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South End

South End

$446,487 Average Value
$336 Average Price per Sq Ft
61 Homes For Sale

South End in Tacoma has historical and international vibes

South End preserves the grounded, blue collar feel of Tacoma, otherwise known as "Grit City." Many of the city's residents work in marine cargo operations at the Port of Tacoma, in healthcare or at Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM), a military installation about 13 miles southwest. South End has a mix of characteristics, from the diversity of the Lincoln International District, known for its strong multicultural food scene, to the historical streets of Fernhill, one of the city's oldest neighborhoods. South End highlights include access to Interstate 5, public transportation and sizable parks.

The Joint Base Lewis McChord is a short commute away from the neighborhood.
The Joint Base Lewis McChord is a short commute away from the neighborhood.
The International District in South End has many different dining and shopping options.
The International District in South End has many different dining and shopping options.
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Craftsmans and contemporary homes in South End

South End is one of the more affordable sides of Tacoma, as it sits in a less developed area farther from the city center. "It's definitely growing. It's just affordability, particularly in South Tacoma," says Joshua Walden, a Broker with NextHome Prolific who grew up in South Tacoma and started his real estate career here. Homes of less than 1,000 square feet or those categorized as fixer-uppers typically start in the low $200,000s. Early to mid-20th-century homes, like bungalows and ramblers, are common. "The most sought after are probably Craftsmans," Walden says. Contemporary homes built in the 2000s to 2020s, often 1,400 square feet or larger, range from the high $300,000s to the low $800,000s. The median sales price overall for South End is in the low $400,000s. Demand for housing has been increasing in recent years.

Craftsman influences in the architecture of many homes provide quaint charm to the suburbs of South End.
Craftsman influences in the architecture of many homes provide quaint charm to the suburbs of South End.
Modern traditional homes are favored to those in the neighborhood who enjoy contemporary designs.
Modern traditional homes are favored to those in the neighborhood who enjoy contemporary designs.
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Tacoma Public Schools serves the area, and magnets include IDEA High

Tacoma Public Schools is a district that offers choice options, usually through applications during open enrollment. South End elementary schools are among those in the city with renovated playgrounds that came out of a city-wide initiative started in 2023. Lincoln High School is highly rated, while magnet high schools include the top-rated Industrial Design Engineering and Art High School (IDEA) and the Science and Math Institute (SAMI), which operate under a regional lottery.

Younger students in South End may attend Whitman Elementary School.
Younger students in South End may attend Whitman Elementary School.
Lincoln High School is where many students in South End finish out their academics.
Lincoln High School is where many students in South End finish out their academics.
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Pierce Transit buses, Sounder commuter rail and Tacoma-only light rail

South End has a walkable environment with gridded layouts and sidewalks, some bike lanes and the Pierce Transit bus system. The Tacoma Dome Station, between Downtown Tacoma and South End, has Amtrak and the Sound Transit Link light rail T Line, which stops at a dozen Tacoma stations. Though it's not a T Line stop, the South Tacoma Station, a couple of miles west of I-5, offers the Sounder South S Line. Sounder commuter rail stops at the Tacoma Dome Station before reaching Seattle in about an hour. Both stations provide free parking. It's about 13 miles southwest via I-5 to Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM), a military installation and major employer.

South End is a short drive from downtown Tacoma and 35 miles from downtown Seattle.
South End is a short drive from downtown Tacoma and 35 miles from downtown Seattle.
Residents can use local bus routes to easily get around the neighborhood.
Residents can use local bus routes to easily get around the neighborhood.
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'38 Town' in the Lincoln International District for global cuisines

The Lincoln International District has a strong community and dedicated businesses that have contributed to its rebirth, exemplified by an array of food and cultural activities. Commerce is centered around South 38th Street. "Lincoln High School is here, so that's why it's called that," says Vincent Chu of VK Vietnamese Kitchen, who has lived in the area for close to three decades. "We call it 'the International District,' but more often '38 Street' or '38 Town.' I've heard those names since I came to America," he says. Other eateries include family-owned Vien Dong, in business since 1989; Dragon's Crawfish and Flying Boots Wings. Hong Kong Supermarket and East Asia Market are two options for groceries.

Residents enjoy the cozy and tranquil ambience of Vien Dong in South End.
Residents enjoy the cozy and tranquil ambience of Vien Dong in South End.
Dragon's Crawfish in the Lincoln International District serves up fresh seafood bowls.
Dragon's Crawfish in the Lincoln International District serves up fresh seafood bowls.
Flying Boots Cafe is a popular local bar just a few blocks away from the International District.
Flying Boots Cafe is a popular local bar just a few blocks away from the International District.
Hong Kong Supermarket is a popular grocery story in South End that provides Asian-based items.
Hong Kong Supermarket is a popular grocery story in South End that provides Asian-based items.
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The Lunar New Year Festival in the Lincoln District features many live performances.
The Lunar New Year Festival in the Lincoln District features many live performances.

Culture and events tie the community together 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. The festival draws thousands of attendees to watch lion dancers, enjoy fireworks and savor plenty of food. The summertime Lincoln District Food Walk is another well attended event. The area has several community service organizations, including the South End Neighborhood Council, which regularly plans walks and litter cleanups.

Other shopping options close to home for South Enders

Chu says Costco and Safeway are other popular shopping options. "And there's a very good mall near here; it's like 5 minutes away." South End’s commercial areas include:

  • Tacoma Mall, known for brand-name stores like Apple, Nordstrom and The Cheesecake Factory
  • The Village, an expansion of the mall, adding new restaurants, retail and outdoor community spaces
  • Fern Hill, with indie businesses like restaurant Tibbitts@FernHill and The Hoarders Attic Thrift Shop

The nearby Tacoma Mall has many common stores including a Macy's and Nordstrom.
The nearby Tacoma Mall has many common stores including a Macy's and Nordstrom.
Some of the oldest buildings in Tacoma are found in the Fern Hill Historical Business District in South End.
Some of the oldest buildings in Tacoma are found in the Fern Hill Historical Business District in South End.
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Lots of outdoor space at Wapato Park and Charlotte's Blueberry Park

At close to 90 acres, Wapato Park is one of the biggest and most versatile outdoor spaces in Tacoma. It includes an off leash dog park and a lake with catch and release fishing for kids under 15. Charlotte's Blueberry Park, which spans over 20 acres, is a former blueberry farm with rows upon rows of berry bushes. Features of the blueberry park include:

  • More than 4,000 bushes, which are free of pesticides and fertilizers
  • Winding paved paths, and dogs are welcome as long as they are leashed
  • Free pick-your-own blueberries during the summer
  • A playground, community garden, food forest and preserved wetlands
  • Park work party on the first Saturday of the month

Wapato Park is a popular destination for outdoor recreation and scenic vistas in South End.
Wapato Park is a popular destination for outdoor recreation and scenic vistas in South End.
Many locals use Wapato Park in South End to get in their daily exercise.
Many locals use Wapato Park in South End to get in their daily exercise.
Residents can can pick their own blueberries at Charlotte's Blueberry Park in the summer months.
Residents can can pick their own blueberries at Charlotte's Blueberry Park in the summer months.
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Robin Silberman
Written By
Robin Silberman
Carter Rogers
Photography Contributed By
Carter Rogers
Kyle Keyes
Video By
Kyle Keyes

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Schools

Source:
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Parks in this Area

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

Reviews

Are you familiar with the South End neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime South End US
Homicide 2 4
Sexual Assault 5 4
Assault with Weapon 4 4
Robbery 5 4
Burglary 5 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 5 4
Larceny 6 4
Crime Score 4 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes
11,990
Number of Homes for Sale
61
Median Year Built
1946
Months of Supply
1.40
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,387
Significantly below the national average
1,931
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,811
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
992
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
573
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
6,534

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Rental Home Trends

Number of Homes for Rent
24
Median Rent
$1,595
Median Single Family Home Rent
$1,495
Median 4 Bedroom Single Family Home Rent
$3,420
Median Condo Rent
$1,595
Median 2 Bedroom Condo Rent
$1,595

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
$79,597
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

Moderately friendly

Bike Score®

60 / 100

Fairly friendly

Walk Score®

50 / 100

Somewhat friendly

Transit Score®

30 / 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic

Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Nearby Neighborhoods

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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
South End