Image of sunrise behind Mount Rainier

Life in Tacoma

Your guide to living like the mountain is out! 

The Best of All Worlds

Tacoma is an ideal place to explore the past and create your own future. This big city with a small-town heart is teaming with arts and theater, vibrant neighborhoods, great restaurants, cultural diversity, booming business and beautiful parks and trails.

Tired of an urban scene? Then you’re minutes away from kayaking on the Puget Sound, hiking through a lush forest or camping at Mt. Rainier. A solid bus and train system makes it easy to navigate around the city—and out of it, when the mood strikes.

A Great Place to Live

Read why Sunset Magazine named Tacoma the Best Place to Live in the Pacific Northwest in 2018.

Transfer in Town

The South Sound is home to TCC as well as multiple other higher education institutions, where many TCC students transfer. These include:

Many of our students also transfer to the University of Washington, located about an hour's drive north in Seattle -- Washington State University, in Pullman -- and other colleges in Washington State

 

The Insider's Guide

Travel Tacoma has the latest on events, restaurants, hotels and more:

  • Where to eat and stay
  • Practical info such as maps, weather, and calendars
  • Activities from shopping to hikes to festivals

 

More Grit City Goodness

Dig into these resources to learn more about Tacoma and surrounding Pierce County.

Image of five male and one female students in blue caps and gowns walking across the Museum of Glass bridge with the Tacoma skyline in the backgroundChamber of CommerceCity of TacomaMetro Parks TacomaPort of TacomaTacoma Public SchoolsThe News Tribune

 
Get Out of Town

Tacoma is great, but when you do want to get away, your options are endless. Within an hour of Tacoma, you can be ….

At a Seahawks or Mariner’s game in Seattle
Hiking the scenic trails of Mt. Rainier
Relaxing on the beaches of the Olympic Peninsula
Having a coffee on quaint Vashon Island
Exploring Olympia’s farmers market
Camping in the pristine Cascades
Snowboarding at Snoqualmie Pass or Crystal Mountain

... and more! There's so much to do in the South Sound. Get out there and enjoy it!