How's it like in Tacoma? (Seattle, Federal Way: rentals, crime, neighborhood)

[kashmir08]

Please, NO negative comments! I need to know what there is to do in Tacoma; shopping,parks,theaters,etc. And how about housing for the $4-500 a month range? Is it a good city for kids? Thanks.

[Ira500]

Point Defiance Park in Tacoma is one of the most beautiful city parks in the country.

[mthomson]

Shopping has the Tacoma Mall, a variety of just about everything. I'll echo Ira and say that Pt Defiance is incredible (beach, walking trails, zoo, aquarium, play area, gardens, tennis courts, pond...amazing place). Tacoma has done a great job of having smaller city parks scattered conveniently around town, so you're never far from a nice grassy park with a play area. Lots for kids to do (go see the Rainiers---AAA team for Seattle---play baseball for super cheap).
I'm not too familiar with rentals over there now, but I lived there 9 years ago and was paying $350 for a 1bd, 1ba apt. That may be a tough price to find, I'm not sure.

[cobolt]

This isn't negative but you probably won't find anything in a decent neighborhood within your rental budget. You'll have to bump it up a couple 100 dollars.

[Luke9686]

It's hard to be honest with your requirements for posting. You say NO negative dcomments, but $500 isnt going to get you much. I wouldn' live anywhere in Tacoma except north of 6th Avenue, expecially with kids.

[Rudy311]

Actually Tacoma overall isn't a bad place to live ,but if you decide to live anywhere you really need to do some research about any specific area. No place is exempt from crime but many people feel if they live in the North end ,"ahhh we can breathe a sigh of relief". But you will find crime exists in culturally homogenous areas as well as diverse.
I have lived in South Tacoma over six years and although I was a little hesistant to move here,I have come to appreciate the diversity,and have learned and challenged my own previously held biased views about people and cultures. If you are looking for a rental for $400-500 good luck you won't likely find anyplace desirable for less than $600.00. I might also add there are many places throughout western Wa. that might appeal to you,check out nearby towns of Puyallup,So Hill,Federal Way,also Kent, Auburn or Des Moines.