a photo of North Tacoma from the air at sunset from MovetoTacoma.com

North Tacoma

Parks, Historic Homes, Close to Everything

MEDIAN: $615,000

Get to Know North Tacoma

The North Tacoma neighborhood is the area that encompasses some of Tacoma’s most popular neighborhoods. Neighborhoods like Old Town, Ruston, Stadium District, North Slope Historic District, Proctor District, and University of Puget Sound Neighborhood are all part of the Tacoma’s North End.

Why North Tacoma is so Great

North Tacoma has that small-town feel without being TOO small. The charming community is made up of several smaller neighborhoods. North End neighborhoods each have their own unique restaurants, shops and local conveniences. Getting around is easy—the area is well connected. Think tree-lined streets with pedestrian-friendly sidewalks!

When we asked neighbors what they love about living in the North End of Tacoma we got some fun responses. “Raccoons Riding Deer” says Kathryn. “Proximity to gorgeous water views, all the sweet small homes, the small neighborhood businesses, the great walks, and closeness to Point Defiance” People also love the gorgeous views of the water and mountains. Even if your home doesn’t have a view, your commute almost certainly will!

Blue Mouse Theater in Proctor Neighborhood
A view of Tacoma's old town neighborhood from above

What to do in North Tacoma

Nature and small-town convenience rest side by side in North Tacoma. Point Defiance Park (home to Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium) is a 702-acre park. Point Defiance PArk is nestled on the northernmost tip of the North End of Tacoma and blends into the waterfront. A scenic stretch of paved walking trails, the Ruston Way Waterfront is home to fabulous restaurants and beautiful parks that look out onto Commencement Bay towards Vashon Island and Brown’s Point.

The North End of Tacoma is full of activity and things to do. From community gardens and farmers markets to events at the University of Puget Sound.

Architecture

The North End contains a wide variety of neighborhoods. There is truly something for everyone. Historic homes from Craftsman to Classical Revival abound in Proctor, North Slope Historic District, and Stadium. Further west you'll find homes built in the 1960s and 1970s. New construction is rare.

Get Personal Guidance

MovetoTacoma.com founder Marguerite has been a real estate agent in Tacoma since 2005. She knows Tacoma neighborhoods and she knows local real estate agents. She can connect you to agents who are experts in the neighborhood you're looking in, at no cost to you!

https://calendly.com/theskydivingagent/zoom-with-move-to-tacoma?month=2024-01

A view of the North End of Tacoma from above Commencement Bay.

What the Neighbors are Saying

We asked North Tacoma residents to tell us about they like about living in the North End, and here’s what they had to say:

The North End of Tacoma has gorgeous views of the Sound, great for walking, friendly neighbors. I love to eat out at Cook's Tavern and Ooh La La burgers.

Roxanne

Even if you're not paying for a great view with your mortgage, you can get a great view by walking a couple of blocks any day of the week. When I moved to this neighborhood I thought it seemed very remote and far from the action of 6th Ave and Stadium. But it's not actually very far from anything. It's very quiet and walk-friendly. Neighbors here know each other and check on each other. I can lie in my hammock in the backyard and feel like I'm camping in the woods, but I can also be at an art show at Alma Mater in less than 15 minutes.

Kathryn

It's very laid back, lots of variation in the houses, people seem very happy in the neighborhood and are mostly pleasant. It's a wonderful place to have children due to the close proximity to Pt Defiance, Ruston Way, and Proctor. The front yard gardens are the best in Tacoma.

Jen

I like that's a walkable neighborhood. We walk and ride bikes whenever we can, and even when we drive we don't go far. I also love that, while not every house has a water view, most people are only a few blocks' walk from seeing Commencement Bay, Mt. Rainier, the Olympics, and the port.

Tiffany

Beautiful views, pleasant neighbors, character and charm, family-friendly.

Angela

The neighborhood is a mix of older couples, young families and families who grew up in the area and have now returned to raise their families! Beautiful scenery from mountains, to water, to amazing parks! And a pretty amazing zoo that is almost literally in your back yard.

Jennifer
a photo of North Tacoma from the air at sunset from MovetoTacoma.com

Recent Posts on North Tacoma

Below you will find recent posts about North Tacoma. From events and restaurants to check out, to city-wide posts that affect the North End- you'll find more neighborhood content right here.

What’s it like living in the North Slope Historic District of Tacoma?

Wondering what it’s like living in Tacoma’s North Slope Historic District? We’ve interviewed the people...

How much does a house cost in Tacoma in 2023?

Trying to figure out how much a house costs in Tacoma in 2023? You’ve come...

What Do People Like About Living in Tacoma?

What do people like about living in Tacoma? With hundreds of thousands of people and...

Finding waterfront properties in Tacoma & Gig Harbor

Are you looking for a waterfront or water view property in Tacoma, Gig Harbor, or...

The Most Expensive Neighborhoods in Pierce County 2023

What are the most expensive neighborhoods in Pierce County in 2023? Looking for a list...

The Most Expensive Neighborhoods in Tacoma (2023)

Do you want to know the most expensive neighborhoods to buy a house in Tacoma...

Guide to North Tacoma Neighborhoods

North Tacoma Neighborhood Guide Tacoma is made up of North Tacoma, Central Tacoma, Downtown Tacoma,...