Any Singles? Any Thoughts? (22. May 2006, 06:20 by Derek) ~ Hello. Anybody?
So our Seattle friend hasn’t given up on Tacoma yet, but he’s seriously considering West Seattle instead. Is is possible to have a life as a single guy in Tacoma? I have my perspective, but a few others would be appreciated. What do you think? The original article…
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Though I love most things about Tacoma, being single is (or was, I should say) not one of them. I moved here a year ago from Chicago and spent about eight months bemoaning (alongside a couple of single coworkers) that it feels like everyone in Tacoma is married. Then, I got myself into a long-distance relationship. When my girlfriend is in town, we have a great time enjoying all there is to do here. When she’s not, it feels like there aren’t any options.
I have one friend that moved here from Texas, was unhappy with social life here, and moved up to Seattle. I don’t want to follow him, and won’t, but I’m sure he’s not the only one that has made that move.
My sense is that if you’re good at meeting people in clubs and bars (which I’m not), then you’d do fine in Tacoma. Otherwise, it can be a pretty lonely place. My goal for the summer is to get out more and figure out ways to be involved. Or at least to find married people that are willing to socialize with those of us who are not :)
Hopefully somebody out there will have a better outlook than I do! But honestly, if your friend works in Seattle, I would probably recommend West Seattle over Tacoma.
1 | Posted by Daniel | May 22, 06:06 PM
My only experience living in Tacoma was while studying at University of Puget Sound, so the entire college atmosphere really created a great singles atmosphere. I think the most wonderful thing about a city like Tacoma is that is an opportunity for constant improvement. I think in about ten more years the city will be a great place for singles, but it hasn’t quite matured to that level yet. In ten years, there will be a lot more people, students at UWT, and artist types and the “creative class” people finally fed up with Seattle’s woes. Just give it some time.
2 | Posted by drizell | May 22, 06:26 PM
When I was single in Tacoma, I was miserable.
Now I’m married in Tacoma, and am still miserable.
It’s a very insular town and I find it very difficult to connect with many people here. The social life here sucks, to be blunt. Unless you are of the class that buys million dollar homes just to tear them down, there aren’t very many opportunities to mingle.
It is getting better, but I still find it very difficult to meet “like-mided” people. Like-mided in the sense of not going to monster truck shows or hanging out in bars (nothing against monster trucks or bars).
It was a very relunctant move for me to come back to Tacoma after living in Seattle for 15 years. Living up there, I took culture for granted. My favorite coffee shop was 1 block away, there was a neighborhood grocery store 2 blocks away, I had a choice of no less than 7 different Thai places all within walking distance.
THAT is what I call a walkable city!
Tacoma is getting there, but there is a long long way to go…
5 | Posted by morgan | May 22, 08:06 PM
If all else fails we do have a Castle! ;)
6 | Posted by Jake | May 22, 09:06 PM
Morgan, those things that you took for granted in Seattle – walkability, etc. – are the same things I took for granted in Chicago (and even in the tiny town in Iowa where I went to college). The fact that I don’t pass another soul when I walk to work (two miles each way) is my other complaint about Tacoma. As for like-minded people, perhaps we’re all sitting behind our computers…
Derek, if said friend works halfway between the two, well then I just don’t know. I’m torn between wanting more single people to move here and wanting them to know that they’re probably going to have to look elsewhere to find serious relationships. I might still opt for West Seattle in his case. The commute might be easier from that direction.
7 | Posted by Daniel | May 22, 09:32 PM
“The fact that I don’t pass another soul when I walk to work (two miles each way) is my other complaint about Tacoma. As for like-minded people, perhaps we’re all sitting behind our computers…”
Yes, Tacoma needs to become more walkable. Its getting there.
In the meantime, try walking on 6th Avenue or on Pacific Avenue or Broadway downtown.
Tacoma is still struggling but there are a few bright spots if you know where to look!
My advice was to look at condo projects in the Stadium District – close to the commercial area. Rather than being downtown or in a residential area surrounded by single family homes, the Stadium District has a lot of apartments and more young couples or singles. Plus, it’s a more walkable area with a grocery store, a few bars, and a couple restaurants. Sixth Avenue is just down the street for cocktails at Asado or Six Olives. Downtown is a quick roll down the hill.
At this point he could go either way. However, he does appreciate all the comments here. The honesty helps. Although I just had to explain to him about the ‘Castle.’
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