Name: Joan
Occupation: Architect, Project Manager
Employer: McGranahan Architects
Live: Downtown Tacoma
Where do you live and where do you work?
I live in downtown Tacoma and work at McGranahan Architects.
When did you move downtown?
December 2014.
What’s in it for you?
Less commute time.
How do you usually get to work? How far is it?
I walk most days to work. I drive only when I need the car to go to meetings. [It’s] about a 15 – 20 minute walk. If I drive, it takes 5 -10 minutes.
How does it all add up? Do you save time or money?
Yes, I save significant time by living in Tacoma. I previously lived in Seattle and my commute by bus was over 45 minutes each way. Of course, it was sometimes longer when I missed my bus and had to wait.
What’s the best part about living downtown?
The best part is being so close to the marinas and the waterway. I also enjoy being within walking distance to restaurants, museums, and work. I only wish there were a grocery store downtown.
What suggestions do you have for someone who may be thinking of moving downtown?
It’s wonderful. There are a lot of options for places to live. We were lucky to find a place with parking, but parking can sometimes be an issue, so make sure to check if it’s included, otherwise you may be parking on the street.