Welcome!
I'm in Seattle. I can't talk about the scene in Tacoma, but I can tell you to be prepared for the weather.. as Benge said, a nice pair of SKS Race Blaes can't hurt. Pretty soon you just get used to the rain. The day after Thanksgiving I went for a 66-mile ride in 36 degree pouring rain with two layers, spandex shorts, and no gloves.. hahahah wow that was a great idea. Still fun, though.