Tacoma WA

Tacoma – Nestled on the shores of Puget Sound, this vibrant city blends natural beauty with a strong sense of community and rich history. Known for its museums, downtown charm, and stunning views of Mount Rainier, Tacoma offers the perfect mix of outdoor adventure and artistic flair. Whether you're strolling the waterfront, exploring local art, or diving into the city's maritime past, Tacoma welcomes you with open arms and Pacific Northwest charm.

• Population: ~220,000
• Weather: Cool and mild year-round (35-75°F); rainy winters and warm, pleasant summers.
• Places To Visit: Museum of Glass, Point Defiance Park & Zoo, LeMay - America’s Car Museum, Tacoma Art Museum, Foss Waterway Seaport.
• Top Activities: Walking along the Ruston Way waterfront, exploring art galleries, visiting farmers markets, kayaking on Commencement Bay, hiking nearby forest trails.
• Famous Food: Fresh Pacific seafood, Dick’s Burgers, smoked salmon chowder, local craft beer, and coffee from independent cafés.

Tacoma, WA has a diverse economy thanks to its strong presence in the healthcare, logistics, education, and military sectors. With its growing population and proximity to Seattle, Tacoma also offers plenty of job opportunities across different industries.

Top 5 Jobs in Tacoma, WA

Tacoma, WA is filled with fantastic places for students to unwind, enjoy themselves, and take a breather from their studies. From stunning natural spots to vibrant cultural scenes, Tacoma offers a variety of hangout options for everyone.

Point Defiance Park – This extensive park offers peaceful trails, scenic viewpoints, and gorgeous gardens. It's perfect for a stroll or a picnic with friends by the water at Owen Beach.

Ruston Way Waterfront – A beautiful spot for a walk or bike ride along the Puget Sound, with plenty of cafés and restaurants where you can grab a bite and enjoy the view.

Washington State History Museum – Dive into local history and spark your curiosity at this engaging museum. Students often find inspiration and new perspectives here.

University of Puget Sound Campus – With its charming walkways and peaceful atmosphere, the campus offers great spaces to relax, whether you're studying or taking a break at one of its cozy coffee shops.

Tacoma Art Museum – Explore world-class exhibitions and find creative inspiration. The museum often hosts events and educational programs perfect for students.

LeMay - America’s Car Museum – Car enthusiasts will love this museum dedicated to vintage and modern automobiles. It’s an exciting place to explore with friends.

Tahoma Market & Food Trucks – For food lovers, this spot offers a variety of delicious street foods. Grab some eats and enjoy them in the nearby Wright Park, surrounded by greenery.

Tacoma, Washington, is a vibrant city with a strong educational foundation. It is home to several respected colleges and universities that offer high-quality programs in fields such as nursing, education, business, and the arts. Whether students are looking for public or private institutions, Tacoma provides excellent educational options that help build successful careers and support lifelong learning.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Tacoma

University of Washington Tacoma (UW Tacoma) – A nationally recognized urban-serving institution, UW Tacoma offers strong programs in business, computer science, nursing, social work, and urban studies. It is part of the prestigious University of Washington system and is committed to community engagement and research excellence.

Tacoma Community College (TCC) – TCC serves thousands of students each year with a focus on affordable and accessible education. Hundreds of transfer pathways, technical degrees, and healthcare programs prepare students for both careers and further academic study.

Bates Technical College – A leader in workforce education, Bates offers hands-on programs in fields like healthcare, information technology, and manufacturing. Students benefit from real-world training and connections to local employers.

Pierce College Fort Steilacoom – Located just outside Tacoma, this institution offers two-year degrees and certificates in fields such as education, criminal justice, and environmental science. It is known for small class sizes and strong student support services.

Clover Park Technical College (with a Tacoma campus) – Specializing in career training, Clover Park provides industry-focused programs in automotive, aviation, culinary arts, and health services. It helps students quickly move into the workforce with valuable certifications and skills.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Tacoma

University of Puget Sound – A prestigious liberal arts college, the University of Puget Sound is known for its strong programs in biology, psychology, music, and pre-law. It offers a personalized learning experience with small classes and dedicated faculty.

Faith International University & Seminary – This institution provides undergraduate and graduate degrees in theology, counseling, and leadership. It emphasizes spiritual growth and academic excellence, making it ideal for students pursuing ministerial or faith-based careers.

Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) – Nearby in Parkland – Just outside Tacoma, PLU is a top-ranked private university offering programs in nursing, business, education, and sustainability. Its welcoming campus and commitment to service make it a popular choice for students in the region.

Charter College – Fife Campus (Near Tacoma) – Charter College offers career-focused programs in fields such as healthcare, business, and information technology. It supports adult learners looking to advance or change careers with flexible schedules and hands-on training.

City University of Seattle – Tacoma Site – Though based in Seattle, CityU's Tacoma campus helps working adults complete degree programs in areas like organizational leadership and teaching. Classes are designed for flexibility and real-world application.

Tacoma, Washington is home to several outstanding high schools that help students build a strong foundation for college and beyond. Both public and private institutions in the area offer a range of academic programs, extracurricular activities, and support services to help students thrive.

Top Public High Schools In Tacoma

• Stadium High School – Known for its unique castle-like architecture and rich history, Stadium offers rigorous Advanced Placement (AP) courses and a strong arts program. It promotes academic achievement and community involvement.
• SAMI (Science and Math Institute) – Located inside Point Defiance Park, SAMI focuses on science, technology, engineering, and math. Its project-based learning approach and outdoor education setting make it a unique and effective public high school.
• Foss High School – A part of the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, Foss encourages global-mindedness and academic excellence. The school also offers strong sports and extracurricular programs.
• Lincoln High School – With a proud history and strong community ties, Lincoln focuses on college readiness and supports student growth through AVID and advanced coursework options.
• Mt. Tahoma High School – Offering a diverse student body and robust career and technical education (CTE) programs, Mt. Tahoma supports different learning paths with strong academic support services.

Top Private High Schools In Tacoma

• Bellarmine Preparatory School – A Jesuit Catholic college-prep school known for academic excellence, leadership development, and a strong commitment to service. It consistently sends graduates to top universities.
• Annie Wright Schools – Offers both day and boarding options, with separate programs for boys and girls. Annie Wright features IB diploma and career-related programs, along with strong arts and athletics.
• Charles Wright Academy – A private school with small class sizes and a strong liberal arts curriculum. Charles Wright focuses on building critical thinking and leadership skills.
• Life Christian Academy – Blends academic achievement with faith-based learning. The school offers a supportive community and personalized attention for each student.
• Parkland Lutheran School – Though smaller in size, Parkland Lutheran ensures close teacher-student interaction and a values-based education that supports both academic and personal growth.

Tacoma, Washington, while not home to any major league sports franchises, has a proud and growing presence in professional and semi-professional sports. With a strong community focus and rich regional sports culture, Tacoma supports several teams across different sports that bring excitement and talent to the local scene.

⚽ Soccer – Tacoma Defiance (MLS NEXT Pro)

• Tacoma Defiance – Formerly known as Sounders FC 2, the Tacoma Defiance is the reserve team of Seattle Sounders FC. Competing in MLS NEXT Pro, the team plays its home games at Starfire Stadium in Tukwila but has deep roots in Tacoma. It serves as a critical development team, preparing young talent for Major League Soccer.

🏒 Hockey – Tacoma Rockets (WHL, defunct) & Tacoma Sabercats (WCHL, defunct)

• Tacoma Rockets – The Rockets were a professional junior team in the Western Hockey League (WHL) from 1991 to 1995 before relocating to Kelowna, British Columbia. During their time in Tacoma, they offered fast-paced hockey and future NHL talent.
• Tacoma Sabercats – The Sabercats were part of the now-defunct West Coast Hockey League (WCHL)championship win in 1999.

🥎 Softball – Tacoma Rainerettes (Historic, Women's Softball)

• Tacoma Rainerettes – This historic women’s softball team was popular in the 1940s and helped promote women’s professional sports in the region. Though no longer active, the Rainerettes were trailblazers in their time, contributing to Tacoma’s sports legacy.

🏀 Basketball – Tacoma Stars (MASL, Indoor Soccer)

• Tacoma Stars – One of Tacoma’s most recognized current professional teams, the Stars play in the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL). Based at the accesso ShoWare Center in nearby Kent, they represent Tacoma in indoor soccer action, providing thrills with fast-paced games and passionate local support.

⚾ Baseball – Tacoma Rainiers (Triple-A, MiLB)

• Tacoma Rainiers – Serving as the Triple-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners since 1995, the Rainiers play at Cheney Stadium. The team has a rich history in minor league baseball and was previously known as the Tacoma Tigers. The Rainiers provide high-level baseball featuring future MLB players and are a staple of Tacoma’s sports community.

While Tacoma may not yet host top-tier professional sports teams, it plays a vital role in the development of athletes and offers fans exciting local sports entertainment. Whether it’s catching a Rainiers baseball game or supporting the Tacoma Defiance, the city continues to invest in its vibrant sports culture.

Tacoma, Washington, is a city packed with charm, rich history, and amazing natural beauty. Nestled between Seattle and Mount Rainier, this Pacific Northwest gem has some fun and surprising facts that make it a must-visit destination. Here are 10 fun facts about Tacoma:

1. Glass Art Capital – Tacoma is known for its world-famous glass art, thanks to local artist Dale Chihuly.
2. The City of Destiny – Tacoma earned this nickname in the 1800s when it became the western terminus of the Northern Pacific Railroad.
3. Point Defiance Park – This urban park is bigger than New York’s Central Park and has over 700 acres of trails, gardens, and a zoo.
4. Bridge of Glass – A 500-foot pedestrian bridge filled with colorful glass sculptures connects downtown Tacoma to the Museum of Glass.
5. Tall Ship “The Lady Washington” – Tacoma often hosts this historic ship, which appeared in movies like Pirates of the Caribbean.
6. Local Coffee Scene – Tacoma’s coffee culture rivals Seattle’s, with dozens of independent cafes spread across the city.
7. Historic Theater District – The city has a vibrant arts scene and is home to the Pantages Theater, built in 1918 and still in use today.
8. Mount Rainier Views – On clear days, Tacoma offers breathtaking views of Mount Rainier from many parts of the city.
9. Tacoma Dome – The Tacoma Dome is one of the largest wooden-roofed domes in the world and hosts concerts, sports, and events year-round.
10. LeMay – America’s Car Museum – Tacoma is home to one of the largest car museums in the world, with over 300 vehicles on display.