Is 2006 a good year for Tacoma?

In 2006, Tacoma’s trajectory was mixed but generally positive. The city benefited from steady job growth and a strengthening port economy, while housing costs and neighborhood safety remained areas of concern. This article examines the year’s economic pulse, housing dynamics, quality-of-life factors, and development efforts to assess whether 2006 stood out as a "good year" for Tacoma.

Economic climate in 2006

The broader Puget Sound economy provided a favorable backdrop for Tacoma in 2006, with growth in logistics, construction, healthcare, and regional services. Local drivers contributed to a resilient job market even as national headlines warned of housing volatility in the years ahead.

• Port and logistics activity remained a cornerstone of the local economy, supporting jobs in shipping, warehousing, and related services.


• The presence of military-related activity and contractors around Joint Base Lewis-McChord helped sustain demand for skilled labor and procurement.


• Healthcare and education sectors continued to expand, fueling employment and attracting professional talent to the region.


• Construction and redevelopment activity contributed to steady employment and the reimagining of downtown Tacoma and nearby neighborhoods.


• Tourism and downtown amenities benefited from waterfront redevelopment and events, supporting service-industry jobs.

Taken together, these drivers helped Tacoma maintain a solid pace of job growth and economic resilience through 2006, even as the city faced pressures from broader housing-market trends.

Housing and cost of living

Housing markets in 2006 reflected a nationwide boom that spilled into Tacoma, with rising home values and increased demand for rentals. While Tacoma generally offered more affordable options than Seattle, price appreciation and affordability remained critical considerations for residents and newcomers alike.

• Demand for both single-family homes and multifamily units kept construction activity steady and supported a growing rental market.


• Compared with Seattle, Tacoma often presented relatively lower entry costs, though prices were rising and inventory could tighten in certain neighborhoods.


• Developers pursued mixed-use and downtown redevelopment projects that aimed to expand housing supply while energizing local commerce.

These housing dynamics contributed to a robust construction sector and contributed to a sense of momentum in the city, but also raised concerns about affordability for some residents.

Quality of life and safety

Quality of life in 2006 was a mix of improving downtown amenities and ongoing safety challenges in specific districts. Community organizations, law enforcement, and city planners continued to address neighborhood-level concerns while promoting cultural and recreational offerings.

Crime and safety

Crime trends varied by neighborhood, with some areas experiencing improvements while others faced persistent challenges. Local law enforcement and community programs worked to balance public safety with sustained economic activity and redevelopment efforts.

Education and culture

Public schools and higher education institutions remained focal points for the city’s long-term vitality. Tacoma benefited from cultural institutions, museums, theater, and parks that supported a livable urban environment and helped attract residents and visitors.

Infrastructure and development projects

2006 saw continued progress on infrastructure and redevelopment that shaped Tacoma’s urban landscape, including waterfront improvements and downtown revitalization efforts that aimed to reconnect neighborhoods to the riverfront and port.

• Waterfront and riverfront redevelopment continued to redefine land use and attract new businesses, housing, and recreational space.


• Downtown upgrades, streetscape improvements, and private investment contributed to a more vibrant urban core.


• Transportation and utilities investments supported growth in logistics and daily commuting, reinforcing Tacoma’s role as a regional hub.

These development efforts signaled a longer-term strategy to diversify Tacoma’s economy beyond traditional industries while enhancing livability and attracting investment.

What this meant for 2006 and beyond

Overall, 2006 can be considered a "good year" relative to many mid-2000s benchmarks for Tacoma: a steady economy, ongoing redevelopment, and a favorable regional climate balanced by housing affordability pressures and uneven safety perceptions. The year laid groundwork for continued growth in the late 2000s as the city leveraged its port, military ties, and downtown renaissance.

Summary

Looking back, 2006 stood as a solid year for Tacoma with durable economic underpinnings and visible progress in redevelopment, even as housing costs rose and safety concerns persisted in some neighborhoods. The combination of port strength, steady employment, and downtown revitalization provided a foundation that helped Tacoma weather upcoming national shifts and set the stage for future growth.

What year to stay away from Tacoma?

The Toyota Tacoma years to avoid include 2006, 2009, 2016, 2017, and 2019 due to issues like frame rust, transmission problems, and engine issues. Other problematic years include 2005, 2007, and 2012, which also have known issues.
 
This video explains the Toyota Tacoma models to avoid: 39sShifting LanesYouTube · Oct 6, 2021
Second Generation (2005–2015) 

• 2005–2010: Prone to significant frame rust due to poor drainage, which can lead to costly repairs or replacement. 
• 2006: Suffers from frame rust, and has transmission issues such as slipping and hard shifting. 
• 2007: Experienced a spike in complaints related to body, engine, and drivetrain issues. 
• 2009: Had numerous complaints about the radio, and also featured frame rust issues. 
• 2012: Saw an increase in engine stalling and hesitation, and issues with the electronic stability control system. 
• 2015: Had a spike in complaints about transmission failures and faulty drivetrain components. 

Third Generation (2016–Present) 

• 2016: The first model year of the third generation, it has the most complaints, including transmission problems (rough shifting, slipping), engine issues (stalling, oil consumption), and infotainment system glitches. 
• 2017: Continues with transmission problems, rough and noisy steering, and issues with interior material quality. 
• 2019: Reports of sluggish and clunky transmissions with jerking and vibrating, and safety recalls for fuel pump issues. 

Which Tacoma years are worth avoiding?

A: The years to avoid, specifically 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2016, and 2017, have reported significant issues such as body and paint problems, engine mishaps, faulty interior accessories, drivetrain and engine defects, and problematic transmissions.

Is the 2006 Toyota Tacoma a good year?

As a whole, consumers found the vehicle's reliability and performance to be its strongest features and comfort to be its weakest. 1330 out of 1655 of owners (80% of them) rank the 2006 Tacoma five out of five stars. Overall, consumers seem aligned in their opinions of the 2006 Toyota Tacoma.

How many miles can a 2006 Toyota Tacoma last?

A 2006 Toyota Tacoma can last well over 300,000 miles with proper maintenance, and many owners report reaching this mileage and beyond. Factors like regular fluid changes, rust prevention, and timely replacement of wear items like belts and hoses are crucial for its longevity. 
Factors that contribute to a long lifespan

• Proper Maintenance: Consistently following a maintenance schedule is the most important factor. This includes routine fluid changes (oil, transmission, differential), brake work, and tire rotations. 
• Rust Prevention: Keeping the underbody clean is critical, especially if you live in a region that uses road salt. 
• Addressing Wear Items: Proactively replacing belts and hoses before they fail can prevent more serious issues. 
• Driving Habits: Consistent, conservative driving can help extend the life of the vehicle. 

Potential issues to be aware of

• Head Gasket Issues: A small number of early 2006 V6 models have had head gasket problems, sometimes around 150,000 miles. Signs of a potential head gasket issue include bubbles in the radiator or oil in the coolant. 
• Wear and Tear: While the engine and drivetrain are very durable, other components will eventually require replacement, such as the alternator, starter, or CV boots.