Tacoma is the city you reach by driving about 30 miles south on I-5 from Seattle.

When I first heard the name, I thought of tacos, the Mexican food, but it actually has a completely different meaning.

Tacoma is derived from the name that Native Americans used for Mount Rainier, and it is a city with a long history and unique culture. It is also relatively close to Mount Rainier National Park, making it a great location to enjoy nature. Its official nickname is 'City of Destiny,' which may sound a bit grand at first, but there is a reason for it.

The background of this nickname dates back to the late 19th century. At that time, the Northern Pacific Railroad, which was constructing a transcontinental railroad, chose Tacoma as its western terminus, completely changing the city's fate. With the arrival of the railroad, the port and industry grew together, and Tacoma established itself as one of the representative port cities of the Pacific Northwest. It remains an important logistics hub along Puget Sound and is the third most populous city in Washington State, with a population of about 220,000, also serving as the administrative center of Pierce County.

One of Tacoma's biggest advantages is the cost of living. Compared to Seattle, housing prices and rents are quite affordable. As of recent data, the median home price in Tacoma is around $500,000, with single-family homes typically trading between $450,000 and $700,000. In contrast, the median home price in Seattle often exceeds $900,000, making it much more burdensome. As a result, many people commute from Tacoma while working in Seattle. Many drive to work, and public transportation options like the Sounder commuter train and buses are also available.

There are also more tourist attractions than you might expect. The most famous place is the Museum of Glass, which focuses on glass art. You can see works by world-renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly, and the glass bridge in front of the museum is a landmark of the city. The colorful glass artworks sparkle in the sunlight, making it a great spot for photos.

If you're visiting with family, Point Defiance Park is a must-see. This is not just a simple park; it is a large natural park that includes a zoo, an aquarium, walking trails, and a beach. You can walk through the forest and look out at the ocean, and it is large enough to spend an entire day with kids. It is one of the places that visitors from Korea often enjoy taking family or friends to.

Downtown and the waterfront also showcase Tacoma's charm well. The waterfront promenade is lined with restaurants and cafes, and on sunny days, the view of Puget Sound with Mount Rainier in the distance is truly beautiful. The ocean view seen while crossing the Tacoma Narrows Bridge is also a popular drive.

Living in the U.S., you notice that each city has a slightly different atmosphere. While Seattle is a sophisticated and rapidly changing city, Tacoma has a more relaxed and realistic vibe. It is a place where the heavy feel of a port city coexists with a friendly atmosphere. While it may be less glamorous, many find it more comfortable for living.

Recently, the city's atmosphere has been gradually becoming younger with the remodeling of old warehouses and factories into cafes and restaurants, as well as new apartment complexes being built. Safety and urban environments have also been steadily improving, attracting more people interested in new residential areas.

Although Tacoma is relatively less known due to Seattle's fame, once you visit, you will naturally understand why this city is nicknamed 'City of Destiny.' It has beautiful seas and ports, a rich history, reasonable housing prices, and a relaxed living environment. If you are looking for a good city to live near Seattle, Tacoma is definitely a place worth considering seriously.