11 Popular Tacoma Neighborhoods: Where to Live in Tacoma in 2023

Situated between Mount Rainier and Puget Sound, Tacoma is a city that truly has something for everyone. From its picturesque waterfront to its thriving downtown area, there is no shortage of things to see and do in Tacoma. From the historic charm of Old Town to the energy of Downtown, Tacoma has a neighborhood to suit every lifestyle.

Whether you’re looking to buy a home or rent an apartment in Tacoma, the city offers a range of options to suit every resident. In this Redfin guide, we’ll highlight 11 popular Tacoma neighborhoods you might want to move to this year. Read on to check them out.

1. Central Tacoma

Central Tacoma is just west of downtown Tacoma, offering easy access to attractions and amenities. This vibrant neighborhood is known for its diverse dining options, unique shops, and lively entertainment venues. Residents can also enjoy the scenic beauty of Tacoma Nature Center, which has 71 acres of forests and wetlands alongside trails and Snake Lake. Additionally, Central Tacoma boasts several historic sites, including the Buffalo Soldiers Museum. Central Tacoma offers a mix of housing types and architectural styles, including charming Craftsman bungalows, Victorian-era homes, and modern apartment buildings.

Median Sale Price: $435,000

Average Rent 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,562 | Average Rent 2-Bedroom Apartment: $1,750

Homes for Sale in Central Tacoma | Apartments for Rent in Central Tacoma

2. Eastside

The Eastside neighborhood offers a convenient location close to downtown and major highways. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the beautiful McKinley Park located nearby, which offers a playground, picnic areas, and a walking trail. You can also check out the Tacoma Viewpoint which has scenic views of downtown Tacoma, or explore Swan Creek Park. Visit the historic McKinley Hill district, known for its well-preserved Victorian homes and charming streets.

The housing types in Eastside range from single-family homes to multi-unit apartment buildings. Architectural styles in the neighborhood include Craftsman, Victorian, and Mid-century modern designs.

Median Sale Price: $425,000

Average Rent 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,495 | Average Rent 2-Bedroom Apartment: $1,795

Homes for Sale in Eastside | Apartments for Rent in Eastside

3. Lincoln

Lincoln is west of the Eastside neighborhood and has historic charm and a great location near downtown. This neighborhood is home to various attractions such as Lincoln Park and S. 38th Street, which has plenty of hidden gems – think local restaurants, specialty grocery stores, and cozy cafes. Lincoln offers a mix of housing types, including historic Craftsman-style homes and modern townhouses.

Median Sale Price: $490,000

Homes for Sale in Lincoln | Apartments for Rent in Lincoln

4. McKinley Hill

McKinley Hill is a neighborhood located within the larger Eastside area. The neighborhood is known for its beautiful views of Mount Rainier and Commencement Bay, which you can see from the McKinley Viewpoint. Housing in McKinley Hill consists of a mix of single-family homes, townhouses, and apartment complexes. Architectural styles range from historic craftsman homes to modern constructions.

Median Sale Price: $455,000

Homes for Sale in McKinley Hill | Apartments for Rent in McKinley Hill

5. New Tacoma (Downtown)

New Tacoma, also referred to as Downtown, is the heart of Tacoma. It’s a lively neighborhood with a mix of residential, commercial, and entertainment options. The area is known for its beautiful waterfront, which attracts locals and tourists alike. Major attractions in the neighborhood include the Museum of Glass, the Washington State History Museum, and the Tacoma Art Museum. The neighborhood also boasts several parks, including Wright Park and Fireman’s Park, which offer green spaces and recreational activities. For those interested in history, there are numerous historic places to explore, such as the Union Station and the Tacoma Theater.

New Tacoma features a range of housing types, including historic homes, lofts, and modern apartments. The architectural styles in the neighborhood vary, with examples of Victorian, Craftsman, and contemporary designs.

Median Sale Price: $475,000

Average Rent 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,711 | Average Rent 2-Bedroom Apartment: $2,100

Homes for Sale in New Tacoma | Apartments for Rent in New Tacoma

6. North End

The North End neighborhood has beautiful views of Commencement Bay and the Olympic Mountains. Major attractions in the area include Ruston Way waterfront and Ruston Park, Puget Creek Natural Area, and the Proctor District. The neighborhood is also home to several historic places, such as the Job Carr Cabin Museum, the University of Puget Sound, and Old Town Park. The housing types in North End vary, including Victorian-style homes, Craftsman bungalows, and modern townhouses.

Median Sale Price: $650,000

Average Rent 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,822 | Average Rent 2-Bedroom Apartment: $2,865

Homes for Sale in North End | Apartments for Rent in North End

7. Northeast Tacoma

Northeast Tacoma offers stunning views of the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains from the northeastern side of the city. Things to do in Northeast Tacoma include exploring Dash Point State Park and Browns Point Lighthouse Park, both of which offer beautiful waterfront scenery and recreational activities. The neighborhood also has historic places, such as the Brown’s Point Lighthouse. Northeast Tacoma features a range of housing types, including single-family homes, townhouses, and some multi-family units.

Median Sale Price: $665,000

Average Rent 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,525 | Average Rent 2-Bedroom Apartment: $1,750

Homes for Sale in Northeast Tacoma | Apartments for Rent in Northeast Tacoma.

8. Old Town

Old Town is located in the North End area of Tacoma and is a charming historic district. It offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes, making it a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. The neighborhood is also home to several parks, including Old Town Park, with beautiful waterfront views. Historic places in Old Town include the Job Carr Cabin Museum, which provides a glimpse into the area’s pioneer history, and First School House in Tacoma Landmark.

Old Town features a mix of housing types, including historic Victorian-style homes and craftsman bungalows. The architectural styles in the neighborhood reflect its rich history, with many well-preserved buildings showcasing unique design elements.

Median Sale Price: $940,000

Homes for Sale in Old Town | Apartments for Rent in Old Town

9. South End

South End is located just west of the Eastside neighborhood. This area is home to several beautiful parks, such as Wapato Park and Charlotte’s Blueberry Park, where you can pick blueberries during the season. South End offers a range of housing types, including single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments.

Median Sale Price: $439,975

Average Rent 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,502 | Average Rent 2-Bedroom Apartment: $1,550

Homes for Sale in South End | Apartments for Rent in South End

10. South Tacoma

South Tacoma is known for its proximity to major attractions such as the Tacoma Dome and Cheney Stadium, home to the Tacoma Rainiers minor league baseball team. The South Tacoma neighborhood offers a variety of housing types and architectural styles, including Craftsman and Victorian homes.

Median Sale Price: $395,000

Average Rent 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,599 | Average Rent 2-Bedroom Apartment: $1,599

Homes for Sale in South Tacoma | Apartments for Rent in South Tacoma

11. West End

The West End neighborhood is in Tacoma and offers a convenient location close to downtown. Major attractions in the community include the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, which connects Tacoma to the Kitsap Peninsula and Point Ruston. There are also several parks in the area, such as the famous Point Defiance Park, which features the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, a rose garden, hiking trails, and beachfront areas. You can also check out the historic places like Fort Nisqually Living History Museum.

The housing types in West End vary, with a mix of single-family homes and apartments – architectural styles in the neighborhood range from charming Craftsman homes to modern townhouses.

Median Sale Price: $589,950

Average Rent 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,637 | Average Rent 2-Bedroom Apartment: $1,637

Homes for Sale in West End | Apartments for Rent in West End

Methodology: All neighborhoods must be listed as a “neighborhood” on Redfin.com. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during September 2023. Average rental data from Rent.com during September 2023.