Contemplating a Move to Tacoma Area--help? (Federal Way, Kent: houses, good schools, university)

[BlueSky24]

Hello!

My husband and I and children are contemplating a possible move. He will work in NE Tacoma. We can live anywhere commutable. I am concerned that I have heard some talk about gangs/crime.

I am interested in safety first, good schools second, and a decent commute.
Any input would be welcomed.

From looking at the map, it looks like Kent or Renton are close enough. Am I right? about 20 mins?> or is it longer? Hows the housing/schools/area for families/ ?

Any other areas others can recommend?

Thank you!!

[Jay Bear]

I live in Tacoma and I like it. It's a nice much cheaper alternative to seattle. The western part of tacoma closer to the water seems very family friendly. I don't know anything about the schools here though but I can't imagine them being really bad. Kent/Renton might be alittle far and traffic can be bad on 167. I make that commute myself and it can take up to an hour to drive home sometimes.

[Hemlock140]

For commute times, take the driving directions times and double or triple them for a more accurate representation that takes into account our commute traffic. It may get a lot worse with the probable cuts to bus service. Tacoma has some nice areas, but if you want really good schools and a short commute consider University Place or Gig Harbor.

[blaserbrad]

Northeast Tacoma is basically an isolated area of Tacoma that is pretty much considered Federal Way. It is very safe west of 49th street. East of 49th street can get sketchy but nothing terrible. It's a nice area though overall. It has three beaches (Brown's' Point, and 2 at Dash Point) I would consider a move there. If you're in to Asian food and culture, that is the epitome of Federal Way which is where you would be doing most of your shopping and such since it's the closest commercial center to Northeast Tacoma. Avoid Most of Eastside Tacoma and South Tacoma. They are getting better but not really fit for a family.. at least not yet. Hope that helps x)

[tacomaite79]

I recently moved to the Hilltop area, it's okay. I wouldn't suggest it for families, becouse the schools are not very good in my area, as well as the large transient population. Hilltop does have some good parts, but around Yakima is bad. As said, eastside Tacoma is one of the worst parts of the city. University Place and Fircrest are nicer areas for families, but are more surburban like. Also consider the east end of Fife, Milton and Puyallop are also nice areas, but the commute to/from Puyallop is bad. Also consider the risk from a lahar, as Mt. Rainer is a active volcano. There's maps online that show risk areas and flood zones.

[yakn4ever]

Some of Renton is nice. We found that there is a nook of Renton that goes to Kent Schools where the houses are nice, and the schools are rated well. Commute is opposite of usual, so it is about 45 minutes or so, give or take. Most of the traffic is on the hill up from 167. Also check out Maple Valley, since some of the schools there are also nice, and the commute is similar. 18 can be difficult sometimes.