Adventure Next Door: Discover Retirement at Franke Tobey Jones and Why Tacoma Is the Perfect Place to Call Home

By Christine Hall

At Franke Tobey Jones, peace, culture and connection aren’t competing priorities. They’re the foundation of a retirement lifestyle where enjoying your age is not just encouraged but celebrated. Here these elements come together to create a vibrant, inspiring community where every day invites discovery and fulfillment.

Discover the Adventure of Retirement at Franke Tobey Jones

For many retirees in the Puget Sound region, finding a senior living community that offers both natural beauty and urban convenience can feel like a compromise. But at Franke Tobey Jones (FTJ) you get all of this and more.

Located in Tacoma’s historic North End, our vibrant campus has been a pillar of retirement living in Washington State for over 100 years. Founded in 1924, FTJ has built a reputation for innovation, wellness and community, providing seniors with the freedom to enjoy life on their terms in a truly exceptional setting. 

What sets us apart? Location, legacy and lifestyle.

Our campus sits adjacent to Point Defiance Park, the second-largest urban park in the United States. This 760-acre natural treasure features lush forest trails, pristine beaches, Japanese and rose gardens among others, a world-class zoo and aquarium, a marina and easy access to the waterfront along Ruston Way. For residents who love biking, Point Defiance Park offers miles of scenic bike trails perfect for leisurely rides or more adventurous outings, connecting you to breathtaking views and fresh Pacific Northwest air. Few senior living communities anywhere offer this level of direct access to nature, recreation and cultural activity.

A new walking path built by Metro Parks Tacoma has recently opened and connects directly from our secure grounds into Point Defiance Park making it easier than ever for residents to step out into one of the most beloved outdoor spaces in the Pacific Northwest.

Just a short drive or bike ride away is Point Ruston, a vibrant waterfront neighborhood featuring boutique shops, a variety of restaurants, a cinema and a daily indoors farmers market bursting with fresh local produce. Throughout the year, residents can also enjoy live music and seasonal events at nearby venues and festivals, including the stunning Dune Peninsula Park, a perfect place to unwind and soak in the community spirit.

For some, it’s hiking under towering cedars or practicing yoga in the fresh air. For others, it’s sharing spontaneous day trips to museums, concerts or waterfront cafés. For many, it’s the simple joy of meeting like-minded people who share a curiosity for life and a love of new experiences.

But here’s what really makes FTJ special: adventure is part of daily life. And adventure comes in many forms.

FTJ Is a Hub for Seniors Who Want to Stay Connected and Inspired

FTJ is a hub for seniors who want to stay connected and inspired without the stress of home maintenance or the isolation that can come with retiring in place. You’ll find vibrant wellness programming, thoughtful amenities and countless opportunities to explore, reflect and grow.

Our Holistic Wellness Program includes nature walks, meditation in the gardens, guided movement in the park and even forest bathing. Practices supported by research to boost emotional, cognitive and physical well-being. And you don’t have to go alone because this is a community that encourages shared experiences and joyful connection.

It’s Easy To Get Out and Explore

For those craving more adventure beyond the park, FTJ’s ideal location and supportive lifestyle make it easy to get out and explore. Whether you’re staying close or venturing far, we’ll keep your home safe while you’re out living your life.

• Boating & Kayaking: Paddle the nearby Sound or explore inland lakes at your leisure.
  Seaplane Excursions: Take off from nearby waterfronts for a scenic flight to the San Juan Islands or beyond.
• World-Class Golf: Play a round at Chambers Bay, home of the 2015 U.S. Open and just a short drive away.
• Fishing & Crabbing: Enjoy access to some of the best saltwater and freshwater fishing in the region.
• Weekend Travel Made Easy: Whether it’s a getaway to wine country or a cruise to Alaska, FTJ is the perfect “lock up and go” community.

Whether you’re from Tacoma, Seattle, the Eastside, Olympia or beyond, Franke Tobey Jones offers a refreshing alternative to traditional senior living, a place where your retirement can be filled with purpose, nature and possibility.

Because here, adventure isn’t a once-in-a-while excursion. It’s part of everyday life.

Why Tacoma? The Pacific Northwest’s Best-Kept Secret for Retirement

If you’re considering retirement in the Puget Sound region but haven’t explored Tacoma yet, you’re missing out on one of the area’s best-kept secrets.  Tacoma offers:

• A vibrant arts and culture scene with museums, theaters, galleries and festivals year-round.
• Affordable living compared to many other Pacific Northwest cities, giving you more freedom and comfort to enjoy the next part of your life’s journey.
• Access to nature like nowhere else with nearby mountains, waterways and, of course, the stunning Point Defiance Park right at our doorstep.
• A welcoming community that blends the charm of a smaller city with big-city amenities.

Tacoma’s convenient location places you just 30-45 minutes from Seattle, SeaTac Airport and the Eastside, so family visits and day trips are easy.

Franke Tobey Jones Combines the Best of Tacoma and A Century of Exceptional Living

At Franke Tobey Jones, we combine Tacoma’s best features with our century-long tradition of exceptional retirement living. Our historic campus blends classic architecture and modern comforts, set within beautiful gardens and walking paths that invite you to enjoy the outdoors every day.

Tacoma is the kind of city that feels instantly familiar. With its rich culture, strong sense of community and easy access to nature and the arts, it’s everything retirement should be: warm, welcoming and full of possibility.

If you’re ready to explore how Franke Tobey Jones can be your home for adventure, connection and joy in retirement, we invite you to visit or reach out to learn more. Call us at 253-200-6517.