WHAT TO LOVE

South Tacoma is a neighborhood that wears its history and heart on its sleeve. Once a hub for the city’s streetcar lines and industry, the area has grown into a vibrant, culturally rich community where generations of families, small businesses, and new residents coexist. What makes South Tacoma lovable is its character – unpretentious, neighborly, and full of personality.

You’ll find tree-lined streets with early-20th-century homes, eclectic storefronts along South Tacoma Way, and a strong sense of local pride. Whether it’s the welcoming vibe or the unexpected hidden gems, South Tacoma has an everyday charm that invites you to stick around.

LOCAL LIFESTYLE

The lifestyle in South Tacoma is grounded, community-oriented, and diverse. Residents tend to know their neighbors, support local businesses, and take pride in their blocks. The area is home to people from all walks of life – young families, retirees, artists, small business owners, and those who’ve called Tacoma home for decades.

South Tacoma offers stability and room to grow. It’s popular with first-time homebuyers thanks to its relative affordability and larger lots, and with those looking for a lifestyle that’s a bit more relaxed and real.

DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

South Tacoma has a food scene that reflects its cultural diversity and deep community roots. Loak Toung Thai is a hidden gem with a cozy ambience and fantastic, authentic Thai dishes. The Church Cantina has developed a following for its goth bar setting and Cuban American fusion dishes with plenty of vegan options. Opal Lounge is a go-to spot for Texas-style BBQ. Another local favorite, Howdy Bagel, serves excellent coffee alongside fresh bagels and is well worth the wait. Bluebeard Coffee Roasters recently opened a second shop along South Tacoma Way and is a great spot to sit with a fresh cup or buy a bag (or two) to take home.

When it comes to entertainment, The Airport Tavern and Real Art Tacoma offer live music and an ultra-local vibe. Check out The Mule Tavern for a welcoming dive bar with craft cocktails and regular events like karaoke and drag bingo. The district continues to grow its small business scene with tattoo shops, vintage stores, and cozy cafés all adding their flair to the mix.

THINGS TO DO

South Tacoma’s STAR Center offers something for everyone – a music and dance studio, teaching kitchen, water park, movie nights, indoor/outdoor playground and a gym. Meadow Park Golf Course provides another option for staying active, while local skate parks and playgrounds keep kids moving and engaged. There’s also a growing number of community gardens and public art installations that reflect the neighborhood’s evolving spirit.

Shopping-wise, South Tacoma Way is home to the Tacoma Mall and an array of shops, services, and boutiques. And for collectors, the area's antique shops and record stores are treasure troves.

SCHOOLS

Birney Elementary, Edison Elementary, and Gray Middle School are central to the neighborhood, and students typically move on to Foss High School or Mt. Tahoma High School – both offering a wide range of academic and extracurricular programs.

Several early learning centers, private schools, and specialty programs (including dual-language and STEM-focused tracks) make this area a solid choice for families looking to put down roots.

WHY IT’S UNIQUE

South Tacoma is unique because it doesn’t try to be anything other than itself. It’s built for people who want a genuine, connected life. There’s history in the architecture, culture in the cuisine, and strength in the people who live here.

South Tacoma quietly continues to evolve, driven by local ownership, family businesses, and grassroots revitalization. It’s a place where every block tells a story, and where you can be part of shaping the next chapter.

Whether you’re drawn to its authenticity, affordability, or community spirit, South Tacoma offers more than a place to live – it offers a place to belong.