$444,352Average Value$329Average Price per Sq Ft47Homes For Sale
South of downtown, close to Interstate 5
South End Tacoma includes an international district and Fern Hill, one of the oldest parts of the city. Interstate 5 runs along two sides, so there can be some road noise for those living directly adjacent, but convenience is an upside. Crossing I-5 to the north, it's a few miles to downtown; west of I-5 is Tacoma Mall.
Tacoma, nicknamed "Grit City" or "the City of Destiny," once was the terminus of the Northern Pacific Railroad; it expanded with the Port of Tacoma. The city retains a blue-collar identity, with many residents working in marine cargo operations, healthcare or at Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM), a military installation. This Pierce County city is beside Puget Sound's Commencement Bay, and when people say, "the mountain is out," it means Mount Rainier is in view.
'38 Town' for international food, other South End shopping
The Lincoln International District has an array of food and culture. A strong community and dedicated businesses have contributed to its rebirth. Commerce is focused around South 38th Street, and Vietnamese establishments are particularly common. "Lincoln High School is here, so that's why it's called that," says Vincent Chu, owner of VK Vietnamese Kitchen. "And we call it 'the International District,' but more often '38 Street' or '38 Town.' I've heard those names since I came to America." Chu has lived in the area for nearly three decades and says his restaurant is known for authentic dishes, as opposed to "pho in general." Other eateries include family owned Vien Dong, in business since 1989; Dragon's Crawfish and Flying Boots & Wings. The summertime Lincoln District Food Walk is a well-attended event.
Hong Kong Supermarket and East Asia Market are two options around 38 Town. "We have a lot of grocery shopping right here," Chu says. "And then we also go to Costco and Safeway. There's a very good mall near here; it's like 5 minutes away." Tacoma Mall has stores like Apple, Nordstrom and the Cheesecake Factory. The Village, a redevelopment project planned to open in the fall of 2025, will bring new restaurants, retail and community spaces to the mall.
The Hong Kong Supermarket serves the South End community specialty grocery items.
South End locals enjoy the many restaurants in the International District, including Vien Dong.
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Culture, community and events in South End
The most popular event in the Lincoln International District is the Lunar New Year celebration, which includes traditions from Chinese and Vietnamese cultures and more. The festival draws thousands of attendees to watch lion dancers and fireworks and enjoy plenty of food. The area's Buddhist temples may hold additional Lunar New Year events. Houses of worship in South End offer services in different languages, including Korean, Spanish and Vietnamese.
The neighborhood has several community service organizations, including the South End Neighborhood Council, which regularly plans walks and litter cleanups. "There are so many people who want to do great things in South End," says Joe Bushnell, a Tacoma council member serving the area. "It's the kind of place where if you reach out to your neighbors, someone will reach back." People moving to the area can find a connected and engaged community. King Saint Richard moved from Spokane and has been in Tacoma for several years. "It's hospitable. I float around and meet people all the time," he says.
Fern Hill's historic business district
Fern Hill, toward the south, has many vintage homes and is centered around the intersection of South 84th Street and Park Avenue South, the site of one of Tacoma's first trolley lines. The historic business district includes brick buildings from the late 1880s to 1890s. Modern-day shops include The Hoarders Attic Thrift Shop, "Seinfeld"-themed Little Jerry's for breakfast and lunch and Tibbetts @ Fern Hill, an Alaska-native-owned, reservation-only restaurant with seating for 22 diners.
Craftsmans and contemporary homes in South End
South End is on the more affordable side of Tacoma, as it sits in a less developed area further away from the city center. "It's definitely growing," says Joshua Walden, a Broker with NextHome Prolific who grew up in South Tacoma and started his real estate career here. More people are choosing to move to South End and demand for housing has been increasing in recent years. "It's just affordability, particularly in South Tacoma," Walden says. Fixer-uppers and homes of less than 1,000 square feet can go for under $300,000. Properties from the first half of the 20th century, including bungalows and ramblers, are common. "The most sought-after are probably Craftsmans," Walden says. Older homes of 1,000 square feet to 2,700 square feet typically are priced from the low $300,000s to high $500,000s. Contemporary 2000s to 2020s homes of 1,700 square feet and up are in the mid-$500,000s to $700,000s. Many of these are located below South 72nd Street.
Rising housing costs can be challenging. "I don't want to buy a house because you have to maintain it; there's serious upkeep," King Saint Richard says. "But economically, if you know how to manage your money, you'll be fine here."
South End also features craftsman homes among other styles.
There are a variety of home styles in South End, including newer contemporary homes.
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Pierce Transit and Sound Transit in Tacoma
South End has a walkable environment with gridded layouts and sidewalks. Bushnell says some safety initiatives include lowering traffic speeds and ensuring all walking routes to schools have sidewalks. Bike lanes or shared lane markings are on streets like Yakima Park Avenue South and Park Avenue South, which lead north toward downtown. Pierce Transit bus routes include stops on South 38th Street, South Thompson Avenue and Pacifica Avenue, which is state Route 7.
Several of the city's stations are connected by Sound Transit's Link light rail T Line. Tacoma Dome Station, about 2 miles from Lincoln International District, also has Amtrak service. The Sounder South S Line is commuter rail that runs to Seattle. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Sea-Tac, is approximately 23 miles away. A multiyear aircraft noise study by the Port of Seattle monitors conditions. A closer concern is JBLM's military installation, about 14 miles southwest of South End. Large-scale operations like artillery training are announced in advance, and noise disturbances or nuisance smoke can be reported to the base's public affairs hotline.
Activities at Wapato Park and Charlotte's Blueberry Park
Wapato Park is one of South End's most versatile outdoor spaces; it includes an off-leash dog park. "With its lake views and the forest trails, it's the kind of place people visit for a mind reset," says Nancy Johnson, the communications manager for Metro Parks Tacoma. "And people really enjoy the catch-and-release fishing lake, which is reserved for kids under 14 — but since the lake is part of a watershed, you wouldn't want to eat the fish."
Less than 2 miles to the east, is Charlotte's Blueberry Park, which spans 20 acres. The former blueberry farm has rows upon rows of berry bushes. Paved paths wind between the bushes, which number over 4,000 and are free of pesticides and fertilizers. Many are over 6 feet tall. Visitors can pick their own blueberries for free during the summer. There's a playground, community garden and preserved wetlands. As of 2024, a plan to add fruit and nut trees would create a food forest with year-round harvests. A work party is held in the park on the first Saturday of each month.
Charlotte's Blueberry Park is gives locals the opportunity to pick their own blueberries.
Wapato Park has many walkways and scenic views along the small lake.
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Tacoma Public Schools: new playgrounds and IDEA High
South End spreads across a large section of the Tacoma Public Schools district, so prospective residents should confirm which school zones correspond to property addresses. Among South End's elementary schools, Fern Hill Elementary and Whitman Elementary are included in a city-wide initiative started in 2023 to update playgrounds. Each school earns a C-plus grade from Niche. Angelo Giaudrone Middle School and Baker Middle School each receive a C. Lincoln High School has a B-minus, and the Industrial Design Engineering and Art (IDEA) High School, with application-based enrollment, has a B-plus grade.
Rated C+ on Niche, Whitman Elementary School serves the younger students in the area.
Angelo Giaudrone Middle School is rated C on Niche and serves the South Tacoma area.
Lincoln High School has a B- on Niche, and is well known for its athletic programs.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Amanda Mannila,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Alling Park
Basketball
Picnic Area
Playground
Charlotte's Blueberry Park
Gas Station Park
Basketball
Picnic Area
Playground
Wapato Park
Wapato Hills Park
Stewart Heights Park
Baseball/Softball
Pool
Skateboard
Fern Hill Park
Transit
Airport
Seattle-Tacoma International
38 min drive
Bus
M St & S 52nd St
Bus
Pacific Ave & S 34th St
Bus
Alaska St S & S 42nd St
Bus
Pacific Ave & S 84th St
Bus
Alaska St S & S 45th St
Bus
96th St S & Steele St
Bus
Steele St & Hosmer St
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
South End
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in South End, Tacoma sell after 29 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in South End, Tacoma over the last 12 months is $433,693, up 2% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Meticulously remodeled rambler w/ detached ADU located in an established neighborhood. Home offers an open concept layout w/ new paint, luxurious finishes, flooring, lighting & much more! This 3 bed 2 bath home boasts open concept layout, spacious living room w/ ample natural light, dining room, laundry room, pantry, kitchen w/ island, backsplash & quartz countertops, white cabinets & new
Welcome to your new happy place! Nestled on a peaceful street, this delightful home combines modern flair with cozy charm. Whip up your favorite meals in the spacious, modern kitchen, and bask in the sunshine streaming through generous windows that fill every corner with natural light. Main suite w/ walk in closet and private master bath. Newer roof, siding and bathroom updates. Step outside to
Discover the charm of this beautifully updated 1940s rambler in a prime location! This home features a refreshed kitchen with granite countertops, modern cabinetry, and stainless steel appliances. Recent upgrades include new flooring, fresh interior paint, a refinished bathtub, and a tankless water heater for energy efficiency and endless hot water. The fully fenced yard offers tons of
.61-acre vacant lot in a quiet, well-established neighborhood. Incredible opportunity for investors or those looking to custom build. All utilities available at the street. Build a single-family home with ADU, subdivide, or explore multi-family options (buyer to do due diligence) – use your imagination! Convenient to shopping, dining, JBLM, and Charlotte’s Blueberry Park
Traditional 1.5 story home in central South Tacoma. Home features a covered porch at the entry with a slate floor. Hardwood flooring in the living with a window mounted air conditioner for warmer days. Kitchen space is ample and includes eating space. 2 main floor bedrooms with 2 windows each separated by a full bath. Upstairs is an additional bedroom. The full basement has a staircase from the
We are now accepting in-person tours via scheduled appointments only. Please schedule yours today. Our spacious, newly remodeled apartment homes offer all the comfort and convenience you expect, and more. We are located near easy access to I-5 and Highway 512. With large floor plans and abundant amenities, The Woodmark is a value that is hard to beat. Our community is the perfect place to relax
Offering furnished and fully upgraded studio and open one bedroom apartments, Thea Apartments in Tacoma, Washington, is the perfect fit for your fast-paced lifestyle. Here, each floor plan comes with a fully equipped kitchen for quick and easy meal prep, central air conditioning to keep things cool, and a technology and utility package for ultimate convenience. And with trendy finishes like
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Amanda Mannila,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
43,069
Median Age
37
Population Density
10 ppl/acre
Population under 18
24.8%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
14.5%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$67,130
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$81,642
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
85.1%
College Graduates
20.3%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
6%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
40''
Average Winter Low Temperature
37°F
Average Summer High Temperature
77°F
Annual Snowfall
2''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
54/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
55/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
