Old Town

Tacoma, WA

Neighborhood Market Analysis

Q3 2025 Report
$650,000 (Old Town, Q2 2025, estimated; higher than Tacoma city median of $491,064)
Median Home Price
74 (Very walkable; errands and dining can be accomplished on foot)
Walkability Score
Above average; Stadium High and Annie Wright are highly regarded.
School Rating

Location Overview

Neighborhood Boundaries

Generally bounded by Ruston Way waterfront to the north, North 30th Street to the south, and extending east-west between the waterfront and North Alder Street. Includes the historic Old Town business district and adjacent residential areas.

Zip Codes

98403

Market Data Summary

Price Range$525,000–$1,200,000+ (reflecting historic cottages, updated craftsman homes, and luxury waterfront properties)
Price per Sq Ft$400–$650 (Old Town, Q2 2025, estimated; Tacoma city median is $319)
Inventory LevelsLow; typically 8–15 active listings at any time, with new listings absorbed quickly.

Property Characteristics

Home Types & Architecture

Home Types

Single-family homesHistoric cottagesCraftsman bungalowsTownhomesLuxury condos

Architectural Styles

VictorianCraftsmanColonial RevivalContemporary infill

Property Details

Typical Lot Sizes3,000–7,000 sq ft (smaller for historic homes, larger for newer builds)
Home Age RangeLate 1800s–1930s (historic core); 1980s–present (infill and condos)
Construction QualityGenerally high, with many homes restored or updated; historic homes may require ongoing maintenance.

Community Profile

Demographics & Lifestyle

Demographics

Predominantly professional, higher-income households; mix of long-term residents and younger professionals. Median household income above city average.

Community Vibe

Historic, charming, and close-knit with a blend of tradition and modern amenities. Strong neighborhood identity and pride.

Typical Residents

  • Professionals
  • Retirees
  • Young families
  • Remote workers

Family Friendly

Yes; walkable, parks nearby, good schools, and community events.

Amenities & Lifestyle

Parks & Recreation

  • Old Town Park
  • Jack Hyde Park
  • Ruston Way Waterfront Trail
  • Proximity to Point Defiance Park

Dining Options

  • Duke's Seafood
  • Harbor Lights
  • Spar Tavern
  • Indochine on Pearl

Shopping Centers

  • Old Town Business District
  • Proctor District (nearby)

Local Businesses

  • Antique shops
  • Boutique fitness studios
  • Coffee roasters
  • Art galleries

Education & Schools

Above average; Stadium High and Annie Wright are highly regarded.
Overall School Rating

Elementary Schools

  • Lowell Elementary

Middle Schools

  • Mason Middle School

High Schools

  • Stadium High School

Private Schools

  • Annie Wright Schools (K–12, nearby)

Transportation & Accessibility

Transit & Roads

Public Transit

  • Pierce Transit bus lines 11, 13, 14

Major Roads

  • North 30th Street
  • Ruston Way
  • Schuster Parkway

Commute & Walkability

Commute Times10–15 minutes to downtown Tacoma; 40–50 minutes to downtown Seattle (off-peak)
WalkabilityHigh within Old Town; moderate to downtown and other districts.
ParkingOn-street parking is generally available but can be limited near waterfront and business district during peak hours.

Marketing Intelligence

Target Buyer Types

  • Professionals relocating to Tacoma
  • Medical staff (nearby hospitals)
  • Retirees seeking walkability
  • Young families valuing schools

Key Selling Points

  • Historic architecture
  • Walkable to waterfront and dining
  • Top-rated schools
  • Strong community vibe

Pricing Considerations

Price competitively but expect offers at or above list for well-presented homes; premium justified for updated or view properties.

Common Objections & Response Strategies

Objection: Older homes may require costly maintenance.

Response Strategy:

Provide recent inspection reports and highlight completed updates; connect buyers with local contractors specializing in historic homes.

Objection: Limited parking, especially near waterfront.

Response Strategy:

Emphasize walkability and available street parking; highlight proximity to transit and bike paths.

Objection: Higher price point than other Tacoma neighborhoods.

Response Strategy:

Demonstrate value through location, school quality, and historic character; provide comps showing appreciation trends.

Investment Insights

Investment Potential

Appreciation Potential

Strong; historic character and waterfront proximity drive steady demand and price growth.

Rental Demand

High, especially for updated homes and condos; attracts professionals and medical staff from nearby hospitals.

Buyer Competition

Intense; frequent multiple offers and cash buyers.

Best For

  • Move-up buyers
  • Professionals
  • Retirees
  • Investors seeking stable appreciation

Potential Concerns

  • Limited inventory
  • Older homes may require maintenance
  • Premium pricing compared to city average

Professional Recommendations

1

Leverage historic and lifestyle branding in all marketing.

2

Network with local businesses and community groups to tap into off-market opportunities.

3

Educate buyers on the value of historic homes and available renovation resources.

4

Stage homes to highlight both period details and modern updates.

5

Monitor city plans for waterfront and business district improvements to anticipate value shifts.

Competitive Analysis

Comparable Markets

  • Proctor District
  • North Slope
  • Stadium District

Market Positioning

Premium, historic, and lifestyle-focused neighborhood with enduring demand.

Competitive Advantages

  • Superior walkability to waterfront
  • Historic charm and unique architecture
  • Higher-rated schools

Price Comparison

Old Town commands a 20–30% premium over Tacoma median prices, justified by location and amenities.

Investment Metrics

3.5–4.5% (lower than city average due to higher prices, but stable)
Cap Rates
4–5% for updated homes and condos
Rental Yields
22–25 (reflecting premium pricing and strong rental demand)
Price-to-Rent
Modest for long-term rentals; higher for furnished or short-term rentals due to location.
Cash Flow
3–5% annual appreciation expected through 2026, barring major economic shifts.
Appreciation

Buyer Journey Insights

First-Time Buyers

Challenging due to higher prices, but possible with smaller condos or cottages; strong long-term value.

Move-Up Buyers

Ideal for those seeking more space, character, or walkability; many buyers come from other Tacoma neighborhoods.

Downsizers

Attractive for retirees seeking walkable lifestyle and low-maintenance homes or condos.

Investors

Stable appreciation and strong rental demand, especially for updated or view properties.

Relocators

Popular for professionals and medical staff relocating to Tacoma; proximity to hospitals and downtown is a draw.

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.

Related Market Intelligence

Explore connected markets and opportunities