7 Reasons Everyone is Leaving TACOMA WASHINGTON... And They Increasingly Get WORSE!

My name is Austin, and I'm part of the Living in Tacoma Washington team, and I've got seven reasons why people are leaving Tacoma, and let me tell you, some of these are getting progressively worse. But fear not, I'm here to give you the full scoop, so you can make an informed decision about whether Tacoma is the right place for you.

So whether you're thinking about making your move in the next three days or even the next three months, stay tuned, because I've got a ton of valuable insights coming your way. And if you want to stay updated on everything happening in our local market, don't forget to smash that subscribe button and ring the notification bell, so you never miss a beat.

Looking to buy or sell real estate around Tacoma? Interview Austin Robertson with the Titus Robertson Group. You'll be glad you did! 253.225.2395 austin@titusrobertsongroup.com www.livingintacomawashington.com

1. Commuting Woes

Alright, let's dive right into it. Reason number one, and it's a big one: commuting. Tacoma is grappling with an ever-increasing traffic problem, and it's only getting worse. Like most major cities, traffic is a part of life, but Tacoma seems to be taking quite a hit. The issue is exacerbated by the fact that our city isn't blessed with sprawling highways and interstates like places such as Houston, Texas.

Instead, we have primarily older roads that wind through hilly terrain, making traffic even more of a nightmare. Adding to the chaos, our highways can't simply expand, as we're hemmed in by water on the west side and steep hills on the east. So, don't expect the traffic situation to improve anytime soon.

In fact, recent reports, like the one from Bankrate, ranked Tacoma as the third-best place to live in the entire country, which means more and more people are flocking to this area, exacerbating the traffic congestion. Just to give you an idea, a drive from Tacoma to Issaquah recently took an hour and 20 minutes, and that's just a taste of what you might encounter.

2. Never-Ending Construction

Reason number two, folks, is construction season. In Tacoma, you can depend on construction going on 12 months a year. It's a never-ending saga. The construction sites are ubiquitous, causing daily traffic congestion. For instance, the area around i5 and i405 is a hotspot for construction. In the city itself, we're constantly working on expanding and upgrading older roads.

Not only is construction a significant inconvenience, but it can also take a toll on your vehicle. Many locals, including myself, have had to replace tires and even rims due to the debris on the roads. Windshields are a common casualty too. So, if you're planning to move here, be prepared for perpetual construction.

3. Suburb Dependency

Reason number three is all about suburb dependency. Tacoma's suburbs are like independent little kingdoms, each with its own unique offerings. While this can be a fantastic thing, it's crucial to pick the right suburb that aligns with your lifestyle and needs. Whether you're into kayaking, boating, or love good schools, finding the right suburb can be a game-changer.

Choosing the wrong suburb can lead to dissatisfaction with life in Tacoma. So, make sure to do your homework, and if you need some guidance, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We know these suburbs like the back of our hand and can help you make the right choice.

4. Dealing with the Climate

I'm an outsider, originally hailing from the Midwest, and I can tell you that the climate in Tacoma is quite different from what I was used to. Summers here are nothing short of breathtaking. You can be in the mountains, on the beach, or in a rainforest, all within a couple of hours' drive. But outside of the summer, the climate can get rough.

It's not just the rain – it's the gray and dreariness that seems to linger. The long, gray winters can wear you down, and it's not uncommon for people to suffer from a lack of vitamin D. During the winter, you'll also experience the "big dark" with only about 8 to 9 hours of sunlight, which can take a toll on your mood.

In the summer, it's getting a lot hotter than it used to. Tacoma used to be known for its lack of air conditioners, but now, more hot days are becoming the norm. For those not accustomed to the heat, it can be a significant challenge. On those scorching days, finding a great swimming hole, like Lake Sammamish, can be a lifesaver.

5. Rising Housing Costs

Reason number six, folks – the cost of housing. It's no surprise that living on the West Coast comes with a hefty price tag. Taxes and housing costs in Tacoma are on the rise, making it challenging for residents to keep up. Property taxes, in particular, are forcing some homeowners, even those with paid-off properties, to sell their homes and move elsewhere.

Home prices have continued to rise, and even with a recent spike in interest rates, Tacoma still sees year-over-year increases. While this may be good news for homeowners, it's not so great for first-time buyers. Renters who've been saving to buy their first home are often left with no other option but to leave in search of more affordable options.

6. Escaping the Heat

Reason number five – the rising heat. While Tacoma's average summer temperature hovers around 74°F, we've been experiencing more scorching days, with some creeping up to 100°F. For those who are unaccustomed to such heat, this can lead to health issues, including dehydration. Many homes in Tacoma lack air conditioning, making these hot days even more challenging to endure.

To escape the heat, many head to Lake Sammamish on the east side of Bellevue, where the water temperature is a comfortable 76-78°F. Still, the rising temperatures are causing people to think twice about staying in Tacoma, and climate change is only making the situation worse.

7. Changing Tacoma

The final reason, folks, is the changing face of Tacoma. The city has evolved significantly over the past decade or two, becoming more artistic and safer. With these changes come higher home prices and an influx of new companies. Many longtime residents feel that Tacoma has lost some of its original charm and that the new wave of inhabitants is altering the city's character.

People often find that it's not the same Tacoma they remember from their childhood, which leads them to feel that they no longer belong. With migration trends being what they are in the United States, this sentiment is only expected to worsen.

So, there you have it, the top seven reasons why people are leaving Tacoma, Washington. While these challenges exist, it's essential to remember that Tacoma is still an incredible place with a diverse and accepting culture. If you're considering making Tacoma your home, embrace the unique qualities that this city has to offer, rather than trying to impose your old values and ideas onto it.

It's important to adapt and build a beautiful life in Tacoma, making the most of the opportunities and experiences that this vibrant city provides. After all, the very reason you're considering relocating here is because Tacoma isn't the same as where you're coming from – it offers something different and exciting.

As someone who has experienced a cross-country move with my family, I can vouch for the significance of adapting to your new surroundings and being open to what the city has to offer. Tacoma is a place with incredible potential, and its growth and change can be seen as an opportunity for newcomers to shape it positively.

The decision to move is a significant one, and while there are challenges in Tacoma, there are also many rewards. It's essential to weigh the pros and cons and consider your priorities, needs, and values. Whether you're drawn to the natural beauty, the cultural diversity, or the unique opportunities Tacoma provides, there's something here for everyone.

If you've decided that Tacoma is the right place for you, it's important to do your research, explore the diverse neighborhoods and suburbs, and connect with locals to gain a better understanding of what life in Tacoma is really like. It's a city that continues to evolve and grow, and with the right mindset, it can be a fantastic place to call home.

In the end, the decision to move to Tacoma, like any other major life change, should be based on careful consideration and an understanding of what the city has to offer. While some may choose to leave due to certain challenges, many others have found Tacoma to be a welcoming and exciting place to build a future.

So, if you're thinking about making Tacoma your new home, take the time to explore the city, connect with the community, and embrace the changes and challenges that come your way. Tacoma may not be the same as it was in the past, but that's precisely what makes it a city full of possibilities and opportunities.

Making a move, especially to a new city, can be a daunting experience, but it can also be a thrilling adventure. Tacoma has a lot to offer, from its beautiful natural surroundings to its diverse culture and growing economy. It's a city with a bright future, and if you're willing to adapt and embrace the changes, Tacoma could very well be the place where you'll find your new beginning.