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.

[Brian Hughes]

Parts of tacoma are a little rough - but improving.   Other parts of tacoma are awesome right now.   Stadium district is my favorite  right now  (victorian mansions anybody?)   Recent articles in seattle times about the fact that many priced-out homebuyers from seattle are heading south to..   Tacoma.   

600K may not buy a "median" house in seattle but it will readily buy a house in city limits in lots of decent areas especially on the south end of seattle.   Beacon hill,  White center north of roxbury,  upper rainier beach are best bets for a larger home,   Areas of Seward, Hillman, Colombia City, Delridge also for "better" neighborhood but probably smaller house or bigger project.    

Looking for a liveable fixer will also increase your options tremendously.

There are 3 mid century homes in upper rainier beach ranging in age from 60's through early 80's for sale within about 1/2 mile of me right now,   all are well over 2000sf,  4+ bedrooms 2+baths, 2 floors.    Asking prices are ranging between 500K and 600K.    I toured open house at one of them yesterday and talked with the agent for quite a while.    We both agreed despite the asking price it would probably end up selling for 400-450K.   The place was structurally solid with exterior in decent shape but does need substantial interior renovation.   (First time on market since built in 1966, estate)   But its 1/2 mile walk to light rail,  1/4 mile from chief sealth trail and a mile to kubota garden,  Territorial view,   unmolested 2 car garage,   hardwoods throughout need repair but salvageable,  etc.    Hot tub/sauna off master,  mirror tiles throughout and red velvet bar downstairs no extra charge :)    This one might be a little too much of a fixer for a family,  but point is they are out there.