WHAT TO LOVE

Downtown Tacoma is where the city’s past and future collide in the best way. With historic brick buildings, revitalized warehouses, and a stunning backdrop of Mount Rainier and Commencement Bay, this neighborhood delivers on both character and convenience. It’s walkable, connected, and alive with activity.

Residents love the mix of old and new: century-old architecture alongside sleek condos, streetcar access next to historic trolley tracks, and a deep-rooted arts scene that continues to evolve. You’re steps from museums, restaurants, galleries, and public transit, making it ideal for those who want a lively, accessible, and increasingly cosmopolitan place to call home.

LOCAL LIFESTYLE

Living downtown means being in the middle of it all. Professionals, students, artists, and entrepreneurs share space here, contributing to a dynamic and inclusive vibe. Life tends to be fast-paced on weekdays, with a more relaxed, cultural rhythm taking over on weekends.

Many residents live in converted lofts or modern apartments with views of the bay, and most errands, from picking up groceries to grabbing a latte, can be done on foot or via the light rail. The downtown lifestyle is ideal for people who value access over acreage, and who thrive in a setting that blends urban life with creative energy.

DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

Downtown Tacoma has become a growing food and drink destination in recent years, with locally owned gems leading the way. For coffee, you can’t go wrong with Outer Dark, Common Ground, or Naomi Joe. Grab a biscuit breakfast sandwich at Third Space Cafe or donut at Fusion Cafe (tip: Fusion turns into a cocktail lounge after 4pm).

For dinner, Chez Lafayette offers rich Creole flavors alongside southern hospitality, Wooden City serves up beautifully presented, tavern-inspired dishes, and En Rama offers scratch-made Italian dishes along with a curated bar menu.

Craving something casual? Head to The Matador for tacos and tequila or grab a slice and a pint at Canteen by Camp Colvos. Speaking of beer, downtown Tacoma is home to the city’s brewery district – be sure to try a local pour at E9 Brewing or 7 Seas Brewing, among others.

Culturally, downtown is anchored by three theaters, the art-deco Rialto, originally built in 1918 to showcase movies, Theater on the Square, an intimate, contemporary space, and the Pantages Theater, a beautifully restored venue hosting concerts, plays, and touring shows year-round.

THINGS TO DO

Downtown Tacoma is rich with things to explore. The Museum District is a standout, home to the Museum of Glass, Tacoma Art Museum, and the Washington State History Museum. The Chihuly Bridge of Glass, connecting downtown to the waterfront, is a free, open-air gallery featuring glasswork by Tacoma native Dale Chihuly.

The Thea Foss Waterway offers a scenic esplanade perfect for walking, jogging, or kayaking. Art lovers can explore rotating public installations, galleries, and open studios during monthly Art Walks. And with the Tacoma Link Light Rail running through the heart of downtown, getting around is easier than ever.

SCHOOLS

Downtown Tacoma is home to the University of Washington Tacoma (UW Tacoma), a growing urban campus that brings energy, innovation, and students into the core of the city. The campus blends beautifully restored historic buildings with new construction, giving the area a collegiate yet professional feel.

Families living downtown typically attend schools in the Tacoma Public School District, including Travis Elementary, Hilltop Heritage Middle School, and Stadium High School. There are also nearby charter and private school options, along with early childhood learning centers that serve the downtown area.

WHY IT’S UNIQUE

What sets Downtown Tacoma apart is its blend of grit, art, and ambition. It’s a neighborhood that has reinvented itself while honoring its industrial and cultural roots. Here, you can live in a turn-of-the-century warehouse converted into a loft, walk past world-class glass art on your way to work, and spend your weekends at museums or waterfront parks.

Downtown’s revitalization is ongoing, but it’s not trying to be Seattle or Portland. It’s proudly Tacoma – a city with working-class roots, creative fire, and a strong sense of identity. For anyone seeking a connected, cultured, and ever-evolving place to live, Downtown Tacoma offers a lifestyle that’s both exciting and distinctly local.