Could Tacoma be a good fit? (Seattle, Federal Way: best neighborhoods, job market, neighborhoods)

[Chico210]

Hello,

I'm a 22 year-old male that currently lives and in San Antonio, Texas. I'm currently going to school to become an aircraft mechanic and I would really like to relocate not too long after I finish.

I won't be relocating to Tacoma any time soon, but it just interests me as I have always been interested in Washington state. I have some questions just so I can get an overall feel on what Tacoma and Washington in general are like. I apologize if any of these seem ignorant; I've lived in this area ( central and south Texas)my whole life and haven't had the opportunity to travel the country much so far.

1. Cost of living- I've heard Washington can get very expensive, how does Tacoma fare in COL? Would it be so astronomical that the move would no longer make sense?

2.job market- does anyone know how the job market is for aircraft mechanics in the Tacoma area?

3. Social life and openness to diversity- I have to ask; does it matter being a Latino in Washington? I like Spanish music and speaking Spanish, I also might not seem completely assimilated to some people (sometimes I prefer speaking Spanish or watching Mexican soccer instead of football as examples, I do love this country though) I didn't grow up in the best neighborhoods and some people may think I have an "urban" appearance or demeanor ( some tattoos that to some may appear gang related). Just want to make it clear that I'm not involved in anything like that,but will I be treated negatively for these things? I have to ask because in some parts of Texas I have been to it definitely happens.

Thank you to all who can help.

[Diana Holbrook]

Washington is full of pretty tolerant people... but people's reactions and attitudes about tattoos, particularly gang type tattoos, will vary widely. Your employment chances in Tacoma will depend on job availability at one of two or three FBOs at Tacoma Narrows Airport, or a half-dozen other mid sized airports in the area from Renton to Olympia that may each have room for a couple mechanics on salary.

I would think jobs are few enough that you would want to apply widely before you decide exactly where to move.

We do have a few local A&P schools... so there is some competition from the locals.

[mhays25]

Tacoma is probably 40% cheaper than Seattle from what I've heard. So probably only moderately expensive from a San Antonio perspective.

Tacoma has several potential job opportunities. If the military hires civilians for aircraft maintenance (do they?), the south end of town has major airfields for the Air Force and Army at Joint Base Lewis McCord. Boeing has plants in Auburn and Frederickson as well as big ones closer to Seattle. Sea-Tac is 20 miles north.

According to the New York Times maps, Pierce County was 9% Latino in 2010, way up from 2000. If the trend continued it would be much higher now. It was 6% multiracial vs. 1% for Bexar County TX. Mapping the 2010 U.S. Census - NYTimes.com

[blaserbrad]

If you enjoy being depressed in the winter, and in the best place on earth in the summer, you have found the right place. There are two seasons here. Anyway it's diverse and beautiful and if you have something to contribute that isn't white fragility and gentrification, Tac-city would love to have you The city is getting more expensive, it's a dog eat dog world on the west coast, no escape. Enjoy the cheap districts while you can, people are being priced out as I type. Honestly, I would go for something warmer, and sunnier, personally. At this point California isn't even that much more expensive.

[Chico210]

Originally Posted by blaserbrad

If you enjoy being depressed in the winter, and in the best place on earth in the summer, you have found the right place. There are two seasons here. Anyway it's diverse and beautiful and if you have something to contribute that isn't white fragility and gentrification, Tac-city would love to have you The city is getting more expensive, it's a dog eat dog world on the west coast, no escape. Enjoy the cheap districts while you can, people are being priced out as I type. Honestly, I would go for something warmer, and sunnier, personally. At this point California isn't even that much more expensive.

I'm not sure the only part of Cali that interests me is the bay; I wouldn't want to live in southern California. Does it really get that bad in the winter? And how long would you say winter weather lasts?

[Chico210]

Thank you for the responses they have been helpful, I'm still doing research.

[87112]

I have no idea why anyone with money or resources to leave chooses to stick around the area from Oct to Mid April. One or 2 winters will destroy an average outdoor person who likes sunshine.

[CrazyDonkey]

Maybe look at Federal Way. It is minority-majority: White alone 48%, Hispanic 15%, Black alone 13%, Asian alone 13%, Multiracial 6%, Pacific Islanders 4%.

[Chico210]

Originally Posted by 87112

I have no idea why anyone with money or resources to leave chooses to stick around the area from Oct to Mid April. One or 2 winters will destroy an average outdoor person who likes sunshine.

Dang I like sunshine; that doesn't sound very appealing.

[Chico210]

Originally Posted by CrazyDonkey

Maybe look at Federal Way. It is minority-majority: White alone 48%, Hispanic 15%, Black alone 13%, Asian alone 13%, Multiracial 6%, Pacific Islanders 4%.

Seems interesting,I will look into it. Thanks.