Are you thinking about moving to Tacoma this year? Nicknamed the “City of Destiny,” Tacoma is a beautiful city in Pierce County, Washington, with a population of nearly 220,000 residents. Conveniently located just 33.6 miles southwest of Seattle, it offers a perfect blend of urban and suburban living.
Before making your move, exploring the diverse neighborhoods Tacoma has to offer is essential. Here are some of the best neighborhoods in Tacoma:
North Slope Historic District | Beautiful Neighborhood With Historic Homes
The North Slope Historic District is one of the top neighborhoods in Tacoma, WA. Situated in the North End of Tacoma, it is just a few miles from Downtown Tacoma. This area is home to 909 historic homes built between 1880 and 1953 and spans 228 acres. Although historic homes are predominant, you will also find several newer additions. Residents enjoy a strong sense of community, with walkable streets lined with local shops and restaurants. Downtown is only 1.5 miles away, and this neighborhood features the popular North Slope Historic District Park, which includes a playground and ample green space. Average rent: $1,676. Median home price: $440,000.
North End | Safe Area Close to University of Puget Sound
Situated in northeast Tacoma, the North End is celebrated for its safety and proximity to the University of Puget Sound. This area includes several smaller neighborhoods such as the Proctor District and Old Town. It offers a variety of real estate options, ranging from historic homes and modern condos to affordable apartments. The southern section is vibrant with college students, entertainment options, and popular eateries like Puget Sound Pizza and E9 Firehouse & Gastropub. The northern part is more tranquil, with family-friendly attractions and picturesque waterfront views. Population: 29,150. Average rent: $1,991. Median home price: $594,500. The crime rate in the North End is 4,176 crimes per 100,000 people, which is 83.3% lower than the Tacoma average.
Old Town | One of the Most Charming Tacoma Washington Neighborhoods
Complete with historic buildings and cobblestone streets, Old Town is one of Tacoma’s most charming neighborhoods. This small community within the North End features cozy shops, restaurants, and family-friendly parks. Historic buildings in this area include the First School House in Tacoma and Tacoma’s First Hospital. Old Town is perfect for those who want proximity to the city while enjoying a laid-back lifestyle. Living here offers peace and quiet while being just a five-minute drive to Downtown. Population: 4,836. Average rent: $1,676. Median home price: $491,000.
Browns Point | One of the Most Affluent Neighborhoods in Tacoma
Browns Point is ideal for those seeking a more relaxed lifestyle. Located along Commencement Bay across from Downtown Tacoma, this upscale neighborhood features luxurious homes, many with waterfront views and over 3,000 square feet of living space. It is predominantly inhabited by families and retirees. Browns Point is also one of the safest neighborhoods in Tacoma, with a crime rate nearly 200% lower than the city average. Residents enjoy amenities like Browns Point Lighthouse Park and Browns Point Playfield Tennis & Pickleball Courts. Population: 961. Average rent: $2,096. Median home price: $975,000. The crime rate in Browns Point is 524 crimes per 100,000 people, which is 180.3% lower than the Tacoma average.
West End | Safe Neighborhood With Abundant Green Space
West End is a haven for nature enthusiasts. Its natural beauty is showcased at places like Titlow Beach and the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, offering breathtaking views of the city and nearby Gig Harbor. The neighborhood boasts several parks, including Optimist Park, War Memorial Park, and Vassault Park. The northern section features popular attractions such as Point Defiance Zoo, Point Defiance Park, and Owen Beach. West End is also a preferred area for families, thanks to its top-rated schools, including Bryant Montessori School, Point Defiance Elementary School, and Skyline Elementary School. It is also home to Tacoma Community College. Population: 40,104. Average rent: $1,827. Median home price: $610,000. The crime rate in West End is 6,312 crimes per 100,000 people, which is 46.6% lower than the Tacoma average.
New Tacoma (Downtown) | Ideal for Young Professionals New Tacoma, also known as Downtown Tacoma, is one of the most desirable neighborhoods for young professionals living in the city. This vibrant area offers the convenience of walking to work and boasts attractions like the Washington State History Museum, Tacoma Art Museum, Tacoma Children’s Museum, Wright Park, Tacoma Dome, and the LeMay Car Museum.
Northeast Tacoma | Waterfront Views and Serene Living Located near Eastside, Northeast Tacoma is frequently regarded as the premier neighborhood in Tacoma. Positioned just 27.7 miles from Seattle, this Puget Sound neighborhood provides easy access to the city. The area’s natural beauty is showcased in parks such as Dash Point State Park and Alderwood Park. Most properties here offer stunning waterfront views. This historic and predominantly residential area has few shops or restaurants, but downtown, Old Town, and Central Tacoma are just a short drive away, offering abundant amenities. This peaceful community is favored by retirees, featuring several tranquil parks and attractions like the North Shore Golf Course.
Population: 30,976
Average rent: $2,065
Median home price: $580,000
Crime rate: 2,781 crimes per 100,000 people (113.9% lower than the Tacoma average)
Eastside | Suburban Feel with City Access Situated just south of Downtown, the Eastside community is perfect for those desiring quick city access while enjoying a suburban atmosphere. The area is dotted with parks, including McKinley Park, which offers a playground, walking trails, and a picnic area. Other nearby parks include Cloverdale Park and Portland Avenue Park. Real estate in Eastside is affordable, with a median home price below the Tacoma average. This neighborhood features a mix of historic houses, apartment complexes, and new-construction homes. It is also an excellent place for families, home to public schools like Mary Lyon Elementary and Sheridan Elementary, and private schools such as Concordia Christian Academy and Unity Children’s University.
Population: 36,879
Average rent: $1,381
Median home price: $405,000
Crime rate: 7,917 crimes per 100,000 people (24.7% lower than the Tacoma average)
South End | Affordable Living with Diverse Home Options Located in South Tacoma, the South End neighborhood is known for its affordability and variety of home types. While South Tacoma has a higher crime rate than other areas, it remains a safe place to live. The neighborhood offers numerous dining options and shopping opportunities at locations like the Tacoma Mall. Residents can quickly access Central Tacoma to enjoy attractions such as the Allenmore Golf Course, Tacoma Rainiers at Cheney Stadium, and the Tacoma Nature Center. South End is also close to top-rated schools like Giaudrone Middle School and Mann Elementary School. This neighborhood is one of the best places to live in Tacoma for families on a budget.
Population: 32,267
Average rent: $1,615
Median home price: $399,750
Crime rate: 14,165 crimes per 100,000 people (33.0% higher than the Tacoma average)
Now that you are familiar with some of the best neighborhoods in Tacoma, it’s time to select the perfect community for your new home! With a wide array of incredible neighborhoods, Tacoma offers great options for everyone. Once you have found your ideal place, contact the expert team at Home2Home Moving LLC. Call our Tacoma movers today at 206-817-5185 to get started with a free quote.