Tacoma, Washington

Tacoma, Washington, the enticing  “City of Destiny”, was founded in 1884. Tacoma became the western terminus of the Northern Pacific Railroad, connecting rail service to the city’s mighty port in Commencement Bay. This gave rise to Tacoma’s motto of “Where rails meet sails”. Today, the Port of Tacoma plays a vital role in international trade along the nation's Pacific Coast.

Tacoma reported a population of 193,566 in the 2000 Census, showing a steady increase in the 2007 estimates to more than 201,000.  Located on the shores of Washington State’s beautiful Puget Sound, Tacoma lies 31 miles northeast of the capital city of Olympia  and 32 miles southwest of Seattle.  Tacoma ranks as the second-largest city in the Puget Sound Region; Tacoma is the seat of Pierce County, and the third-largest city in Washington.

Tacoma began its existence as a lumber camp, growing slowly as sawmills sprang up and residents built the port. With the advent of the railroad, enormous growth occurred. Today, this vibrant port city reflects international flavor with its array of ethnic restaurants and places to shop, including Restaurant Row on Tacoma’s Waterfront Old Town District. Each of Tacoma's eight distinct neighborhoods  has its own neighborhood council as a governing base. Twelve separate business districts dot the city landscape, and offer varied entertainment, from bluesy jazz clubs to dancing at tribal casinos.

Tacoma, WA delights the eye with stunning architecture, old and new, and unique constructions such as the Chihuly Bridge of Glass, a pedestrian bridge filled with public art. Amazing salmon sculptures grace Tacoma’s walkways, and visitors can stroll along the 80-foot Venetian Wall, full of amazing glass creations. The Tacoma Museum District contains the Link Light Rail trolley service, connecting also with the vibrant Theater District, known as the “heart of Tacoma”. Walking enthusiasts enjoy the Ruston Way Promenade and the Thea Foss Waterway Walkway.

Tacoma is the gateway to some of Washington State’s most scenic natural areas. Nestling along the shores of Puget Sound, while in view of towering Mount Rainier, Tacoma provides residents with a wealth of outdoor activity. Just west of the Sound lays the stunning Olympic Peninsula, home to the only rainforests found in the United States, and also the Olympic Mountain Range. The Mount Rainier National Park, to Tacoma’s east, contains active glacier volcanoes, and some of the wildest terrain in the Cascade Mountains.  

Tacoma, Washington repeatedly receives awards for its enviable quality of life. The Partners for Livable Communities rank Tacoma in the top 30 Most Livable Cities. Prevention Magazine lists Tacoma as the 19^th best city for walking, while the women’s magazine, Self, names Tacoma the “most sexually healthy city in the nation”.