If you’re thinking about moving to Tacoma and wondering what it’s like to live in Browns Point or Northeast Tacoma– this guide breaks it down with help from someone who actually lives there.
In this video, MoveToTacoma.com creator Marguerite Martin interviews longtime resident Jill Ellingson about daily life, home prices, commute times, and what makes this waterfront neighborhood so special.
Where is Browns Point in Tacoma?
Browns Point is located in Northeast Tacoma, near the border of Federal Way. It sits along Puget Sound and is known for its water views, quiet streets, and residential feel.
It’s part of the greater Tacoma area, but geographically it feels a bit tucked away, which is part of its appeal.
Is Browns Point in Tacoma?
Yes. Browns Point is a part of Northeast Tacoma. So is the Norpoint area that Jill references living in in the video above. They are all part of Tacoma, just located across Commencement Bay from the Downtown Tacoma neighborhood.
However, because of how the city is shaped, it can feel separate from central Tacoma and is often mistaken as being outside the city. Northeast Tacoma is surrounded to the north by King County neighborhoods like Federal Way and Dash Point. This is one of the things that makes Browns Point popular with folks commuting north to Seattle and Bellevue.
Is Dash Point in Pierce County or King County?
In the video above Jill talks about this question, which can get confusing. The residential areas of Dash Point and Browns Point are in Pierce County.
Dash Point State Park, just across the bridge, is in King County. Dash Point Park and Pier was where this video was filmed (not to be confused with Dash Point State Park- which is right down the road… in King County!)
How do you get from Downtown Tacoma to Browns Point?
The drive from Downtown Tacoma to Browns Point typically takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Most routes take you along Marine View Drive and around the Port of Tacoma. It’s a scenic drive with stunning views of the water, the Downtown Tacoma skyline, and Mount Rainier.
Is Browns Point far away from everything?
This is one of the biggest misconceptions about the neighborhood.
Many people assume Browns Point is far from Tacoma, but as Jill shares in the interview with Marguerite:
- Downtown Tacoma is about 15 minutes away
- Federal Way’s light rail station is about 15 minutes away
- There are multiple routes in and out of the neighborhood (so even when there’s traffic it’s pretty easy to find your way around it)
It looks far on a map, but Jill says it feels much closer in daily life.
Why do people move to Browns Point?
People are drawn to Browns Point for a few key reasons:
- Strong sense of community
- Quiet, residential streets
- Access to water and views
- A “small town” feel within the Tacoma area- and with access to all of the amenities that come with that.
Residents often describe it as a place where neighbors know each other and people stay long term.
How much are homes in Browns Point?
As of now, the average home price in Browns Point is around $700,000. Prices vary depending on size, condition, and location within the neighborhood.
How much is a view home in Browns Point?
Homes with water views typically start around $750,000 for smaller or fixer properties. Jill made it clear in the video above that for unobstructed water views, prices often start around $1 million and go up from there. Here is an example of what a Browns Point View home looks like and costs:
How long is the commute from Browns Point?
The commute to Downtown Tacoma is typically about 15 minutes. For residents working in Old Town Tacoma, it can be as quick as 15 to 17 minutes door to door.
The commute to Seattle is little better for Browns Point folks than for the rest of Tacoma. The drive to Downtown Seattle usually takes:
- 35 to 45 minutes in light traffic
- Up to an hour during peak commute time
Most Northeast Tacoma residents can reach SeaTac in:
- 30 minutes on a good day
- Up to 45 minutes depending on traffic
The drive to the Federal Way Link light rail station is about 15 minutes. From there, you can take light rail directly to Seattle and other parts of the region.
What is it like living in the Browns Point neighborhood?
Living in Browns Point feels different from living in more central Tacoma neighborhoods. You won’t find as many walkable amenities like coffee shops or grocery stores nearby, but in exchange you get:
- A quieter pace of life
- Strong community connections
- More space and privacy
- Easy access to nature and waterfront views
Many residents say it feels like a small town within the city. “You’re not walking to coffee or the grocery store,” says Jill. “but downtown Tacoma is only about 15 minutes away.”
Things to do in Browns Point / Northeast Tacoma
Even though it’s primarily residential, there’s still plenty to do nearby and in Northeast Tacoma proper. Visit Dash Point Park & Pier (where we filmed this video above) for waterfront access and incredible views. Spend time at Browns Point Lighthouse Park (also a beautiful park with views, this time including Tacoma and Vashon Island. Enjoy outdoor activities like cold plunging and beach walks. If you’re into cold plunging. So brave.
What amenities does Browns Point have?
Browns Point and Norpoint offer more amenities than many people expect, including the Center at Norpoint (which has a fitness center, a pool, all kinds of classes, and hosts events). The community has two nearby golf courses, North Shore and Twin Lakes.
To learn more about living in Northeast Tacoma, check out the following resources:
What’s Brown’s Point Like? – Video
Brown’s Point Lighthouse Park – Park’s Tacoma
What is Move to Tacoma?
Move to Tacoma is a podcast, neighborhood guide, and blog about Tacoma, Washington created by Tacoma Real Estate Agent Marguerite Martin. Marguerite is Tacoma real estate agent, blogger, and podcaster who has been selling houses in Tacoma since 2005.
In 2015 she created MovetoTacoma.com to help people learn more about Tacoma neighborhoods and what it’s really like living in Tacoma. She is the interviewer on the Move to Tacoma Podcast and the host on the Move to Tacoma Youtube Channel. In 2016 she was awarded the the Popham Award by the Tacoma Chamber of Commerce. The Popham Award honors the individual in the City of Tacoma that has done the most to build community spirit.
Looking for a real estate agent? Marguerite is a matchmaker. Contact her for an introduction to the best real estate agents in Tacoma and beyond.
How Move to Tacoma Works
Here at Move to Tacoma we’ve been helping people find their place (and their real estate agent) in Tacoma for over a decade. We recommend choosing a local agent that lives and works in Tacoma and knows all the nuances of pricing, neighborhoods, and the condition (and quirks!) of these historic homes.
Here at MovetoTacoma.com we help people find their place in the City of Destiny. If you or a friend are looking to buy a home in Tacoma and would like help learning about Tacoma neighborhoods and finding a real estate agent please reach out to us! You can click the contact form on MovetoTacoma.com. You can also schedule a one-on-one with Marguerite on zoom by clicking here.
Step 1: Explore the Clickable Neighborhood Map of Tacoma
Our clickable neighborhood map of Tacoma’s neighborhoods is our pride and joy. Click through to find images and videos of each neighborhood. The Neighborhood guides on the map also include median home price information, blog posts about the neighborhoods, podcast episodes about the neighborhoods, and candid quotes from local neighbors.
Step 2: Listen to the Move to Tacoma Podcast
The best way to learn about Tacoma is to hear from the people who live here. On the Move to Tacoma Podcast Marguerite interviews Tacomans who’ve been here generations and Tacomans who just got here. From business and technology leaders to politicians and activists and everyone in between. The Move to Tacoma Podcast will give you insight into why people move here and how they find meaning and happiness in Tacoma.
Step 3: Read the Blog Posts on MovetoTacoma.com
On the Move to Tacoma Blog we have been writing about things to do in Tacoma, where to eat in Tacoma, hot button community topics, neighborhoods and more since 2015. There are hundreds of posts to help you find what you love in the City of Destiny. From posts about where to eat and drink to interviews with locals- the blog is a great place to keep up one what’s happening in Tacoma and Pierce County.
Step 4: Get Realtor Referral from a Local Realtor
Marguerite Martin is a different kind of Tacoma real estate agent. Reach out to find out answers to questions you have about neighborhoods in Tacoma and Pierce County. When the time is right to start looking, Marguerite can connect you with a local real estate agent who specializes in the neighborhoods you love most. You can see reviews from past clients who’ve worked with Marguerite on Yelp and on Google.
