Tacoma WA RE and Family Living

[Matthew Riggs]

Considering a move to Seattle and or surrounding suburbs. Initially was looking for a corporate job, so being close to Seattle was important. Now will be starting a business, so proximity to downtown Seattle isn’t as critical.

My wife is a CRNA so she needs to be close to a hospital (larger hospital preferred). We have a daughter who will be school age soon. My question is, should I consider the Tacoma area vs Seattle area for affordability? I will be starting a commercial finance company so will want to be able to “get my name out there” locally, and it’s probably best to be in an area with growing small/medium sized businesses and growing commercial real estate.

Ideally want to be able to boat, ski, hike, bike, all the outdoor stuff close by, but also want a town/city with the amenities as well - breweries, coffee shops, decent shopping, activities to do with the family and a safe and welcoming community.

Thoughts on best areas in/around Seattle and or Tacoma? Prefer not to spend more than $3k per month on rent, would love to buy a place, but budget would be probably $600k max for purchasing, which I know rules much of Seattle out.