Best Neighborhoods in Tacoma
Discover the unique character and charm of Tacoma's top neighborhoods
In This Article:
Tacoma, often referred to as the "City of Destiny," has evolved significantly over the past decade. Once overshadowed by Seattle, Tacoma has come into its own with a unique identity, vibrant arts scene, and diverse neighborhoods that offer something for everyone. Whether you're drawn to historic homes, waterfront views, urban living, or family-friendly communities, Tacoma's neighborhoods each have their own distinct character and charm.
As moving professionals who've helped countless families relocate throughout the Tacoma area, we've gained valuable insights into what makes each neighborhood special. In this guide, we'll explore Tacoma's most desirable neighborhoods, highlighting their unique features, housing options, amenities, and the lifestyle they offer.
North Tacoma & Proctor District
Overview
North Tacoma is one of the city's most sought-after areas, known for its tree-lined streets, historic homes, and proximity to the waterfront. The crown jewel of North Tacoma is the Proctor District, a charming commercial area with local shops, restaurants, and a strong community feel.
Housing
Primarily single-family homes, many built in the early 1900s. Craftsman, Tudor, and Colonial styles dominate. Median home price: $550,000-$750,000. Limited apartment options, mostly in smaller buildings.
Amenities
Proctor Farmers Market, Metropolitan Market (upscale grocery), Blue Mouse Theatre (historic), local boutiques, coffee shops, and restaurants. Multiple parks including Puget Park and Jefferson Park.
Commute
15 minutes to downtown Tacoma, 45-60 minutes to Seattle (without traffic). Several bus routes serve the area. Walkable neighborhood with good bike infrastructure.
Dining & Nightlife
Cactus Restaurant, Europa Bistro, Knapp's Restaurant, Pomodoro Italian, Ice Cream Social. Nightlife is limited but cozy with spots like The Proctor Station.
Who It's Perfect For
North Tacoma is ideal for families, professionals, and retirees who value established neighborhoods, historic architecture, and a strong sense of community. The excellent schools, including the highly-rated University of Puget Sound, make it particularly attractive to families with children.
Stadium District
Overview
Named after the iconic Stadium High School (featured in the movie "10 Things I Hate About You"), the Stadium District offers a perfect blend of historic charm and urban convenience. This neighborhood boasts stunning views of Commencement Bay and easy access to Wright Park, one of Tacoma's most beautiful green spaces.
Housing
Mix of historic single-family homes, condos, and apartments. Many buildings have been converted to multi-unit dwellings. Median home price: $500,000-$700,000. Apartments range from $1,200-$2,000 for one-bedroom units.
Amenities
Wright Park (27 acres with botanical conservatory), Stadium Thriftway grocery, Stadium High School, Annie Wright Schools. Easy access to downtown amenities and waterfront.
Commute
5-10 minutes to downtown Tacoma, 40-55 minutes to Seattle. Well-served by public transit. Very walkable neighborhood with most amenities within walking distance.
Dining & Nightlife
Art House Café, Shake Shake Shake, Indo Asian Street Eatery, Harvester Restaurant. More dining options available in nearby downtown. Limited but growing nightlife scene.
Who It's Perfect For
The Stadium District appeals to young professionals, couples, and empty nesters who want a walkable urban lifestyle with historic character. It's perfect for those who value proximity to downtown while still enjoying a distinct neighborhood feel.
Old Town
Overview
As Tacoma's original neighborhood, Old Town offers rich history combined with stunning waterfront views. Located along Commencement Bay, this charming district features historic buildings, waterfront access, and a relaxed atmosphere that feels distinct from the rest of the city.
Housing
Mix of historic homes, newer condos, and apartments. Many properties offer water views. Median home price: $550,000-$800,000, with waterfront properties commanding premium prices. Apartments range from $1,300-$2,200.
Amenities
Old Town Dock, Ruston Way waterfront path, Slavonian Hall, Job Carr Cabin Museum. Small specialty shops and businesses. Proximity to Point Defiance Park and Zoo.
Commute
10-15 minutes to downtown Tacoma, 45-60 minutes to Seattle. Limited public transit options compared to other neighborhoods. Walkable within the neighborhood but car recommended.
Dining & Nightlife
The Spar, Northern Fish Co., Lobster Shop, Harbor Lights. Dining focuses on seafood and waterfront views. Quiet nightlife with a few neighborhood pubs.
Who It's Perfect For
Old Town is ideal for those who value waterfront living, history, and a more relaxed pace. It appeals to established professionals, retirees, and anyone who appreciates scenic beauty and maritime character.
Downtown Tacoma
Overview
Downtown Tacoma has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, evolving from an industrial center to a vibrant urban core with museums, theaters, restaurants, and renovated historic buildings. The area is home to the Museum District, UW Tacoma campus, and a growing residential community.
Housing
Primarily lofts, condos, and apartments in renovated historic buildings or new developments. Few single-family homes. Median condo price: $350,000-$550,000. Apartments range from $1,200-$2,500 depending on size and amenities.
Amenities
Museum of Glass, Tacoma Art Museum, Washington State History Museum, Tacoma Dome, Theater District, UW Tacoma campus, Convention Center, Foss Waterway. Multiple grocery options including specialty stores.
Commute
Central location with easy access to highways. 35-50 minutes to Seattle. Excellent public transit including Tacoma Link light rail, buses, and Sounder train to Seattle. Very walkable with good bike infrastructure.
Dining & Nightlife
Diverse dining scene including En Rama, The Koi, Indochine, Over the Moon Café, McMenamins Elks Temple. Active nightlife with bars, breweries, and music venues like The Swiss and McMenamins Spanish Ballroom.
Who It's Perfect For
Downtown Tacoma attracts young professionals, artists, students, and empty nesters who want a true urban lifestyle with walkable access to cultural attractions, dining, and entertainment. It's ideal for those who value convenience and being at the center of the action.
Hilltop
Overview
Hilltop is a neighborhood in transition, experiencing significant revitalization while working to preserve its diverse character and history. Located just west of downtown, Hilltop offers historic homes, new developments, and an increasingly vibrant business district. The upcoming Tacoma Link extension will further connect this neighborhood to downtown.
Housing
Mix of historic Craftsman and Victorian homes, many being renovated. Increasing number of new townhomes and apartments. More affordable than North Tacoma. Median home price: $350,000-$500,000. Apartments range from $900-$1,500.
Amenities
People's Community Center, Tacoma General Hospital, MultiCare Medical Center, Evergreen State College Tacoma campus. Growing number of small businesses, cafes, and community spaces.
Commute
5 minutes to downtown Tacoma, 40-55 minutes to Seattle. Good bus service and upcoming light rail extension. Moderately walkable with improving infrastructure.
Dining & Nightlife
Emerging food scene with spots like Zodiac Supper Club, Red Elm Café, Quickie Too, Johnson's Candy Company. Limited but growing nightlife options.
Who It's Perfect For
Hilltop appeals to first-time homebuyers, young families, and those looking for more affordable housing with historic character. It's ideal for community-minded residents who want to be part of a neighborhood's revitalization and growth.
South Tacoma
Overview
South Tacoma offers affordability and diversity with a mix of residential areas and commercial corridors. The historic South Tacoma Way business district has seen revitalization with new businesses, while the surrounding neighborhoods provide a mix of housing options and good value.
Housing
Primarily modest single-family homes built mid-century, with some older and newer options. More affordable than northern neighborhoods. Median home price: $300,000-$450,000. Apartments range from $850-$1,300.
Amenities
STAR Center (recreation), South Park, Tacoma Mall, Lincoln International District with diverse shopping and dining. Good selection of grocery stores and everyday services.
Commute
10-15 minutes to downtown Tacoma, 45-60 minutes to Seattle. Sounder train station provides commuter rail service. Good bus coverage. Car-dependent for most daily needs.
Dining & Nightlife
Diverse dining options, especially in the Lincoln District (Vietnamese, Korean, Filipino cuisine). South Tacoma Way offers bars, breweries, and music venues like Airport Tavern and The New Frontier Lounge.
Who It's Perfect For
South Tacoma is ideal for budget-conscious buyers, first-time homeowners, and those who value diversity and affordability. It's good for families who need more space for their money and appreciate access to recreation facilities.
Eastside
Overview
The Eastside is one of Tacoma's most diverse neighborhoods, with a rich multicultural character and strong community pride. This large area encompasses several smaller neighborhoods and offers some of the city's most affordable housing options while maintaining good access to downtown and major highways.
Housing
Mix of modest single-family homes, duplexes, and small apartment buildings. Many homes built in the 1940s-1960s. Median home price: $275,000-$400,000. Apartments range from $800-$1,200.
Amenities
Portland Avenue Park, Salishan Community, Swan Creek Park with mountain bike trails, Eastside Community Center. Good selection of ethnic grocery stores and markets.
Commute
10-15 minutes to downtown Tacoma, 45-60 minutes to Seattle. Good bus service on major arterials. Car recommended for most daily activities.
Dining & Nightlife
Diverse dining options including Cambodian, Vietnamese, and Mexican restaurants. Limited nightlife within the neighborhood, but close to downtown options.
Who It's Perfect For
The Eastside is ideal for budget-conscious buyers, first-time homeowners, and those who value cultural diversity. It's good for families looking for affordable housing with access to parks and community resources.
Northeast Tacoma
Overview
Northeast Tacoma feels distinctly different from the rest of the city, with its suburban character, newer homes, and spectacular views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. Separated from the rest of Tacoma by Commencement Bay, this area offers a quieter lifestyle while still being part of the city.
Housing
Primarily single-family homes built from the 1970s onward, with many newer developments. Many homes have water or mountain views. Median home price: $450,000-$700,000, with waterfront properties much higher. Limited apartment options.
Amenities
Dash Point State Park, Northeast Tacoma Park, Center at Norpoint (recreation facility), Browns Point Lighthouse Park. Limited shopping within the neighborhood but close to Federal Way retail centers.
Commute
20-25 minutes to downtown Tacoma, 35-50 minutes to Seattle. Limited public transit options. Car-dependent neighborhood for most activities.
Dining & Nightlife
Limited dining options within the neighborhood, with a few local spots like Browns Point Diner. Most residents travel to Federal Way or Tacoma for dining and entertainment.
Who It's Perfect For
Northeast Tacoma is ideal for families seeking a suburban lifestyle with good schools and outdoor recreation. It appeals to professionals who want a quieter setting with easy access to both Tacoma and Seattle, and those who value water views and outdoor activities.
Finding Your Perfect Tacoma Neighborhood
Tacoma's diverse neighborhoods offer something for everyone, from affordable housing options to luxury waterfront properties. Each Tacoma district features its own unique character, amenities, and community atmosphere that caters to different lifestyles and preferences.
As local Tacoma moving experts who've helped countless families relocate throughout Pierce County, we've seen firsthand how finding the right neighborhood match can make all the difference in how quickly you feel at home. We recommend spending time exploring different Tacoma areas before making your decision – visit local cafes, walk the streets, and get a feel for the community vibe.
Whether you're drawn to the historic charm of North Tacoma, the urban energy of downtown, or the affordability of South Tacoma, the City of Destiny has a neighborhood waiting to welcome you home. And when you're ready to make your move to any Tacoma neighborhood, LiftNHaul's professional moving services are here to help make your transition smooth and stress-free.
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If you're planning a move to any of Tacoma's wonderful neighborhoods, LiftNHaul offers comprehensive moving services tailored to your specific needs. Our team knows Tacoma inside and out, including the unique challenges of each neighborhood (like those steep North End hills or downtown parking restrictions).
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Michael Johnson
Michael is the founder of LiftNHaul and a Tacoma resident for over 15 years. He's helped thousands of families move throughout the Puget Sound region and loves sharing his knowledge of local neighborhoods.
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