Vibrant, walkable city along Commencement Bay
Made up of well-established neighborhoods, North Tacoma encompasses those areas North of 6th Avenue to Puget Sound, a thriving community nestled along the water. Its tight-knit community is full of friendly neighbors and charming, locally-owned stores. Living here gives you a homey feel while still being full of life and excitement.
Historically, North Tacoma has had a strong working-class population, including fishermen and those who worked at the copper smelting plant until it shut down in 1993. The neighborhood has had a resurgence in the last few decades, transforming into a hip, bustling area.
There’s a variety of housing here, including many historic Craftsman and Classical Revival homes. Set along tree-lined streets, most either have a view of the water or are within a few blocks of it. The neighborhoods here are diverse and pleasant, and there’s something for everyone.
The neighborhoods that make up North Tacoma are all distinct. The 6th Avenue district is jam-packed with bars, restaurants, and shops. Proctor has much of the same but is farther from the water and more family-friendly. As a whole, the North End is an ideal place for young families and professionals. It’s also convenient because it has easy access to I-5, though many of the residents here work in Tacoma itself.
It’s difficult to share everything that North Tacoma has to offer simply because there is so much of it. A quick search will bring you shops and restaurants galore, but here are a few that find their way to the top of the list.
The PNW’s favorite locally-owned grocery, Metropolitan Market, has a location on Proctor Street that you have to visit. Another great place to shop for fresh fare is at the Proctor Farmers’ Market. The area also has a number of delightful boutiques, like Evolve Home + Apparel, Envy Tacoma, and Purple Peacock.
Lobster Shop combines saltwater view and fresh seafood in a premier fine dining experience. For something a little more laid back, have a beer with your friends at Peaks & Pints. Moshi Moshi has the best ramen in the city, not to mention a killer happy hour.
North Tacoma is a vibrant city full of lively events and peaceful natural escapes. You’ll never find yourself lacking things to do, but you may have a hard time deciding between all your options!
Headlined by a thrilling air show and jam-packed with fun summer activities, Tacoma Freedom Fair is Washington’s Largest 4th of July Event. If you’re looking for live music, go no further than the multiple entertainment spaces in the McMenamin’s Elks Temple Hotel. Grand Cinema hosts incredible movie events year-round, including the Tacoma Film Festival! Speaking of festivals, North Tacoma residents get to enjoy the floats and festivities of the Daffodil Festival as the Daffodil Parade winds its way through their streets.
If you walk along the Ruston Way waterfront at sunset, you’ll catch the last rays of the sun playing in the waves of Commencement Bay and lighting up Mount Rainier in the distance. Nearby, Puget Creek Natural Area contains 66 acres of lush nature and one of the few salmon-bearing streams in the city.
For a day out, head to Point Defiance Park. This sprawling 760-acre park is home to the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, great hiking and biking trails, a dog park, and Fort Nisqually Living History Museum.
North Tacoma is home to several excellent schools. Top educational opportunities include:
Compass
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