PROCTOR
Living in the Proctor District is like living in a small town within a city. Sure, people do drive around, but in every season you’ll see neighbors outside walking, biking, jogging, pushing strollers, getting around without cars on their way to pick-up some mail, pick-up kids from school, pick-up dry cleaning, or pick-up a gallon of milk. When you live here, you’ll find yourself heading out the door without the car to meet a friend for coffee, to fill-up a growler, or to find a book at the library. Get your small town fix, but easily get downtown or down to the waterfront too.
COFFEE & TREATS
If you're looking for a cup of coffee, try Olympia Coffee Roasters on N. 26th & Proctor. If you want some gelato, banana pudding, or tiramisu to go with that, visit Metropolitan Market where you'll also be face to face with The Cookie. Stop by Top Pot for coffee and a donut, but if you still have room for locally made ice cream, you’re in luck—Ice Cream Social moved into the neighborhood, so now this block really has it all.
ERRANDS & SHOPPING
In the meantime, if you need to pick up some groceries, stock up on books for the weekend, and pick up a party gift, you're all set. Safeway and Metropolitan Market have what you need in the eggs, radishes, bread, deli, and cheese department. If it’s Saturday, you can’t miss the Proctor Farmers’ Market. The Wheelock Library is just across the street from the beautiful brick Washington Elementary School for all your literary needs.
Gift shopping is varied, laid back, and fun in Proctor. You’ll find gifts for the young ones in your life at Teaching Toys & Books, gifts for all ages at The Proctor Mercantile, the Pacific Northwest Shop, and Compass Rose, and gifts for one you love truly at Lapis. We should also mention the second hand and resale stores in the area. These are worth a visit because you really never know what you’ll find. Take a look at Megs & Mo Upscale Resale, Blooming Kids, and Blue a Goodwill Boutique. These shops actually just scratch the surface. Go explore, maybe you’ll find the tiny Lego store run by a local kiddo. Head out on Saturdays in summer to browse the booths and meet the maker at the La Paloma Marketplace. Okay, we’re not going to list them all. The point is, you can check off the grocery list and your other to-dos without even getting back in your car.
FOOD
If you’ve finished your errands—fueled by coffee and a treat—but you’re starting to feel really hungry, and a bit thirsty too, you’re in the right place. Consider stopping in at Peaks & Pints. There you can choose from a wide array of bottled beverages in their coolers, microbrews on tap, and sandwiches too. If it’s date night, give Crudo & Cotto a try.
Visit the Proctor Farmers’ Market every Saturday late-March through mid-December, then 2nd Saturdays in the “off” season.
A couple of our favorite places to eat in the neighborhood are just a few blocks off the main drag. Head east on N. 26th, and just about 1/2 a mile from Proctor St. you'll land at The Rosewood Cafe where you'll find a bright interior serving sandwiches, salads, and a few other specials. But just another block further and you're at Brewers Row, home to truly delicious tacos, burritos, taco bowls and—as the name implies—brews (coffee and beer). Cooks Tavern is right next door, so it’s a pretty good little pocket for cuisine.
The beloved Blue Mouse Theatre, in operation since 1923, is a great movie house experience, even on a budget. They host the annual Destiny City Film Festival as well.
The Proctor Farmers' Market is Tacoma's only all-year market. The market takes place every Saturday, from the end of March - mid December, and 2nd Saturdays in January, February, and March.
Image from Olympia Coffee Roasters - Meet a friend for coffee and sit on the bench outside on a sunny afternoon. Be sure to get the kouign amann pastry if you see it.
Is a community quite complete without a library? The Anna Lemon Wheelock Branch of the Tacoma Public Library on N. 26th St. provides everyone in Proctor with books, events, access to services, and a quiet spot to sit and pass the time.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Tacoma Public Schools offers open enrollment based on availability and transportation.
Sherman Elementary School
Washington Elementary School
Downing Elementary School
Mason Middle School
HOUSING
Proctor is one of Tacoma’s most high-demand locations when it comes to housing. The neighborhood is primarily single-family homes with lots of Craftsman and Tudor architecture, some with coveted water views. But you’ll find multi-family dwellings too, and apartment living is also available, especially in newer buildings in the heart of the business district near shops and schools.
