WEST TACOMA
The sunset side
If you want sunset views in your daily life, like to be able to get to the beach, appreciate a bit of quiet, but still want easy access to bustling neighborhoods and an abundance of fresh markets, then West Tacoma is for you. The West End puts you in that sweet spot where the Olympic Mountains beckon in the distance, and neighborhood necessities like the library, parks, gyms, groceries, local donut shop, and schools are just minutes away. There’s even a public 9-hole golf course to round things out.
Getting that degree
Maybe you’ve been exploring the area and feel drawn to University Place; we think you’ll enjoy the curving streets, mid-century homes, and open sky of West Tacoma too. Schools include Geiger Montessori—part of Tacoma Public Schools—and Tacoma Community College. TCC draws a wide range of students, local and international, ranging from high school students earning college credit to older adults returning to school after many years away, with lots of young folks working toward their Associates Degree as well. A transit hub, grocery store, and lots of restaurants near campus help make student life more convenient.
Waterfront Brews
Love a waterfront brewery? (If the answer isn’t already “yes” it probably will be soon.) Head down the hill to Titlow Beach, then take Seashore Drive to the marina, where you’ll find Narrows Brewing Co, brewing local, small-batch beers since 2013. Stop in on Thursdays for trivia night, and Fridays for music bingo. Hey, might as well make it fun. If you get hungry, Boathouse 19 is right next door, and the Beach Tavern (one of our favorite spots, is back at Titlow). This is the lesser known Tacoma waterfront—and well worth a visit.
Grocery Markets
Breweries are fun, but one of the more practical assets of this area is the choice of groceries from locally owned markets like Tacoma Boys, Harbor Greens and Grocery Outlet, to larger chains like Fred Meyer and Winco. Pearl runs north and south through West Tacoma connecting residents to the Central Co-op toward Ruston. And Bridgeport makes it easy to reach shops like Trader Joes and Whole Foods in University Place.
Getting Active, Getting Out
If you’re a jogger or cyclist, hook up with the Scott Pierson Trail. If you like indoor swimming, group fitness, or taking your kids along to the gym, visit the Morgan Family YMCA. If you’re a walker, enjoy the sidewalks just outside your door. Take dogs and kids down to the playground and field at Optimist Park to run and play, or visit the trails, playground (and summer sprayground!), tennis courts, and long stretch of beach at Titlow Park. For a bit of arts and culture catch a show at the Tacoma Musical Playhouse, stop in for a wine tasting at Wildside Wine, or just pick up a book for a good weekend read at Swasey Library.
It takes about 10 minutes to get to Gig Harbor from many points of West Tacoma, and just a few minutes to reach Point Defiance Park at the north end of Pearl St. We think you’re starting to get the picture; it’s easy to get around from this neighborhood and it also feels pretty great to just stay put.
Titlow Park and West Slope neighborhoods provide excellent bridge views. Beachside restaurants include The Beach Tavern and Boathouse 19.
There’s lots of good walking in West Tacoma, and keep your eyes open for water views and some nice-looking Mid-Century Modern homes while you’re out.
Find the Swasey Branch of Tacoma Public Library on 6th & Skyline. It’s a friendly library with its own book club and events, as well as computers, a printer and copier too.
Visit Narrows Brewing Co. and step out onto the deck with a pint for marina views, and sunsets over The Narrows.
Order dinner or milkshakes alongside the marina at Boathouse 19.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Tacoma Public Schools offers open enrollment based on availability and transportation. Some local neighborhood schools are:
Geiger Elementary School
Skyline Elementary School
Truman Middle School
Silas High School
HOUSING
Almost all West Tacoma housing is post-war, with whole blocks of minimal traditional style homes built in the 40s as veterans returned from WWII. The West Slope features view homes built in mid-century modern style up through newer architecture in the early 2000s. Senior Housing is available at Merril Gardens, and there’s a good variety of apartments, condos, and townhouses as well.
