North Tacoma Overview:
North Tacoma, Washington, is distinct for its history, its picturesque streets, and its views of the Puget Sound. This part of town encompasses a number of small districts, including Old Tacoma, Proctor, Stadium District, and Ruston (a separate town, but often considered part of North Tacoma). Also called the North End, this part of town is largely residential, but has a few key pockets of culture—Proctor District and Stadium District. Walkers and joggers are common as this area feels safe and clean, and because there are a lot of great places within walking distance to get a tasty bite to eat, see a movie, or take a stroll along the water. North Tacoma is decidedly more affluent than other parts of Tacoma, excluding the Northeast.
North Tacoma Boundaries:
North Tacoma is bounded by 6th Avenue to the south, Division Avenue and the Puget Sound to the east and north, and Pearl to the west. Technically, streets west of Pearl still have the North designation on them, but this area is often called the West End despite this and has a newer feel than the older North End.
Transportation:
The North End is easily navigated on foot or by bike. Many of the main streets, including Union Avenue and N 21st have bike lanes and well-maintained sidewalks. Pierce Transit buses pass through this area and enable getting to other parts of town easily due to the close proximity of downtown Tacoma.
Bus Routes: 1, 10, 11, 13, 16, 51, 220
Real Estate:
The median list price for homes in North Tacoma is $299,000 as of January 2011, and typically homes in this area are a bit more expensive than homes in most of the rest of Tacoma. You will find a fair mix of homes from the 1940s, 50s, and 60s, as well as much older homes with grand touches, especially along Yakima Avenue. Many homes have views of the Puget Sound, but as with other areas in this region, you will pay for a view whether you are renting or purchasing a house.
North Tacoma Apartments:
While single-family homes are generally more expensive, apartments can be had for reasonable prices with a bit of research. You won’t find many apartments in this area listed on large listing sites as there is a pleasant lack of large complexes. Classified listings can be helpful. The best way to search here, though, is to hit the streets as most of the apartments have signs out front with a phone number. There are also a number of high-character old homes converted into apartment units near the Stadium District, especially along Yakima Avenue and N 21st. Expect to pay as low as $500 for a one-bedroom, about $800 for a two-bedroom, but up to $2,000 if you are interested in all the perks.
North Tacoma Restaurants:
The best places to find restaurants in North Tacoma are the Proctor and Stadium Districts and the Waterfront. Proctor District is small, but has everything from Mexican to home cooking to pizza and even a cupcake shop. Worth checking out are the East & West Café (pan Asian), La Fondita (Mexican), and Pomodoro (Italian)—all found within three blocks of each other. Also in this area is Metropolitan Market, and while this is not a restaurant, its deli counter and even prepackage foods are often more delicious than many mid-level restaurants.
The Waterfront Restaurants include the pricier Lobster Shop and C.I. Shenanigan’s, as well as the cheaper RAM and Duke’s Chowder House. If your goal is to have a meal on the water, hit up the cheaper restaurants as they all feature outdoor seating. If you want great seafood, check out the Lobster Shop or Harbor Lights. The Stadium District also has a great array of cool dining spots, including The Hub.
North Tacoma Schools:
- Downing Elementary School - 2502 N. Orchard Street
- Grant Elementary School - 1018 N. Prospect Street
- Jefferson Elementary School - 4302 North 13th Street
- Lowell Elementary School - 810 N. 13th Street
- Point Defiance Elementary School - 4330 N. Visscher Street
- Sherman Elementary School - 4415 N. 38th Street
- Washington-Hoyt Elementary School - 3701 N. 26th Street
- Jason Lee Middle School - 602 N. Sprague Avenue
- Mason Middle School - 3901 N. 28th Street
- Truman Middle School - 5801 N. 35th Street
- Stadium High School - 111 N. E Street
- Wilson High School - 1202 N. Orchard Street
- University of Puget Sound - 1500 North Warner Street
North Tacoma Landmarks:
Main North End landmarks include the Waterfront, which has a 2.5-mile-long walkway with restaurants and small parks along it. The Blue Mouse Theater located on Proctor is a nostalgic theater with cheap movies, if not a huge selection. Stadium High School is a Tacoma icon—even though it is a school, its historic building is undeniably gorgeous and the Stadium Bowl (football stadium) is well known. Puget Park has entrances off of Proctor and also from just off of Ruston Way and features a sheltered trail leading between the two points. Old Town Tacoma is an area located along N 30th that has a quaint feel, a few restaurants worth checking out, as well as close proximity to the Waterfront.
North Tacoma History:
North Tacoma is where Tacoma all got started and the settlement’s first home built by Job Carr in 1864. Carr came west after the Transcontinental Railroad established its end point in Tacoma, but Tacoma was not incorporated until 1875. The Job Carr Cabin Museum is located at 2350 North 30th Street and is a great spot to get in touch with early-Tacoma history. This area started as an area of industry and shipping, but today is a quiet residential region.