• What I Like Best: Even though Tacoma is home to over 200,000 people, Downtown Tacoma really lives more like a small town; there’s a lot of connection between business owners and residents, and it’s so easy to quickly become a part of the community. Downtown is so lucky in that it’s large enough to have all of the services and entertainment that people need and enjoy, and yet, it’s still small enough that you don’t feel like you’re just being swallowed by anonymity. I walk out the front door in the morning and get coffee from the same guy- and on my way to my car I stop and chat to neighbors and business owners. For real. Like in the movies. It’s great.

• What I Like Least: While Downtown Tacoma has come a long way in developing the core of its downtown area, there’s still pockets that need to see more development and new businesses— I especially wish there was more shopping. But I’m so excited to see what new businesses will move in over the next few years as the housing market recovers and we have more and more people choosing to live downtown. Also, it bears mentioning if you’ve never lived in a city before: it’s not QUIET. I mean, It’s quiet when the doors and windows are closed, but there are block parties, car alarms, farmers markets, and the odd crazy person shouting and walking down the street. That’s urban life kids, love it or leave it.

Living in Downtown

Rooftop Deck Triangle Townhome- Image courtesy of Kevin Freitas

As far as housing goes, there are a ton of options in Downtown Tacoma- whether you’re looking for a townhouse, a loft, a brand new condo or an older building— there’s really something for everyone. There are also different types of neighborhoods to choose from, and it’s all considerably less expensive that you would typically spend in most cities of the same size.

Convenience is another huge perk of living downtown. If you need to commute to Seattle or Redmond or wherever, it’s so easy to get on and off of the freeway. Many Downtown Seattle commuters avoid driving entirely, simply taking The Link to the Tacoma Dome Station and hopping on the 594 (bus) or the Sounder (Train) to Seattle. You also have the benefit of being able to simply walk places downtown— the area is very walkable, and I personally always feel safe and I’m never afraid to walk somewhere, even at night. I’m super brave though, so maybe check the crime data if you’re skittish.

Parks: Wright Park is a lovely place to go for a run or a picnic, and Fireman’s Park is a smaller park and a bit hidden behind Matador, but it has an amazing view. Another nice walk is to walk across the glass bridge and then on down the Thea Foss.

There’s also lots of locally owned coffee shops and bars downtown, so heading out to get some work done or meeting up with friends is always easy. Errands like grocery shopping are also made convenient with downtown supermarkets like Stadium Thriftway and Tacoma City Grocer IGA.

Enjoying Local Flavor

So many of my very favorite places to hang out in Tacoma are right downtown; here’s the DL on what’s happening and some fabulous places to check out.

• Restaurants: I adore Pacific Grill. They have the best happy hour (GREAT food, really great prices in the bar) and are always changing their menu to add variety and improve upon their already delicious repertoire. They also have very flattering lighting… yes, that is a thing. Over the Moon Cafe in Opera Alley is a nice little romantic spot with a creative and ever-changing menu, and Indochine is the fanciest place in Tacoma to get Thai food (and they have amazing fresh spring rolls).

• Nightlife: One of my favorite spots to head to with friends on the weekend is Tacoma Cabana. The tropical atmosphere instantly takes you on vacation, the bartender wears a fez, they serve delicious craft drinks, and Gilligan’s Island is on the TV all the time. NEVER SPORTS.  Matador is another great spot with fabulous margaritas, a seriously awesome happy hour (Texas Size Nachos FTW!), a good patio and just overall great vibe. The Mix, my own personal cheers,  is also a fun part of downtown nightlife and is an inclusive gay bar (fun straights welcome!) with the best karaoke in town.

• Coffee Shops: Whether you need to hit the coffee shop to get some work done on your laptop or are just looking for a good hot cup of coffee- downtown has some great options. Amocat Cafe (now also home to Tacoma Brewing Co.) is a cool local spot started by owner Morgan Alexander in 2010. He wanted to serve great coffee, and now he wants to make amazing craft beer, too. Sounds like a winning combination to me. I also love stopping by Tully’s in the Bostwick Building (the triangle-shaped building across from the Pantages)— sure, Tully’s is a chain, but this one is so special and unique. Most of the employees have worked there for years, and the Bostwick building is over 100 years old, built in 1887 and has even been featured in films (like I Love You to Death). Anthem is also a cool new cafe space in the heart of the museum district and is perfect for working or having a meeting.