North End

Tacoma, WA

Neighborhood Market Analysis

Q3 2025 Report
$650,545 (as of March 2025)
Median Home Price
70–85 (varies by micro-location; Proctor and Stadium Districts are most walkable)
Walkability Score
Generally above-average to excellent; North End schools are among the highest-rated in Tacoma.
School Rating

Location Overview

Neighborhood Boundaries

Roughly bounded by Commencement Bay to the north and east, 6th Avenue to the south, and Pearl Street to the west. Includes neighborhoods such as Proctor District, Old Town, and Stadium District.

Zip Codes

984069840798403

Market Data Summary

Price Range$500,000–$1,200,000+ (varies by size, location, and condition)
Price per Sq Ft$334 (Tacoma citywide, North End typically higher)
Inventory LevelsLow inventory; homes sell quickly (median 7 days on market in North End).

Property Characteristics

Home Types & Architecture

Home Types

Single-family homesHistoric homesTownhomesCondos (limited supply)

Architectural Styles

CraftsmanTudorVictorianMid-century modernContemporary infill

Property Details

Typical Lot Sizes4,000–8,000 sq ft (larger lots in some historic areas)
Home Age RangeLate 1800s–1940s (majority), with some newer infill and remodels
Construction QualityGenerally high, with many well-maintained historic homes and quality renovations.

Community Profile

Demographics & Lifestyle

Demographics

Diverse, with a mix of young professionals, families, and retirees. Higher education and income levels than Tacoma average. Population skews toward established residents and professionals.

Community Vibe

Historic, vibrant, and walkable. Strong neighborhood identity, active neighborhood associations, and a blend of urban amenities with residential tranquility.

Typical Residents

  • Young professionals
  • Families
  • Retirees
  • Medical and university staff

Family Friendly

Very family-friendly; strong sense of community, walkable streets, and access to parks and top-rated schools.

Amenities & Lifestyle

Parks & Recreation

  • Point Defiance Park
  • Ruston Way Waterfront
  • Puget Park
  • Kandle Park

Dining Options

  • Indochine
  • Cooks Tavern
  • Europa Bistro
  • Peaks and Pints

Shopping Centers

  • Proctor District shops
  • Stadium District retail
  • Westgate South

Local Businesses

  • Proctor Farmers Market
  • Metropolitan Market
  • Local coffee shops
  • Boutique retailers

Education & Schools

Generally above-average to excellent; North End schools are among the highest-rated in Tacoma.
Overall School Rating

Elementary Schools

  • Lowell Elementary
  • Grant Elementary
  • Sherman Elementary

Middle Schools

  • Mason Middle School

High Schools

  • Stadium High School
  • Silas High School (formerly Wilson)

Private Schools

  • Annie Wright Schools
  • St. Patrick Catholic School

Transportation & Accessibility

Transit & Roads

Public Transit

  • Pierce Transit bus routes
  • Tacoma Link light rail (Stadium District access)

Major Roads

  • N 21st St
  • N Proctor St
  • Pearl St
  • Ruston Way

Commute & Walkability

Commute Times10–20 minutes to downtown Tacoma; 40–60 minutes to Seattle (traffic dependent)
WalkabilityHigh in Proctor and Stadium; moderate elsewhere
ParkingOn-street parking common; some homes have garages or driveways, but parking can be tight near commercial nodes.

Marketing Intelligence

Target Buyer Types

  • Move-up buyers
  • Young families
  • Medical professionals
  • University staff
  • Retirees downsizing

Key Selling Points

  • Historic architecture
  • Walkable lifestyle
  • Top-rated schools
  • Access to parks and waterfront

Pricing Considerations

Price competitively to attract multiple offers; premium for updated homes and walkable locations.

Common Objections & Response Strategies

Objection: Higher prices than other Tacoma neighborhoods

Response Strategy:

Emphasize long-term value, school quality, and lifestyle advantages unique to North End.

Objection: Older homes may need repairs or updates

Response Strategy:

Highlight recent renovations, pre-inspections, and the quality of historic construction.

Objection: Limited inventory and fast-paced market

Response Strategy:

Prepare buyers for quick decision-making and offer strategies to strengthen offers.

Investment Insights

Investment Potential

Appreciation Potential

Strong, with steady long-term growth and resilience during market downturns. Outpaces Tacoma citywide appreciation rates.[2]

Rental Demand

High, especially for quality single-family homes and condos near hospitals and universities.

Buyer Competition

Intense; multiple offers common, especially for move-in-ready homes in walkable areas.

Best For

  • Owner-occupants seeking community and amenities
  • Investors targeting stable, high-demand rentals
  • Families prioritizing schools

Potential Concerns

  • Limited inventory
  • Higher price point than Tacoma average
  • Older homes may require maintenance

Professional Recommendations

1

Educate buyers on fast-paced market and prepare for quick decisions.

2

Leverage professional staging and marketing to highlight unique features.

3

Network with local agents for off-market opportunities.

4

Advise sellers on pricing strategy to maximize multiple offers.

5

Highlight neighborhood amenities and school quality in all marketing materials.

Competitive Analysis

Comparable Markets

  • University Place
  • Fircrest
  • Stadium District
  • West Slope

Market Positioning

Premium neighborhood within Tacoma, attracting buyers seeking lifestyle and community.

Competitive Advantages

  • Superior walkability
  • Historic charm
  • Access to top schools and parks

Price Comparison

North End median home price ($650K+) is significantly higher than Tacoma citywide ($498K), but below Seattle and comparable to University Place.[2][4][3]

Investment Metrics

3.5–4.5% (reflecting premium pricing and strong demand)
Cap Rates
4–5% for well-located single-family homes and condos
Rental Yields
High (indicative of strong owner-occupant demand and stable rental market)
Price-to-Rent
Positive for long-term holds; break-even or slightly negative for new purchases at current prices unless significant down payment.
Cash Flow
2–4% annual appreciation expected, barring major economic shifts.
Appreciation

Buyer Journey Insights

First-Time Buyers

Challenging due to price point and competition; best for those with strong financing and flexibility.

Move-Up Buyers

Ideal for buyers seeking more space, better schools, and a walkable lifestyle.

Downsizers

Attractive for retirees seeking amenities and low-maintenance living; limited condo/townhome supply.

Investors

Stable, low-vacancy rental market; best for long-term appreciation rather than high immediate cash flow.

Relocators

Popular for those moving from Seattle or out-of-state, drawn by lifestyle and value relative to Seattle.

This neighborhood analysis was generated using hyperlocal data and AI intelligence.

Neighborhood conditions change - consult with local real estate professionals for the most current information.

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