Tacoma Independent Living

The median cost of independent living in Tacoma for a single-occupancy apartment is $1,872/month (SeniorHomes.com - 2015). This monthly cost typically includes rent, utilities, dining, housekeeping and transportation.

Tacoma, Washington, is a mid-size port city located on Puget Sound, a complex system of estuarine waterways off the Pacific Ocean. For thousands of years, the area was occupied by American Indians, mostly of the Puyallup people. A small sawmill was constructed in 1852 by a Swedish man named Nicolas Delin. What really put Tacoma on the map was its establishment as the terminus of the Transcontinental Railroad around 1864. Nicknamed the City of Destiny, Tacoma was formally incorporated on November 12, 1875. From a population of 1,098 in 1880, as of the 2010 census Tacoma had grown to 200,000. This translates to a population density of 3,865 people per square mile, slightly higher than Denver, Colorado or Houston, Texas.

The region enjoys a Mediterranean Oceanic climate. This means it is warm, but not hot, in summer; cool, but not cold, in winter and rare is the month when it does not rain. From the 1930s to the late 1990s, the city was famous for its ‘Tacoma ‘roma, ‘ a distinctive local pong caused by the local paper industry. Between the abundant evergreen trees, the constant rainfall and the comforting presence of Mt Rainier in the background, Tacoma independent living is green, pleasant and odor-free since sulfur emissions were reduced shortly before the new millennium.

Tacoma Attractions

Along with the advantages of living in a marine environment, Mt Rainier National Park is only a 90 minute drive south on Interstate 5 and State Highway No. 7. Less than an hour’s drive to the west is Olympia, the state capital, and Tumwater, home of the famous Olympia Brewery until its closure in 2003. The Tacoma independent living community wants for nothing as far as shopping is concerned. Replete with malls, boutiques and shopping districts, everything you might conceivably need is right at your doorstep.

Tacoma Senior Activities

The City of Tacoma itself has two senior activity centers. These are Lighthouse Activity Center on the east side and Beacon Activity Center located in the downtown area. Free van transportation is provided to the Tacoma independent living seniors who live within the city limits. As well as participating in programs designed to support independence, improve skills, promote healthy aging and encourage community involvement among the over-50s, these centers also serve as meal sites, where healthy lunches are served Mondays through Fridays.

Tacoma Medical Facilities

Easy access to quality medical services are a critical component of Tacoma Independent Living. St Joseph Medical Center, the flagship hospital of the Franciscan Health System, is a 366-bed regional medical center and Level II trauma center. Of particular interest to seniors are the orthopedic services, heart and cancer centers and diagnostic imaging services. Doctors here are pioneering a new, easy and less painful technique in angiography. A half hour’s drive north on I-5 is Seattle’s University of Washington Medical Center. UW Medical Center scores well in the 2011 edition of the U.S. News & World Report publication, “America’s Best Hospitals.” It is also an Aetna Institute of Quality for its cardiac medical intervention and has appeared in the Honor Roll of the U.S. News since rankings began in 1990.

Tacoma Transportation

Successful Tacoma independent living depends on a well-run transportation system. The major public transport provider in Tacoma is Pierce Transit, which provides daily commuter buses to Olympia and Seattle. The ten-year transportation plan for the area includes commuter rail, light rail, high-occupancy-vehicle expressways, regional bus routes and bicycle paths. Discount fares apply for those who are over the age of 65, have a disability verifiable by a doctor or who have a valid Medicare card.

Summing Up

This is an attractive area for Tacoma independent living. The climate is pleasant and recreational facilities, shopping, senior activity centers and medical facilities are all accessible. Special discounted fares are available on public transport for those who are eligible.