Cities Near Tacoma, WA

Tacoma is a lively city in Washington near the beautiful Puget Sound. It’s only 32 miles from Seattle to the northeast. Tacoma is the heart of Pierce County. It connects to many diverse cities and towns nearby. Each of these places is special in its own way. This article dives into the big cities near Tacoma and other exciting areas.

Pierce County, Tacoma’s home, is much bigger than Thurston County. It’s three times the size, covering 1,800 square miles. Thurston County, in comparison, is 775 square miles big. Pierce County has almost 1 million residents, while Thurston County has about 300,000.

Tacoma is made up of many neighborhoods. North Tacoma is known for its history and life. Areas like Proctor, Stadium District, and North Slope Historic District are there. Central Tacoma has places like Hilltop, 6th Ave, and Downtown Tacoma. In South Tacoma, you’ll find a mix of communities. This includes South End, Lincoln District, and McKinley Hill.

Tacoma has become lively with many museums, such as the Washington State History Museum, Museum of Glass, and Tacoma Art Museum. Thanks to these museums and the Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center, the downtown area is bustling.

Metro Parks Tacoma manages over 50 parks in Tacoma. Point Defiance Park is enormous, about 700 acres, and has beautiful trails, Owen Beach, Fort Nisqually, and the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. Wright Park is another extensive park with an arboretum and a conservatory. It hosts festivals like Ethnic Fest and Out in the Park annually.

Around Tacoma, there’s a mix of cities and towns. To the southwest are places like Fircrest and Lakewood. You’ll also find University Place, Steilacoom, and DuPont there. Pierce County’s east side has its charms too. This area includes Parkland, Spanaway, Puyallup, Sumner, and Bonney Lake.

Largest Cities Near Tacoma, WA

In the center of the Puget Sound area lies Tacoma. It’s filled with cities, each with its charm. These include Auburn, Lakewood, Puyallup, University Place, Bonney Lake, and Sumner, known for their unique qualities.

Auburn, WA – 14 miles from Tacoma

Auburn, WA, is a suburb of Seattle, located about 14 miles northeast of Tacoma. With a population of 87,143, it sits in King County along the White and Green Rivers. Auburn is home to the largest airplane parts plant in the world, the Auburn Boeing Plant, which spans 2.1 million square feet and employs over 5,000 people. The plant manufactures 1.265 million airplane parts each year.

The White River Valley Museum in Les Gove Park showcases Native American history up to the 1920s. Les Gove Park is a 20-acre park offering various recreational activities, including baseball, soccer, bocce courts, trails, a playground, a water spray park, a senior activity center, and a library. Auburn features 28 parks, over 23 miles of trails, and nearly 247 acres of open space. It is one of the most affordable areas near Tacoma.

Lakewood, WA – 11 miles from Tacoma

Lakewood, WA, is located 11 miles southwest of Tacoma and has a population of 64,000. Incorporated in 1996, it is the second-largest city in Pierce County. Nearby military bases heavily support the local economy. Lakewood is a diverse city with influences from Korean, Vietnamese, Chinese, Latino, and other communities.

Key attractions include Fort Steilacoom Park, Lakewood Gardens, Lakewood Towne Center shopping mall, Lakewood Playhouse, the Thornewood estate, and Western State Hospital. Lakewood was named one of America’s Promise’s 100 Best Places for Young People. It’s a family-friendly city close to Tacoma.

Puyallup, WA – 11 miles from Tacoma

Puyallup, WA, is located about 10 miles southeast of Tacoma and has a population of 43,009. The city is named after the Puyallup Tribe of Native Americans, meaning “the generous people.” Puyallup hosts the Washington State Fair, the largest fair in the state and one of the top ten in the country. The city is also known for its daffodil fields.

Key landmarks include Ezra Meeker’s mansion, the historic downtown shopping district, and Pioneer Park, which has a public library, playground, and walking paths. Cultural attractions include the Paul H. Karshner Memorial Museum and the Arts Downtown outdoor gallery.

University Place, WA – 6 miles from Tacoma

University Place, WA, is located about 6 miles west of Tacoma along the Puget Sound and has a population of more than 31,500 active residents. This city is packed with fun activities.

University Place has many parks with walking trails, wooded areas, ball fields, wildlife habitats, skate parks, soccer fields, and plenty of open space. The walking trails at Chambers Bay offer stunning views of the Puget Sound. The city also boasts one of the top golf courses in the country, where the 2015 US Open was held.

Bonney Lake, WA – 16 miles from Tacoma

Bonney Lake, WA, is located about 16 miles southeast of Tacoma and has a population of 22,798.

Bonney Lake is an outdoor lover’s paradise. It offers excellent local parks, scenic hiking trails, and various water activities on Lake Tapps, such as boating, fishing, and swimming. The city also has picnic areas and playgrounds, making it an excellent place for families to enjoy nature and recreation.

Sumner, WA – 13 miles from Tacoma

Sumner, WA, is located about 12 miles southeast of Tacoma and has a population of 10,665. The city was founded in 1853 as Stuck Junction, renamed Franklin, and finally named Sumner in 1891 after Senator Charles Sumner, an abolitionist. Sumner is home to Dillanos Coffee Roasters, REI’s corporate offices, and a large distribution center.

The city also participates in the annual Daffodil Parade in April, which it shares with Tacoma, Puyallup, and Orting. Sumner has a charming downtown area with shops and restaurants, several parks, and trails for outdoor activities. The community is known for its friendly atmosphere and beautiful daffodil fields.

Other Cities Close To Tacoma, Washington

Tacoma is lively, yet many other great cities are nearby, including Seattle, Renton, Olympia, and Burien.

Seattle

Seattle, located 34 miles north of Tacoma, is the largest city in Washington and the Pacific Northwest, with a population of 755,078. It’s a hub for many Fortune 500 companies like Amazon, Starbucks, and Nordstrom. It offers a vibrant cultural scene with numerous performing arts venues, museums, galleries, and festivals happening throughout the year.

Sports fans can cheer for four major professional teams: the Seattle Seahawks (NFL), Seattle Mariners (MLB), Seattle Kraken (NHL), and Seattle Sounders FC (MLS). Additionally, Seattle is home to the University of Washington, which provides educational opportunities and contributes to the city’s dynamic atmosphere. Seattle has something for everyone, whether you’re into business, culture, sports, or education.

Renton

Renton, located 26 miles north of Tacoma, is a city within the Seattle Metro Area with a population of 104,047. It’s known for being home to several major corporations, including Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Boeing Capital, Providence Health & Services, and Wizards of the Coast.

This city offers a mix of residential neighborhoods and commercial areas, providing diverse opportunities for both work and leisure. With its proximity to Seattle and thriving business scene, Renton is a dynamic and bustling community.

Olympia

Olympia, located 31 miles south of Tacoma, is the capital of Washington state. With a population of 55,669, it’s a hub for the fine arts, boasting various theaters, such as the Animal Fire Theater, Olympia Family Theater, and Olympia Little Theater.

In addition to its role as the state capital, Olympia offers a vibrant arts scene with numerous theatrical venues showcasing a variety of performances. From plays and musicals to experimental theater, there’s always something exciting happening in Olympia for art enthusiasts to enjoy.

Burien

Burien, located 26 miles north of Tacoma, is a diverse community with a population of 50,806. It features 6 miles of shoreline along the Puget Sound, offering beautiful waterfront views.

Burien is the third most walkable city in Washington state and is recognized as one of the top places to raise a family. The town provides a high quality of life with excellent public parks, including trails, playgrounds, mature forests, and a beach. These amenities make Burien a desirable destination for families and nature enthusiasts alike.

Map of Cities Near Tacoma and Surrounding Area

The city of Tacoma, Washington, is full of life and culture. It’s the second biggest city in the state. Tacoma is famous for its beauty, art, and strong economy.

Many cities surround Tacoma, each with its charm. Auburn, Lakewood, Puyallup, University Place, and Bonney Lake are north of Tacoma, all quite close. To the south, you find Seattle, Renton, Olympia, and Burien, a bit further off.

These places have lots of things to do. Auburn has excellent shops and restaurants, while Gig Harbor has beautiful waterfronts. The area is linked by highways and parkways, making travel easy.

There are many opportunities to live, work, or just enjoy this area. The Tacoma region offers nice neighborhoods, outdoor fun, and lots of culture. Both newcomers and people who have lived here for a while enjoy what it has to offer.

Small Towns Near Tacoma, WA

There are many smaller but just as lovely towns near Tacoma, Washington. Places like Auburn, Lakewood, and Puyallup may get more attention, but the smaller towns showcase the area’s history, culture, and nature.

Carbonado has about 800 people and was built on coal mining. Wilkeson, with fewer than 500 residents, is rich in history, with five places on the National Historic Register. Crystal Mountain is a big hit for those who love the outdoors and skiing. Ashford is the way into Mount Rainier National Park, which stays open all year.

Tacoma’s outskirts have even more small gems with their unique flair. Coupeville, the state’s second-oldest town since the 1850s, tells a story of early life here. Sequim stands out for its sunny days, a welcome break from the usual rain. Port Townsend is ideal for spotting whales in the waters of Puget Sound.

Here are the small towns near Tacoma:

1. Summit: Population 8,897, located 10 miles away from Tacoma.
2. Milton: Population 8,706, located 8 miles away from Tacoma.
3. Waller: Population 7,672, located 8 miles away from Tacoma.
4. Fircrest: Population 7,184, located 4 miles away from Tacoma.
5. Fife Heights: Population 1,919, located 8 miles away from Tacoma.
6. Brown’s Point: Population 1,069, located 10 miles away from Tacoma.
7. Rustin: Population 1,057, located 5 miles away from Tacoma.

These small towns are made for exploring different landscapes, histories, and cultures. Whether one is after outdoor fun, old-timey charm, or just a quiet break, they’ll find it near Tacoma.

Major Cities Near Tacoma, Washington

Tacoma, Washington, is an excellent base for exploring nearby cities in Pierce and King counties. Seattle, the largest city in the region, is just a 40-minute drive away. Other exciting places within driving distance include Bellevue, known for its shopping and dining, and Everett, home to the Boeing assembly plant. If you’re up for a longer drive, visit Vancouver, BC, known for its stunning scenery and diverse culture, or head south to Portland, Oregon, famous for its food scene and quirky charm. Whether looking for city adventures or outdoor exploration, Tacoma’s central location makes it a convenient starting point.

Tacoma, Washington, is an excellent base for exploring nearby Pierce and King County cities. Here’s a list of some major cities you can visit from Tacoma:

1. Seattle, WA: Seattle is 34 miles northeast of Tacoma and is Washington’s biggest city, with 749,256 people. It’s known for its tech jobs, fantastic food, and must-see spots like the Space Needle.
2. Bellevue, WA: A quick 37-mile drive from Tacoma, Bellevue boasts beautiful parks and a bustling downtown area.
3. Everett, WA: About 62 miles north of Tacoma, Everett is known for its waterfront and the Boeing Factory Tour.
4. Victoria, BC, Canada: If you’re up for a more extended trip, Victoria is about 92 miles away and offers charming architecture and gardens.
5. Renton is 26 miles to the northeast and has 104,047 people. Olympia, our state’s capital, is 31 miles to Tacoma’s southwest with 55,669. It’s famous for its government offices, places to visit, and great natural places.
6. Surrey, BC, Canada: A bit farther at 129 miles, Surrey is known for its parks and cultural diversity.
7. Vancouver, WA: This city is about 134 miles from Vancouver, BC, and offers historic sites and outdoor activities.
8. Portland, OR: A 144-mile drive south will take you to Portland, known for its food scene and beautiful gardens.
9. Spokane, WA: Heading east, Spokane is about 292 miles away and offers outdoor adventures and cultural attractions.
10. Boise, ID: A bit farther at 386 miles, Boise is known for its outdoor recreation and vibrant downtown.
11. Calgary, AB, Canada: If you’re up for a longer road trip, Calgary is about 472 miles away and offers cultural events and outdoor activities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Tacoma, Washington, and its surrounding cities offer a vibrant tapestry of communities, each with its unique charm and opportunities. From the bustling urban center of Tacoma with its museums, parks, and cultural attractions to the family-friendly suburbs like Lakewood and Puyallup, there’s something here for everyone. The proximity to major hubs like Seattle and Bellevue enhances convenience without sacrificing the serene beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Whether you’re drawn to outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply seeking a welcoming community to call home, the cities near Tacoma provide a rich tapestry of living possibilities.

Are you looking for reliable storage and moving solutions near Tacoma, WA? SecureSpace offers convenient options to meet your needs. Whether you’re relocating to Tacoma or moving within the area, SecureSpace provides secure storage units and efficient moving services to make your transition smooth. Visit SecureSpace today to learn more and secure your storage or moving solution!

FAQ

What is the closest major city to Tacoma, Washington?

Seattle is the closest big city to Tacoma, Washington. It’s about 34 miles to the northeast.

What are some of the largest cities near Tacoma, WA?

You’ll find cities near Tacoma, like Auburn, Lakewood, and more. These places are home to tens of thousands of people. They are within 16 miles of Tacoma.

How far is Tacoma from other major cities in the region?

Besides Seattle, Tacoma is close to places like Renton and Olympia. They are about 26 to 31 miles away. These cities have lots to offer, from culture to jobs.

Are there any smaller towns or communities near Tacoma, Washington?

Yes, smaller towns and communities dot the area near Tacoma. Places like Gig Harbor and Fircrest offer their charm and fun.

How can I find a map of the cities and towns surrounding Tacoma?

To find a map, look up “map of cities near Tacoma” online. Or, search for the “Tacoma area map.” This shows you where the cities and towns are in Tacoma.

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