South Tacoma is up-and-coming—one of the parts of Tacoma that at times has had a bad rap, but just like any place, it has its ups and downs. And like much of Tacoma, this area is constantly working on itself to pull itself up by its bootstraps. What you will find here today is a healthy mixture of socio-economic groups, housing options, restaurants, shops, and more. Chances are no matter where you live in Tacoma, shopping in South Tacoma will be on your agenda at some point, whether you plan to hang out at Tacoma Mall or buy a car on South Tacoma Way.
Boundaries:
South Tacoma is bounded approximately by Highway 16 in the north, I-5 to the east, S 74th Street to the south, and S Orchard Street to the west. It is surrounded by the communities of Central Tacoma, East Tacoma, Lakewood, University Place, and Fircrest.
Transportation:
This area of Tacoma is pretty central to everything and so a number of Pierce Transit bus routes pass through it as one of the main transit centers is located at Tacoma Mall. Bus routes include: 3, 52, 53A, 59, 102, 220, 601.
If you are in the market for a car, there are few better places to look within the city limits of Tacoma than South Tacoma Way. The entire stretch of this street in this part of town is virtually a car mall with an impressive collection of both used car dealers and dealerships. There are also many mechanic’s shops here, too. But be aware—one of Tacoma’s potential speed traps is along the northern stretch of this road so keep an eye on the speed limit signs.
Real Estate:
As of 2011, the median sale price for homes in South Tacoma was about $145,000. You will find homes both much more expensive and a bit cheaper than that as well. The demographics in this neighborhood are pretty solidly middle class families and singles according to Zillow.com. You won’t find many mansions or large homes here. Most range between 1,000 to 1,800 square feet. If something nicer and bigger is what you seek, check instead into North Tacoma or Northeast Tacoma for more upscale homes, or even Puyallup if you want a lot of space for cheap.
Apartments:
The apartments in South Tacoma do not put you in close proximity to area universities and schools, but they do offer quick and convenient freeway access and are close to a lot of stores and things to do. Expect to pay anywhere upwards of $650 for an apartment in this part of town for a cheap place and upwards of $750-800 for middle range and nicer. There are a few well-kept complexes in this part of town, including Forest Hill Village on S Tyler and Bella Vista on S Mason. Right around Tacoma Mall has also experienced a bit of a boom in housing and condos so you are likely to find rentals in that area as well, but you may want to find a place with a garage to keep your car secured.
One facet where South Tacoma excels is the restaurant scene. You will not necessarily find the city’s dining gems here (for the absolute best restaurants, look more to downtown and 6th Avenue), but you will find a large variety of fast food and sit-down restaurants. Chains and independent places are plentiful here, as are many delicious international restaurants.
Right around Tacoma Mall, you will find tons of options, from tasty Azteca (Mexican) to BJ’s Brewhouse (awesome deep-dish pizza and microbrews), as well as lots of small places worth checking into. Try Pho 38th in the same complex as Half-Price Books or Tacos Guaymas on 38th Street for yummy surprises that you may otherwise have driven on past. South Tacoma Way also has a lot of international options, including some Korean and other Asian restaurants between about 84th Street and 96th. These may be intimidating to some due to the fact that they may not even have English on their signs, but don’t necessarily discount them. If you want authenticity, these are great places to look.
South Tacoma Schools:
Mount Tahoma High School - 6229 South Tyler Street
Edison Elementary School - 5830 South Pine Street
Gray Middle School - 6229 S Tyler St, Tacoma
South Sound Christian School - 2052 South 64th Street
BJ’s Beauty and Barber College - 5239 South Tacoma Way
Manitou Park Elementary School - 4330 South 66th Street
Arlington Elementary School – 3002 South 72nd Street
Grace Academy of Tacoma - 3801 South Puget Sound
Visitation School - 3306 South 58th Street, Tacoma
Madison Middle School - 3101 South 43rd Street
Things to do:
You won’t find the kinds of museums and attractions here as you would in the downtown area. South Tacoma is not really an area for tourists, but more a place for residents. The Tacoma Mall area is the biggest clump of things to do.
There are a number of parks in South Tacoma, with the biggest and best being Wapato Park. Here you’ll find a duck pond, playground, walking paths, and BBQ and picnic equipment. South Park just off of South Tacoma Way and 45th Street is also a nice place for a shaded walk.
Tacoma Firs Golf Center is located at 4504 South Tyler Street and featured a cool driving range and putt-putt courses. And if you want to explore a kind of passé yet still kind of interesting side of Tacoma’s culture, head to the B&I at 80th and South Tacoma Way. Today, this place is not so impressive and might even be labeled as a bit trashy, but it used to be one of Tacoma’s main landmarks. It was the home of Ivan the Gorilla, a controversial captive gorilla who was popular with locals all the same. Not far from here at 84th and South Tacoma Way is the Star-Lite Swap Meet—a former drive-in theater and current flea market that rocks the ghetto chic. It is worth checking out once as you never know what you’ll find there.