Moving from Austin to Tacoma: Finding Walkability, Community & a Place to Call Home
Real relocation stories from people who made Tacoma home. — Cass W.
One of my favorite parts of helping people relocate to Tacoma is hearing what life is like after they've settled in. Everyone moves for a different reason, and every story is a little different.
When this client reached out, she was living in Austin, Texas. She had grown up in the Pacific Northwest and knew she wanted to move back, but she wasn't looking for a city as large as Seattle. She wanted community, walkability and a neighborhood that felt like home.
A little over two months later, she was unpacking boxes in Tacoma's Proctor District.
Quick Facts
Moved from: Austin, Texas
Moved to: Proctor District, Tacoma
Home Search: About two months
Top Priorities:
Walkability
A strong sense of community
Three bedrooms
Indoor and outdoor entertaining space
A backyard
Character over cookie-cutter construction
Why She Left Austin
After spending several years living in the suburbs of Austin, she realized she was ready for something different… She wanted to live somewhere that encouraged her to get outside, walk to local businesses and actually know the people in her neighborhood.
In her Texas suburb, she felt like there wasn't much to do without getting in the car. She missed the feeling of being connected to the place where she lived and wanted a city that offered plenty to explore without feeling overwhelming. Tacoma kept coming up as exactly that.
Why She Chose Tacoma
Seattle didn’t feel like the right fit; She wanted a larger city, but one that still had individual neighborhoods with their own personality. She loved the idea of finding those "little pocket neighborhoods" where you could walk to coffee, run into neighbors and discover local businesses over time. Community was one of the biggest reasons she decided to move, and Tacoma seemed like it offered exactly what she was looking for.
Buying a Home From Another State
Her biggest concern wasn't moving, it was buying a house without ever stepping inside it. Like many people relocating to Tacoma, she worried that listing photos wouldn't tell the whole story. She was afraid the home would look completely different in person than it did online.
Since traveling back and forth from Texas wasn't realistic, we toured homes together over FaceTime. Instead of only showing the beautiful parts of the house, my team and I made sure to point out the details buyers often want to see when they're making such a big decision from another state, ie: Closets, corners, older windows, basements etc… The little quirks that don't always show up in listing photos.
When she finally arrived in Tacoma, she told me everything looked exactly the way she expected. For me, that's one of the biggest compliments I can receive from a relocation client!
Finding the Right Tacoma Neighborhood
During her search, we looked at several Tacoma neighborhoods, including Old Town, West End, North End, Stadium District, Fircrest and Proctor and she ultimately chose Proctor! What made the difference wasn't just the house, it was the lifestyle.
She loved being able to walk to the neighborhood business district, having two grocery stores nearby and feeling like everyday errands didn't always require getting in the car. That walkability was one of the biggest reasons she moved to Tacoma, and Proctor checked every box.
What Surprised Her About Buying a Home in Tacoma
The biggest adjustment was learning about Tacoma's housing stock. Coming from Texas, where many neighborhoods are filled with newer builder-grade homes that look very similar, Tacoma felt completely different. Many of the homes here are older, especially the Craftsman homes that give so many neighborhoods their character.
Her advice? Embrace the quirks!
Older homes aren't perfect, but they're full of personality. She quickly fell in love with the details, craftsmanship and individuality that make Tacoma homes unique. She also learned something she didn't expect… Despite buying a home that's around 100 years old, it has actually required less maintenance than the newer rental home she owned in Texas. Washington's generally mild climate means she isn't dealing with the extreme weather, foundation issues and severe storms that were common where she previously lived.
What Life in Tacoma Has Been Like
When I asked what she loves most about living in Tacoma, she didn't start by talking about her house, she talked about her daily walks…
She told me that walking is important for her mental health, and every day she notices something new. Sometimes it's a beautiful old home, sometimes it's a tree she hadn't noticed before, sometimes it's flowers blooming in someone's yard. She laughed and said she truly does stop to smell the roses!
She also loves the sense of community she's found; The weekly Proctor Farmers Market, trivia at the neighborhood brewery, local shops and getting to know business owners have all become part of her routine. Even more meaningful has been getting to know her neighbors… She shared that they've already become close with several couples on their street, and she feels like that circle keeps growing.
Tacoma vs. Austin
One of the biggest differences she noticed wasn't just the scenery, it was how she feels living here. Texas felt flat, dry and spread out. Tacoma offers water, greenery and neighborhoods that invite her outside every day.
She also appreciates how much there is to do nearby. Whether it's spending time at Point Defiance Park, exploring local restaurants, grabbing coffee, visiting Gig Harbor or taking a quick trip to Seattle, she feels like there's always something new to discover.
Her Advice for Anyone Thinking About Moving to Tacoma
Come with an open mind.
If you're relocating from an area filled with newer homes, understand that Tacoma's older homes have a different kind of beauty. They have quirks, history and charm that can't be recreated. She also recommends taking time to explore. Walk different neighborhoods, visit local coffee shops, go to community events, spend time at Point Defiance.
Eventually, you'll find the places that make Tacoma feel like home.
Laura's Tacoma Take
One thing I hear over and over from clients relocating to Tacoma is that they're not just looking for a different house, they're looking for a different way of living.
This client's story is a great example of that. She wasn't chasing square footage or the newest construction. She wanted walkability, community and a neighborhood where she could build relationships.
Helping people relocate to Tacoma means helping them find a home that fits the life they want to live, and that's one of my favorite parts of this job!
