Mapquest maps are the best I have seen.
Personally I think North Tacoma is the best. It's a nicer area of older homes and has views of Commmencement Bay.

For the bus schedule:
http://www.ptbus.pierce.wa.us/
For stuff about the city:
http://www.cityoftacoma.org/10Home/default.asp
Looking for homes still? This is what my relator recommends, it is the largest MLS lister:
http://www.nationalhomesearch.com/Washington-real-estate.html

If you could show me how the city is divided into 8 sections I can show you the good parts!