Tacoma, Washington is simultaneously a center of unparalleled natural beauty and one of the fine arts capitals of America. With such stunning attractions as Mount Rainer and Puget Sound, Tacoma offers one of the most scenic vistas in the country. Within the past couple of years, Tacoma has quickly become The Place to be in Washington state. With a variety of scenic hot spots and a plethora of entertainment options, residents here enjoy a stimulating life with a casual, relaxed pace.

Tacoma currently supports a population of approximately 200,000 residents, which shows an increase of nearly five percent since just the year 2000. The average age of a Tacoma resident is 34 years old, with an annual household income of just under $40,000 per year. Manufacturing is the largest employment sector here, with nearly thirteen percent of locals employed in this field. The retail trade is a close second, with just under twelve percent of locals working in this sector. Third place is a statistical dead heat between the sectors of wholesale trade and professional services, the sciences and technology, employing about four percent each.

This port city is the County seat of Pierce County and the second largest city in Washington. The past decade has brought a resurgence of interest to the downtown center, with large blocks of both private and public monies devoted to redevelopment. This has brought new museums, a light rail system, and a wealth of new housing. The crown jewels of downtown now include many installations of the art glass that has put Tacoma on the nation's culture maps. You can find unique pieces at Union Station and the University of Washington Tacoma. The 500-foot Chihuly Bridge of Glass is a pedestrian bridge that links museums, crossing over the Thea Foss Waterway.

Downtown also offers the Theater District, offering touring plays and musicals, local productions, symphony and concerts. The Broadway Center for the Arts alone contains three separate theaters. The Theater District is also home to Antique Row, a stretch of the district devoted entirely to chic antique boutiques.

Of course, outside of the city's core, Tacoma is home to some of the most spectacular natural beauty in the Pacific Northwest. With Mount Rainier rising to create one of the most incredible natural backdrops of any American city, Tacoma certainly offers a contrast of both organic and man-made beauty. In fact, Mount Rainier is the single most visited destination in Washington state, and is the tallest volcano in the Continental United States. Those with the courage and commitment to scale this behemoth are rewarded by being able to stand a whopping 14,410 feet above sea level at the mountain's summit. In warmer months, the mountain is a great location for hiking and mountain biking. Winter months offer skiing and snowshoeing.

For cultural and artistic offerings, Tacoma is a haven. The city proves itself to be a true patron of the arts, and has drawn artists from around the globe to call Tacoma home. In fact, one of the world's leading glass blowers, Dale Chihuly, is one of the city's most famous residents. With his studio located here, glass blowers from far and away come to work with and learn from this recognized master in the field. Within the Museum District, Tacoma has dedicated one entire museum to this ancient art.

Throughout the year, the city offers a variety of unique fairs and festivals. From dragon boat racing to the Tall Ships Challenge, Tacoma's waterways are an enviable host for international boating events. Each winter brings the Wintergrass Bluegrass Festival to town. And summer offers a number of music and art fairs, along with a gigantic Fourth of July party.

Tacoma, Washington encompasses the very best of what folks in this region term The Art of Northwest Living. From the great outdoors to world-class fine arts, Tacoma has something for everyone. If you're thinking about moving, consider a move to Tacoma, Washington! To learn more about this magnificent area, request our free relocation packet today.