TACOMA REAL ESTATE
Tacoma: located on the southern end of Puget Sound on Commencement Bay -- is a city rich in history and focused on the future. Founded in 1874, Tacoma was an important destination for the transcontinental railroad system. The railway connection to the deepwater port on Puget Sound established the city as a major link in national and international commerce. The city has taken advantage of that decision to grow into one of the premier places to live in America. The city was nationally recognized in 1998 by Money Magazine as the number two medium-sized city in its list of "The Best Places to Live in America." With a thriving economy, low crime, quality schools, a revitalized downtown and affordable housing, Tacoma offers its residents an excellent quality of life. Home prices start at $65,000 for condominiums and townhouses. Older model single-family homes are also available beginning at $65,000. Newer homes with a minimum of 1,500 square feet can be found for under $100,000 and range up to $700,000 or more. Many of the homes offer spectacular views of the Sound and nearby Mt. Rainier.With a population of approximately 186,000, Tacoma is the third largest city in the state. It is known for its historic neighborhoods and architecture, wide range of convenient amenities and world-class port. It's location gives residents easy access to the entire Puget Sound area. It is only 16 miles from the Seattle-Tacoma Airport and 26 miles from Seattle.
Historic buildings in downtown Tacoma represent the wealth and vigor of the early days of industry in the Pacific Northwest. Nationally renowned architects created works in industrial and high styles, including Beaux Arts and Art Deco. Neighborhoods developed in a rich mix often featuring the Victorian and Craftsman styles that America recognizes as their own type of home. Commercial and industrial buildings have been adapted for new uses in the downtown area, and have won national respect for that work. Neighborhood coalitions have worked to preserve the character of entire streets and blocks.
Major restoration efforts and a growing revitalization of Tacoma's downtown area are rapidly changing the city's past reputation as an industrial rail and lumber town. The central business district began emerging in the mid-1980s with the restoration of the historic Pantages Theater, construction of the Tacoma Sheraton Hotel and The Financial Center, and renovation of Union Station.
In the 1990s, a growing infusion of boutiques, art galleries, restaurants and night spots have contributed to the comeback of downtown Tacoma. A major addition is the $40.8-million Washington State History Museum that opened in 1996. It features interactive and multimedia exhibits and showcases the most significant collection of pioneer, Native American and Alaskan artifacts on the West Coast. The 106,000-square-foot museum's dramatic architecture complements the massive, arched, Romanesque style of adjacent Union Station.
The University of Washington opened the first phase of its Tacoma Branch campus in 1997. Located across Pacific Avenue from the Washington State History Museum and Union Station, the downtown site cost $33 million initially and will expand to a 46-acre, $85-million campus.
Union Station -- a landmark designed by the architects who created New York's Grand Central Station -- was built in 1911 by the Northern Pacific Railway when Tacoma was its western terminus. The copper-domed station was once considered the grandest building north of San Francisco. However, it was vacated in 1983 when Amtrak moved its operations elsewhere and it then fell into disrepair.