympia (south of Tacoma), Eatonville or Graham (east of Tacoma) and commute to the scummy city.