Living in Seattle is more expensive than most metro areas in the United States. However, you can find the right home just minutes away in Tacoma, WA. Want to learn what areas you should consider? Read our article about the best neighborhoods in Grit City.
While living in Seattle’s hustle and bustle may be a dream of yours, choosing to live in Tacoma may be the smarter move. According to experts, the cost of living in Tacoma is about 40% cheaper than living in the Emerald City. And Tacoma is only 45 minutes away from Seattle.
Moving to a new city may be challenging but only if you don’t do your research. The first step is learning as much as you can about the best neighborhoods in the area. Maybe you are considering moving to Grit City but don’t know anything about the best places to live.
Want to learn what places you should check out? Here are the five best neighborhoods you should consider when moving to Tacoma.
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1. North End
If you’re looking to enjoy the waterfront lifestyle offered by Tacoma, this neighborhood may be right up your alley.
The North End area is minutes away from Downtown and 6th Avenue where you’ll find a wide variety of shops and restaurants. This neighborhood is one of the safest, most family-friendly areas in Tacoma, WA.
And if you don’t want to hit Downtown Tacoma to go shopping, this area also boasts charming local coffee shops and boutiques.
According to data from Zillow, the median sale price for North End homes is $411,900 while the median rent list price is $2,029. This neighborhood experienced a home value appreciation of 2.7% over the past year and experts forecast another 0.1% rise in value within the next year. This housing market is leaning toward the seller’s side which might make it tough to find a great deal on a home.
2. Old Town
Old Town is next to the waterfront, stadium, and downtown districts, but is still incredibly walkable and bikeable. This neighborhood features historic amenities such as the replica of the cabin of Job Carr, who was Tacoma’s first settler.
The neighborhood of Old Town is home to family-friendly activities such as the Tacoma Old Town Rhythm and Blues Festival during summertime. This area also features a local supply of restaurants and taverns to satisfy any palate.
The median home sale price of $542,000 makes this neighborhood one of the most expensive but the amenities and lifestyle make it a great option for families and professionals alike.
3. New Tacoma
While this neighborhood is an epicenter of the international trading economy and home to the Tacoma Port, it also offers diverse housing options. New Tacoma is in the areas surrounding the port while overlapping some with Downtown. You can find everything from 19th-century homes to luxury condos in this neighborhood.
The median home listing price is $369,500 while the median rent price is $1,713 making it one of the most affordable neighborhoods on our list. Last year, homes in this area experienced a home value appreciation rate of 11.3% while a 7.5% rate is expected within the next year. New Tacoma’s stable appreciation rates make it a great buy for buyers looking to protect their investment.
When it comes to amenities, this area features the Tacoma Dome Arena, Museum of Glass, LeMay Car Museum, and the Pullyup Reservation, one of the last in this region.
You may find a wide array of restaurants, bars, and shops as you get closer to Downtown. While living in the middle of the Washington international trade epicenter may not seem appealing, you should consider this neighborhood for its amenities, housing options, and downtown areas.
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4. Lakewood
Lakewood is affordable, making it perfect for first-time home buyers. The area features many lake areas that provide spectacular views for its residents and visitors.
The median home sale price in this neighborhood is $298,500 while the median rent price is $1,675 putting it in the budget of young professionals looking to live in a suburb. Lakewood homes have experienced a 7.5% home appreciation rate last year and experts forecast a 7.3% rise in value within the next year.
While this market is leaning toward the seller’s side, its appreciation rates make it a great investment for first-time and seasoned home buyers. Amenities such as the Lakewood Gardens and American Lake motivate their residents to live an active lifestyle. The balance between outdoor amenities and affordability makes this neighborhood a perfect place for home buyers looking to enjoy the great outdoors and get a great deal on their home.
5. Northeast Tacoma
While this neighborhood may not be as cheap as others, it’s incredibly safe and has amazing parks. The Puget Sound coastal area separates Northeast Tacoma from the rest of the city.
The median home sale price in Northeast Tacoma is $397,100 while the median rent is around $2,051 which is over the Tacoma median of $1,731. Homes in this neighborhood experienced a 5.6% home value appreciation rate this past year and a 5.4% rise in value is expected within the next year. While the Northeast Tacoma housing market is leaning toward the seller’s side, the stable appreciation rates make it a safe investment for home buyers.
Amenities such as the Dash Point Highlands Park, Alderwood Park, and Norpoint Park make it a great neighborhood for families looking for an active lifestyle. While residents may not have the same number of options as Downtown, Northeast Tacoma is home to a variety of restaurants and coffee shops to satisfy your cravings.
Learning about the best Tacoma, WA neighborhoods is the first step to find the right place to live in this city. However, you should consider contacting a local real estate agent. A good real estate agent will draw upon their years of experience to help you negotiate better deals, find properties that suit your needs, and time the market.
Clever can partner you with top agents in your area. Our Partner Agents are top performers in their market and can guide you every step of the way in your home buying process. Additionally, when you buy a home with a Clever Partner Agent, you could be eligible for Clever Cash Back. Once the deal is done, we pay qualifying buyers 0.5% of the purchase price on homes over $150,000. That money will be yours, to use in any way you'd like.
