A few years ago, there were many comments saying, "It's too expensive here too," but now it feels a bit more stable than back then.

Currently, the median home price in Tacoma is about $485,000. Of course, it varies by area, but it's a much more realistic price compared to downtown Seattle.

Popular neighborhoods like the North End or West End are still expensive, but there are quite a few homes in the $400,000 range in the southern or downtown areas.

So, the charm of Tacoma is that "if you go just a little further, you can find affordable homes." However, that doesn't mean prices are continuously rising. The rate of increase has slowed this year, and some areas have even seen slight declines.

There are also a bit more listings than before, which means more options for those looking to buy a home. In the past, homes would sell within a day or two of being listed, but now it can take about 2 to 8 weeks depending on the neighborhood.

The atmosphere varies greatly by neighborhood. The North End or West End has many older homes, but there are also many remodeled houses, which keeps prices high, while the southern or central areas are a bit cheaper but often require remodeling.

Especially with older homes, there may be foundational work, drainage issues, or flood risks, so it's important to inspect them carefully. Overall, Washington state still has a shortage of housing supply, so the likelihood of prices dropping significantly is low, but the rapid surges of the past have decreased. Interest rates are rising, and the economy is unstable, so demand is not as explosive as it used to be.

So, I think we can view this period as a "breather after the overheating phase." If you're looking to buy a home now, it might actually be a good time. There's less competition, and there's room for negotiation on terms. Especially for long-term residence or mid-term investment purposes, it's wise to choose neighborhoods that have not yet seen significant price increases.

And it's important to consider not just the home prices but also the maintenance costs like taxes, insurance, and management fees, as well as the surrounding environment. Infrastructure such as schools, transportation, shopping malls, and hospitals is also important.

If you want to live near Seattle with a budget of around $500,000, Tacoma is definitely a city worth considering. Transportation is improving, and the Korean community is growing. Once the light rail is completed, commuting will be much more convenient.

Personally, I think it's more of a "good time to consider if there are good conditions for a home" rather than a "must buy now" situation. The market can shift again due to changes in interest rates or policies, so it's good for interested parties to keep an eye on it.

Tacoma feels like it has entered a "quietly stable period" rather than an "unstable surge period" now. The market that was once burdensome due to rapid increases is now breathing a little easier.