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South Tacoma

South Tacoma

Suburban Neighborhood in Tacoma, Washington

Pierce County 98409

Neighborhood Reviews
3.6
$434,529 Average Value
$339 Average Price per Sq Ft
18 Homes For Sale

South Tacoma, a relatively affordable neighborhood

Homebuyers choose South Tacoma for its single-family homes, trendy restaurants and diverse recreational and entertainment options. "Homebuyers are choosing to move here because they can live in an affordable neighborhood with an easy commute," says Realtor Shelly McCombs, who sells property in the area with McCombs Homes. Located between the bustling Tacoma Mall and the historic shopping district along South Tacoma Way, the neighborhood is close to Interstate 5 and connected to local public transportation. "South Tacoma is somewhere everyone can feel welcome and find an affordable place to live. As Tacoma grows, I believe that South Tacoma will continue to thrive," says Realtor Gervon Simon, who sells homes in the neighborhood with Compass.

South Tacoma's blossoming business district welcomes you.
South Tacoma's blossoming business district welcomes you.
Dock workers once lived in South Tacoma
Dock workers once lived in South Tacoma
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Bungalows and ranch-style homes

"There has been so much price increase throughout the city, especially downtown. But there is still a lot of affordable housing, even though prices are on the rise like everywhere else," Simon says. Homebuyers can purchase a two-bedroom mid-century bungalow for between $330,000 and $400,000. A three-bedroom early 20th-century bungalow sells for between $360,000 and $450,000. Assessors value early-2000s four-bedroom ranch-style homes at between $410,000 and $500,000. Many South Tacoma houses have detached garages in the backyards. Most yards are large enough to host cookouts and pass around the football. Newly built five-bedroom homes are valued at between $630,000 and $700,000.

Craftsman homes come in many styles and sizes in South Tacoma.
Craftsman homes come in many styles and sizes in South Tacoma.
Bungalow-style home
Bungalow-style home
South Tacoma has modern new builds too.
South Tacoma has modern new builds too.
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Gray Middle School is the newest school in South Tacoma.
Gray Middle School is the newest school in South Tacoma.

Nearby public schools

Many local children attend Edison Elementary, which has a 14-to-1 student-teacher ratio and a B-minus Niche rating. Gray Middle School students are 26% proficient in math and 34% proficient in reading. The school has a C-minus Niche rating. Some children move on to Mount Tahoma High School, which has a 91% graduation rate and a C-plus Niche rating.

South Tacoma has the newly built STAR Center offering all the best activities for kids.
South Tacoma has the newly built STAR Center offering all the best activities for kids.

A golf course and community centers

The Meadow Park Golf Course on Lakewood Drive has a driving range and 18 holes shaded by conifers. Folks hold picnics, play baseball and basketball and take their children to the playground at South Park. A $14.2 million building that will become the Asia Pacific Cultural Center is expected to be completed at the park by 2025. The center will use the new building to celebrate the cuisine, art, dances, languages, history and traditional attire of over 47 countries and cultures. The STAR Center on 66th Street offers children's play areas, preschool and pre-kindergarten classes, a gym for adults, cooking classes, art classes, dance classes, music classes, theater classes, teen nights and coffee socials for people over 50.

Local restaurants and a mall

People munch on tacos and quesadillas at Tonala Mexican Restaurant in Lincoln Plaza. The big red barn on South Tacoma Way is known as the Homestead Restaurant & Bakery, where locals devour American comfort classics like cherry pie and pot roast. The Church Cantina on South Tacoma Way is a gothic horror-themed restaurant where patrons play pool and eat Cuban-style pulled pork sandwiches. Folks buy their own cooking ingredients at Costco Wholesale on South 37th Street. People buy camping, hiking and other outdoor gear at the REI on South Steele Street before embarking on wilderness adventures. For those who prefer to bring some nature into their homes, The Fernseed on South Tacoma Way sells floral arrangements and potted plants. The Tacoma Mall on South Steele Street has stores like Old Navy, Nordstrom, H&M and JCPenney.

Fernseed in South Tacoma
Fernseed in South Tacoma
The business district of South Tacoma has many restaurants.
The business district of South Tacoma has many restaurants.
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South Tacoma's Airport Tavern is the local venue for live entertainment.
South Tacoma's Airport Tavern is the local venue for live entertainment.

Local music venues and minor league baseball

The Airport Tavern is one of the neighborhood's most popular live music venues, regularly featuring local bands and up-and-coming artists. The Plaid Pig on South Tacoma Way features punk and hard rock bands in a dive atmosphere. People drive 38 miles north on Interstate 5 to watch the Seahawks play at Lumen Field and the Mariners play at T-Mobile Park. Residents drive 4 miles north via South Tyler Street to see Minor League Baseball's Tacoma Rainiers. People travel 6 ½ miles northeast to visit LeMay America's Car Museum.

Buses run on regular schedules through South Tacoma.
Buses run on regular schedules through South Tacoma.

Getting around Tacoma

People commute 9 miles northeast via Orchard Street West to Downtown Tacoma, where some residents work. Downtown Seattle is 39 miles north of South Tacoma via Interstate 5. The Pierce Transit bus system operates stops on South Tacoma Way, South 74th Street and South Oakes Street. Residents can use the bus system to access the rest of the city and a portion of the Seattle metropolitan area. People catch the commuter rail at South Tacoma Station on Washington Street. People drive 27 ½ miles northeast to the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport via Interstate 5.

William Palicia
Written By
William Palicia
Adam Michaud
Photography Contributed By
Adam Michaud
Francesco Basti
Video By
Francesco Basti

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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 Greg Pubols, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Seattle-Tacoma International

42 min drive

Bus

S Tacoma Way & Trafton St

Bus

66th St S & S Orchard St

Bus

Steele St S & S 37th St

Bus

S Tacoma Way & S 62nd St

Bus

Oakes St S & S 64th St

Bus

Oakes St S & S 66th St

Bus

74th St S & Wapato St

Reviews

Niche Reviews
3.6 43 Reviews
4.0 Niche User
1/9/2015 Niche Review
Great quality, usually really crowded because this area has one of the only Olive Gardens and Famous Daves thats close enough to the other cities that surround this area
4.0 Current Resident
9/8/2019 Niche Review
This was the only part of town we could afford a house in. Our experience has been great. The local schools are fantastic, we have wonderful neighbors, and the community is improving.
2.0 Niche User
2/3/2015 Niche Review
I currently live in Washington State In a city called Tacoma. Tacoma is located near Mount Saint Helen and the pacific ocean. Most days of the week the weather is raining or cloudy, this weather makes living here somewhat bad but when it is sunny the city is beautiful.
5.0 Current Resident
11/24/2020 Niche Review
Quiet, cozy, friendly neighborhood with access to everything imaginable. Lovely parks (Wapato, Alling, Lincoln) and key stores (REI, World Market, Costco) are right here, and downtown Tacoma nightlife is a stone's throw away. Lincoln International District has adorable, historic homes on tree-lined streets, and so many young couples are moving to the area.
Are you familiar with the South Tacoma neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime South Tacoma US
Homicide 4 4
Sexual Assault 5 4
Assault with Weapon 5 4
Robbery 5 4
Burglary 6 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 7 4
Larceny 6 4
Crime Score 6 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$409,475
Median Single Family Price
$410,000
Median Townhouse Price
$340,000
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$303,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$339
Number of Homes for Sale
18
Last 12 months Home Sales
246
Months of Supply
0.90
Median List Price
$410,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
2%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
5,445
Median Year Built
1943
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,317
Significantly below the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,852
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,077
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
759
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
6,098

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Apr 26
    11am - 1pm

    6843 S Warner St, Tacoma, WA 98409

    $385,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 1 Bath
    • 816 Sq Ft
    • 6843 S Warner St
    • New 2 days ago

    Welcome to your new home! This 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom rambler is the perfect starter home! Eat up bar in the kitchen, wood burning fireplace in the living room, a separate dining room area and laundry room/mudroom towards the backyard access door. Drop your bags and move in, because this house received a glow up- brand new windows, new roof, new flooring, new interior and exterior paint! Updated

    Annie Salonen Keller Williams Rty Tacoma

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  • Saturday, Apr 26
    2 - 4pm

    5032 S Puget Sound Ave, Tacoma, WA 98409

    $547,500

    • 3 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 1,840 Sq Ft
    • 5032 S Puget Sound Ave

    Assumable VA loan with 3.875%!! DADU potential...Househacking potential? Three Bedroom Three BATHROOM home is ready for your personal touches! Perfect set up for multi generational living. This home's origin in 1908 shows in the ceiling height and many other nods to it's history. Extensive list of updates is available on request. Primary suite with private balcony allows you to enjoy the

    Nickie Robbs Theory Real Estate

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  • Sunday, Apr 27
    12 - 2pm

    3002 S Puget Sound Ave, Tacoma, WA 98409

    $534,900

    • 3 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 1,645 Sq Ft
    • 3002 S Puget Sound Ave

    Discover this fully remodeled rambler featuring 3 beds & 2.5 baths + a detached studio, designed w/ an open concept & bathed in natural light. The primary bedroom boasts an attached bath w/ a luxurious walk-in shower. The modern kitchen is equipped w/ sleek SS appliances. Step outside to a beautifully landscaped, fully fenced yard offering privacy & tranquility. Enjoy the terraced rock wall &

    Matt Dubas Keller Williams Realty Bothell

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Greg Pubols, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
29,360
Median Age
35
Population Density
7 ppl/acre
Population under 18
25%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
12.2%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$60,985
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$75,585

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
86.1%
College Graduates
19.2%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
3.9%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
70.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
40''
Average Winter Low Temperature
37°F
Average Summer High Temperature
77°F
Annual Snowfall
2''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

40 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

11 / 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.

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 Tacoma
Greg Pubols
Century 21 Blue Chip
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