Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Best Places to Retire

5370000

Tacoma, Washington

       
Total population 196,532 Average January/July temperatures 33.3° / 64.8°
Median home price $ 229,000 Annual Precipitation 42.86 in. /yr.

Tacoma, Washington

The third- largest city in Washington has undergone a resurgence in recent years, remaking itself as a cultural destination.

Cultural Attractions
Tacoma's Museum District has three notable museums: the Tacoma Art Museum, the Museum of Glass (featuring a bridge of glass designed by Dale Chihuly), and the Washington State History Museum.
Economy
The military is a major employer in Tacoma, and healthcare and retail are also big industries in town. The Port of Tacoma is also a busy shipping center.
Geography
Tacoma is located on the Puget Sound in western Washington. It is about 30 miles south of Seattle.
Historical
Tacoma used to be the end point of the Northern Pacific Railroad, giving the city the nickname "City of Destiny" because of the many travelers who settled there.
Recreation
Tacoma is surrounded by natural attractions like Puget Sound, Mount Rainier, and the Cascade mountain range. These scenic places attract residents and visitors for hiking, biking, boating, and skiing.

Location Details

Weather  
Average January high/low temperature (?) 39.78 ° / 26.91 °
Average July high/low temperature (?) 78.77 ° / 50.79 °
Precipitation (?) 42.86 in. /yr.
% Sunny days per year (?) 16 %
Index score for various storm types (lower is better) (?) 0
Index score for air quality (lower is better) (?) 109
Cost of Living  
Median home price (?) $ 229,000
Median household income, age 55 to 75 (?) $41685.0
Median household income, all ages(?) $39608
Maximum state income tax (?) 0 %
State sales tax (?) 8.8 %
Recreational & Cultural Activities  
Area of square miles of parkland/greenspace (?) 2.300 mi.²
Number of public golf courses within the county (?) 21
Number of private golf courses within the county (?) 25
Number of public swimming pools within 15 miles of the location(?) 22
Health clubs, studios & gymnasiums within 15 miles of the location(?) 121
Number of sports teams within the county (?) 1
Number of movie theaters within the county (?) 18
Number of libraries within the county (?) 47
Number of museums within the county (?) 33
Number of college and universities that reside within the county (?) 5
Population & Demographics  
Total population (?) 196,532
Population density (?) 4,068 people/mi.²
Population trends (Percentage growth/decline of the 55+ population) (?) 55.8% growth
Population over 55 (?) 45,524 people
Education (?) 28 % have a college degree
Health  
Number of hospitals within the county (?) 27
Number of clinics within the county (?) 106
Number of elder care facilities within the county (?) 543
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