Louise Lopez expertly guides queer individuals to vibrant, inclusive U.S. and North American neighborhoods with 15+ years of dedicated experience, ensuring they find not just a home, but a community where their authenticity is celebrated and protected.
Tacoma, Washington, is a high-spirited city that welcomes all those looking to move to a progressive, inclusive city for work, play, and family. If you’re thinking of moving to LGBT Tacoma, you are in luck as by many metrics this is one of the most gay-friendly and frequently overlooked American cities!
Tacoma is a cheaper city than Seattle, and has emerged as a desirable location for musicians, young creatives, writers, painters, and entrepreneurs. The Mix Lis an important hub of LGBT rainbow life, but the Rainbow Center is arguably the heart of queer Tacoma. A place where everyone may feel secure and welcome has also been made possible by statewide campaigns for marriage equality and locally-based anti-discrimination programs.
This town is the perfect spot for your dreams to come true, your family to flourish, and your career or business to expand due to its economical city living and serene surroundings, including Mount Rainier. Tacoma provides a lot to its residents, visitors, and businesses, despite being only 45 minutes away from Seattle. You’re welcome to experience the city’s many museums, arts venues and galleries, and fine dining establishments. You will find much to do if you decide to move here.
Like Westchester, Wichita, Worcester, Toledo and other small to mid-sized cities in the USA, there is a queer scene here but it is much more low-key than say, New York or Los Angeles. This is why a gay realtor in Tacoma is worth their weight in gold as they can help you unearth your new perfect home here in the most gay-friendly neighborhood.
Despite the rather undercover LGBT culture here, you should not be nervous about moving to Tacoma. You are not likely to see queer couples walking around holding hands here, but you are not likely to see straights holding hands either. There has been a slow and steady acceptance built up here over the decades and now the vast majority of people are accepting of the LGBTQ community, meaning you will find many businesses, shops, and services that will proudly serve us.
Consider this article to be an LGBT Tacoma relocation guide that will help you know what to expect when relocating to this wonderful city. Leave all of your preconceived notions at the door because moving to LGBT Tacoma is not what you think it is.
In this article we will cover...
- Highlights Of Moving To LGBTQ Tacoma Washington
- Does Tacoma Washington Embrace The LGBTQ Community?
- Is Tacoma Washington An Expensive City To Move To?
- The Best Gay Neighborhoods In Tacoma Washington
- LGBTQ+ Community Organizations In Tacoma Washington
- LGBTQ+ Community Events in Tacoma Washington
- LGBT-Owned Businesses In Tacoma Washington
- Final Thoughts On Moving To LGBTQ Tacoma Washington
- Finding Gay Realtors In Tacoma Washington
Highlights Of Moving To LGBTQ Tacoma Washington
Nestled between Puget Sound and Mt. Rainier, Tacoma residents are well aware that their city is hidden gem of Pacific Northwest culture and arts. Once you will live here, you will discover there is plenty of places to experience creativity and city sophistication and that Tacoma has a particular affinity for nature thanks to its sublime location and glass arts thanks to renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly hailing from here.
Securing a relocation here will also allow you to meet others with similar interests, thanks to a quirky yet wonderfully tight-knit LGBT scene, which includes a few fantastic queer spots of interest in the city’s most popular neighborhoods.
Almost anything that your heart desires can be found here. There are plenty of things to look forwards to when moving to LGBT Tacoma, be it boundless nature on your doorstep, charming coffee shops, or boozy brunch haunts.
Let’s take a closer look at a few of the aspects that make up this incredible city before we get into the details.
Excellent Higher Education
Tacoma is a wise choice for anybody looking for an affordable place to live, not only families, young professionals, and seniors. Additionally, it’s a fantastic location for college students.
The University of Puget Sound is located in Tacoma and it is an institution where a focus on the needs of the student comes first and exceptional academic resources have helped the school rank as the 89th top liberal arts college nationally. You can get your degree from the highly regarded four-year University of Washington Tacoma, which encourages students to use their education to enhance the economic and social integrity of Tacoma’s varied community.
Great Weather
You might be shocked to learn that the city experiences less annual precipitation compared to cities like Boston, Houston, and New York, despite the Pacific Northwest’s reputation for being wet. Tacomans are undoubtedly accustomed to cloudy days, though it’s important to note that fewer downpours occur in the city’s warm summers and mild winters.
If you’re moving from a region with more pronounced seasonal changes, you will notice that while there are still noticeable variances between spring, winter, summer, and fall, they are far less pronounced than in other parts of the country. If you’re coming from a place where the weather is monotonous, the temperate climate in Tacoma will be a welcome change of pace!
The Great Outdoors
Although Tacoma is likely most recognized for its closeness to Mount Rainier, there are tons of activities that provide locals the opportunity to see more natural wonders than just mountain views! For a beautiful, 360-degree perspective, take a trip to Sunrise, the mountain’s highest navigable point, and see why this magnificent stratovolcano symbolizes the Pacific Northwest.
A Thriving Art Scene
You can easily visit top-notch museums, public art, and galleries if you reside in Tacoma. Visit the Tacoma Art Museum and be amazed by the works of famous painters. Visit the 235 Collective Art Gallery to view the creations of gifted local artists or to apply to become one yourself. You are also welcome to watch performances of hip-hop and ballet by T.U.P.A.C., a group that encourages youth in Tacoma through art and education. Tacoma Arts Live offers opera tickets and symphonic performances.
Does Tacoma Washington Embrace The LGBTQ Community?
Tacoma, which formerly topped the Advocate’s ranking of the queerest cities in the country, is a terrific place for expanding LGBT families to call home. Strong anti-discrimination laws have been in place for a long time in the city, making it a safe environment for LGBT couples to start families.
Additionally, Tacoma offers a wide range of LGBT events each year, including the recently launched and hugely successful Earth Gay festival. Discrimination based on gender identity or expression and sexual orientation is illegal in Washington state. The Washington House Bill 2661 was signed into law in 2006, adding the protections.
The state’s anti-bullying law also forbids bullying on the grounds of sex, race, religion, creed, color, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, national origin, as well as the existence of any physical, sensory, or mental disabilities. The law, which is applicable to all public charter schools and public schools, also expressly mentions harassment and cyberbullying.
Is Tacoma Washington An Expensive City To Move To?
Tacoma’s cost of living has managed to strike a fair balance between a number of common expenses. In contrast to national norms, you will spend up to 20% less on healthcare, but roughly 29% more on transportation. Home utilities are roughly 30% cheaper than normal in the United States thanks to the city’s temperate climate.
Additionally, although being above the U.S average, the local housing market is around 45% lower than the country’s average. A home in the city costs roughly $312,200 on average. The rent in Tacoma ranges from $1,385 per month for four or five-bedroom homes.
The Best Gay Neighborhoods In Tacoma Washington
There are (thankfully) many places to reside for those who are looking for a calmer yet still queer-friendly alternative to the Tacoma Downtown / central business district approximately bounded east-west by A Street and Tacoma Avenue, and north-south by South 7th Street and South 25th Street.
When moving to LGBTQ Tacoma, bear in mind that some areas are more conveniently located for all the fun queer events and activities. By being aware of them in advance, you can arrive at your new residence in the gay-friendly neighborhood that best suits your needs.
Discover your delightfully ideal new home in one of these prominent gay and LGBT-friendly communities in Tacoma. Each one has its own distinct personality, a friendly neighborhood, and facilities you’ll love. Give yourself lots of time to get to know the many different and diverse areas of Tacoma, and bare in mind that this city has plenty to offer everyone – queer or otherwise!
Now let’s take a look at where the handful of marvelous gay areas in Tacoma are and talk about the Tacoma gayborhood where you might feel most at home! Or speak to a local LGBT real estate agent for a more detailed understanding of the best options today.
North End
This is the place to go if you’re seeking for the best Tacoma area for dining, entertainment, and nightlife. It is close to the University of Puget Sound and is renowned for its numerous coastal parks. There’s something for everyone here, whether you enjoy taking leisurely strolls along the beach or simply taking in the scenery.
This is one of the city’s most family-friendly neighborhoods even though it is famous for its nightlife. The streets look and feel like a typical Tacoma suburb because so many families are relocating there. The majority of the homes are older, however, several have been renovated or remodeled to include the traditional Washington style.
The fact that the city is diverse and the schools rated above average only serves to improve the situation. There are numerous residences available if you intend to relocate to this neighborhood. Depending on the size of the home you’d like to purchase, prices range from the $300,000s to over $800,000. You’ll be delighted to know that this area is full of kids because there are backyards for them to play in.
However, amid these residences are also several retirement communities. Homes in the North End have a median sale price of $411,900 and a median rent price of $2,029. Over the past few years, house values in this neighborhood increased by 2.7%.
Finding a decent deal on a home may be challenging given the housing market’s slant toward the seller.
New Tacoma
While the Tacoma Port is located here and this area serves as a hub for global trade, it also provides a wide range of housing possibilities. New Tacoma overlaps some of Downtown despite being located in the port’s environs. You will find everything from mansions from the 19th century to opulent condos in this neighborhood.
This community is one of the most reasonably priced communities in the city with a median home selling price of $369,500 and a median rent price of $1,710. Homes in this neighborhood saw a house value increase rate of 11.2% last year, and a rate of 7.4% is anticipated this year.
The Museum of Glass, the Pullyup Reservation, and the Tacoma Dome are among the amenities present here. As you approach Downtown, a large variety of eateries, shops, and bars are visibly present. The housing alternatives, amenities, and downtown parts of this neighborhood should convince you to consider it even though living in the heart of the Washington international commerce hub may not sound desirable.
Northeast Tacoma
This area may not be as inexpensive as others, but it is really safe and includes wonderful parks. Northeast Tacoma is separated from other parts of the city by the Puget Sound coastal region. Northeast Tacoma has a typical house sale price of $397,100 and a median rent of roughly $2,050, which is higher than the city median of $1,730.
In this neighborhood, property values increased by 5.6% over the last few years last year, with more increases anticipated. Although the housing market here is now favoring sellers, purchasers can still make a secure investment because of the area’s steady appreciation rates.
Families seeking an active lifestyle will love the amenities that this neighborhood has to offer. The area is home to a range of coffee shops and restaurants, although people may not have as many options as Downtown.
LGBTQ+ Community Organizations In Tacoma Washington
To progress the LGBTQ agenda, the queer community commonly has to rely on donor organizations or non-profits.
Wherever you live, it is imperative that you assist such organizations in any manner you can in order for them to reach out and aid others in the neighborhood. These Tacoma LGBT community organizations are some of the best. Every LGBT person has benefited from their tireless labor to secure the advancement and rights we enjoy now being aware of them is good whether you need their help now or potentially in the future.
These are wonderful places to start if you’re looking for LGBTQ groups to join, seek support from, meet new people with or volunteer for a cause you care about.
Tacoma’s LGBTQ community, allies, and friends are celebrated at The Rainbow Institution, a community center devoted to education, activism, and support. It has served thousands of people in the Tacoma area for 20-plus years and has impacted the lives of many people in the community. It really is a cornerstone of the LGBTQ community in Tacoma.
PFLAG Tacoma is the regional chapter of the largest grassroots group of its sort in the nation. PFLAG is very popular for its mission of providing a wide range of support to LGBTQ individuals, their friends, family, and allies all across the nation. PFLAG plays a vital and significant role in the United States with more than 200,000 members and 500 branches offering support, resources, and advocacy to the members of the LGBTQ community.
The leading LGBT organization in Tacoma, Tacoma Older LGBT, is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving, working with, and supporting elderly LGBT persons in Tacoma, Pierce County, Tacoma and surrounding areas. The organization seeks to honor senior LGBT people who are 50 years or older for their tenacity, history, and sense of community. Without these freedoms and equal rights, the LGBT community in Pierce County would not be as it is now.
LGBTQ+ Community Events in Tacoma Washington
After moving to a new city, you will likely want to create new connections, meet new people, and network. Thankfully, LGBT Tacoma plays host to a variety of annual events for lesbians, transgender persons, gays, and anyone else who wants to have a good time.
While there are many queer events in the city, the ones listed here are the largest and greatest and are all worth marking in your calendar as you won’t want to miss them.
Taste of Tacoma
The Taste of Tacoma is a very well-liked yearly festival that features over 200 specialty and food exhibitors, numerous live bands on various stages, cooking demonstrations, cook-offs, carnival rides, and much more. The event is an excellent way to have fun and sample a lot of Tacoma’s amazing food.
You won’t want to miss Tacoma Pride Festival, which is the largest yearly LGBTQ event in the city. Its objective is to boost neighborhood pride and recognize all the contributions of the LGBTQ community to the city. You’re welcome to mark this holiday on your schedule if you like parades, parties, kid-friendly activities, delicious cuisine, or any combination of the above.
LGBT-Owned Businesses In Tacoma Washington
After moving to LGBT Tacoma, it’s only natural to want to support queer businesses. One strategy for establishing a safer and more inclusive society is to create a secure environment where people may rest, buy, dine, and connect without fear, and this is exactly what LGBT companies should strive for.
To safeguard the queer community’s survival and success, it is critical to support these initiatives wherever you are. When you shop locally, you put in a personal investment in your city and community. Here’s a short list of LGBTQ+-owned businesses in Tacoma you can invest in with your pink dollars…
Vulcan Knife offers restoration and sharpening services for all kinds of tools, knives, scissors, and anything else you have that needs to be given new life. You’re welcome to drop in your heirloom at the best sharpening shop in the city and allow them to transform it back to its former glory!
FiFi’s Flower Market is the go-to service for your flower arrangements, retail bulk flowers, or wholesale flowers. The business also offers arrangement design classes, gifts, and so much more.
Final Thoughts On Moving To LGBTQ Tacoma Washington
Living in Tacoma is fantastic! The city continues to be one of the most attractive and reasonably priced cities in the North West region despite its recent phenomenal growth. Despite being smaller than Portland and Seattle, Tacoma still has a ton of events, activities, pubs, and restaurants.
Remember that life is what you make it, and wherever (or if ever) you decide to start your new chapter in LGBT Tacoma, we wish you the freedom and security you deserve. Living in a gay-friendly area, visiting nearby LGBT businesses and events, and joining queer community groups and sports teams are always the best methods to discover more about LGBT Tacoma.
We guarantee that if you follow these recommendations, moving to LGBT Tacoma will be less difficult for you and that you’ll quickly find like-minded individuals with whom to establish your new chosen family.
Finding Gay Realtors In Tacoma Washington
When searching for the ideal realtor, why would you consider someone’s sexuality? This may seem strange at first, but there are numerous reasons why contacting a gay realtor in Tacoma is a great way to find your dream house.
After all, when undertaking one of life’s most important transactions, it’s not unreasonable to expect fair, equal, and honest representation from someone who understands the queer community’s particular needs and wishes. Furthermore, unfortunately, many people (up to a third of Americans) continue to believe that our community does not deserve protection and dignity in housing, adoption, employment, and other areas of life.
So it’s no surprise that LGBT people who use mainstream realtors often express feelings of discomfort, unnecessary trouble, unenthusiastic representation, or even antagonism or outright contempt. Everyone deserves a gratifying, stress-free home buying or selling experience while being sufficiently represented, and this is why we feel you should engage a gay realtor to help you in finding your perfect future home.
LGBTQ realtors are more likely to be knowledgeable about the diverse communities in their area and understand which ones may be best suited to you when searching for a home. That’s not to say heterosexual realtors are not competent, but they’ve probably never had to handle many of the issues LGBT people face. Rather than just being concerned with how bustling, fashionable, or up-and-coming a neighborhood is (or what it may appear like), gay realtors perform extensive research into the neighborhoods in which they sell homes to ensure that clients are safe.
It used to be challenging to uncover professional LGBT-friendly real estate agents in Tacoma – and it was virtually impossible to find one if you were relocating here from out of state and didn’t have access to a local referral. Thankfully, you no longer have to search for a realtor without knowing whether or not they are accepting of others because you can use a list of gay, lesbian, and gay-friendly agents in Tacoma to do all of your homework for you.
Simply go to the page, and you’ll be presented with a free list of gay, lesbian, and gay-friendly agents who can help you with your relocation as well as other useful information like LGBT+friendly schools, shopping, storage firms, tradesmen, and more. Read the biographies of LGBT real estate agents, then select the one who is right for you. It’s essential that you find someone who will be by your side and support you and your family during one of life’s most exhilarating occasions.
Even better, there is no hidden motive, cost, or obligation whatsoever!
