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Tacoma is a mid-size city 35 miles south of Seattle, home to the University of Washington Tacoma, Pacific Lutheran University, and the University of Puget Sound. Its rental market is significantly more affordable than Seattle, and with the Sounder commuter train and increasing transit connections, some UW Seattle students commute from Tacoma to save money. The downtown and Stadium District neighborhoods near the campuses are going through genuine revitalization. Tacoma has the Pacific Northwest character of Seattle at a significant cost discount.
The primary student zone for UWT — close to campus and connected to downtown Tacoma. Historic buildings and some new development mixed together.
More residential and walkable, near the University of Puget Sound and Pacific Lutheran commute corridor. Good neighborhood character.
Here's what you need to know about getting around Tacoma.
Pierce Transit covers Tacoma with bus routes. Sounder commuter rail connects Tacoma to Seattle in about 55 minutes — viable for students doing hybrid programs. The streetcar runs in downtown. Transit has improved but Tacoma is still more car-dependent than Seattle.
Downtown and the Stadium District are walkable. The North End is bikeable. The city has improved its bike infrastructure. Tacoma is flatter than Seattle in many areas, making biking more practical.
Significantly easier than Seattle. Most apartments include a space. Downtown Tacoma has paid parking but nothing like Seattle pricing.
Common questions from students searching for housing.
Tacoma is one of the most affordable Puget Sound markets — shared units near UWT run $750-$1,100/mo per person. Significantly cheaper than Seattle while remaining connected via Sounder. One of the best values in the region.