WHAT TO LOVE

Hilltop is a neighborhood full of history, pride, and transformation. Perched above Downtown Tacoma with sweeping views of Mount Rainier and Commencement Bay, Hilltop offers a strong sense of community and a growing vibrancy that’s hard to ignore. This is a place where longtime residents and new arrivals alike are investing in the future while honoring the past. You’ll find an eclectic mix of historic homes, new developments, local businesses, and cultural landmarks – all infused with Hilltop’s signature grit and heart.

What people love most about Hilltop is its authenticity. It’s real, it’s resilient, and it’s on the rise. The new Hilltop Link Light Rail extension makes it easier than ever to connect to the rest of Tacoma, while still enjoying a neighborhood that feels distinct and rooted.

LOCAL LIFESTYLE

Hilltop has long been known for its strong community ties, activism, and cultural diversity. It’s a neighborhood where neighbors look out for one another, local business owners know your name, and community events are taken seriously.

Life here is lively and expressive. Residents tend to be engaged – whether it’s through art, local organizing, or volunteering. With an increasing number of creatives, entrepreneurs, and young professionals calling Hilltop home, there’s a growing energy around revitalization that feels inclusive rather than overwhelming.

Thanks to its central location, the neighborhood is also a great home base for those who work downtown or commute across the city.

DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

Hilltop’s food scene is growing, with a strong emphasis on supporting local businesses. Longstanding favorites like Quickie Too, a beloved vegan soul food spot, and Pho King, known for comforting Vietnamese dishes, are cornerstones of the neighborhood. The Fish House Café is known for Southern-style fried catfish, hush puppies, and friendly service. 

In more recent years, Hilltop has welcomed spots like Manifesto Coffee, a community-oriented café serving up quality roasts. Three Hearts and Red Elm Cafe are neighboring spots for cozy vibes, breakfast and lunch. Bar Rosa offers excellent drinks plus pizza you cut with scissors.

For something sweet, pop by local favorites Ice Cream Social and Johnson Candy Company, a nostalgic family-run sweets shop in business since 1925.

THINGS TO DO

Hilltop is home to a growing arts and culture scene. Hilltop Artists, a local nonprofit, supports youth expression through glassblowing, flameworking, and glass fusion art. 

The newly extended Hilltop Link Light Rail connects residents to downtown Tacoma’s museums, theaters, and the Tacoma Dome in just a few stops, making it easy to enjoy broader city offerings without needing a car.

Closer to home, you’ll find community centers, small galleries, and gathering spaces that keep the neighborhood lively. Hilltop also borders Wright Park, one of Tacoma’s best green spaces – ideal for walking, relaxing, or visiting the historic W.W. Seymour Conservatory.

SCHOOLS

Hilltop is served by Tacoma Public Schools, including Travis Elementary, which has a long-standing history and a dedicated community of educators. Middle and high school students typically attend Hilltop Heritage Middle School and Stadium High School, with additional charter and private school options in and around the area.

Community partnerships between local organizations and schools help provide mentorship, tutoring, and enrichment opportunities, and there's a strong emphasis on equity and support for students.

WHY IT’S UNIQUE

Hilltop’s uniqueness comes from its rich cultural heritage, its legacy of resilience, and its powerful sense of identity. It has been a historic center for Tacoma’s Black community and a hub for social activism, particularly during the Civil Rights era. That history still shapes the neighborhood today, as Hilltop continues to evolve with purpose and pride.

For those seeking a neighborhood with soul, character, and community-driven change, Hilltop offers a rare and meaningful place to call home.