$1,111,020Average Value$461Average Price per Sq Ft10Homes For Sale
Old Town is defined by its waterfront properties and views
The water defines Old Town in Tacoma. If you’re not getting a view of Commencement Bay off Puget Sound, you’re not getting Old Town. “A lot of the houses, and I mean a lot of the houses, have water views,” says Marguerite Mattingly, who sells homes with MacGregor & Forbes, LLC and has spent the past 35 years as a Realtor in and around Old Town. “That’s one reason people go there. It’s not just the streets and houses. Part of the whole neighborhood is the water. It’s a big part of everybody’s lives.”
Commencement Bay attracts kayakers with calm waters and scenic shoreline.
Play fetch with furry friends at Jack Hyde Park along Commencement Bay in Old Town Tacoma.
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Historical Craftsmans and modern builds at a higher price point
This old lumber town is built on a hill. There’s one major street that goes from the freeway right up to the very place where Tacoma was born. “That’s where people who worked on the waterfront lived,” Mattingly says. Present-day Old Town stretches up and down the hills along narrow streets lined mostly with craftsman-styled homes that harken back to the earliest parts of the century past. Newly constructed houses are more modernly styled. “You still have fairly big lots where the sawmill bosses lived and big houses on them. The smaller houses belonged to the workers back when people didn’t have a lot,” Mattingly explains.
Generations beyond its humble origins, the cost of owning a home in Old Town has come a long way. The median price for a home here is around $1 million. “And it goes up into the 2 million range depending on the view and the size of the house,” Mattingly says. “Some of the houses sit in a way that they have a 180-degree view of the water.” That sort of view will demand a higher price as well as the footage for houses, some as large at 6,000 square feet. Houses here under $600,000 are harder to find.
Colonial-style homes with offer water views near Annie Wright School in Old Town Tacoma.
Craftsman homes like this define Old Town’s historic character.
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Students are zoned for higher-ranked public schools
Old Town is in the Tacoma School District, which Niche rates B-minus and ranks the sixth most diverse school district out of 247 throughout the state. Students attend Lowell Elementary School, Mason Middle School and Stadium High School, which rank B-plus, B and A-minus respectively.
Mason Middle School in Tacoma offers a B-rated education for neighborhood families.
Stadium High School anchors Tacoma’s Stadium District with its historic architecture.
Lowell Elementary anchors Old Town with strong community ties and B-plus ratings.
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Outdoor sights and sport activities at Wright Park
Old Town has a few parks of its own in the neighborhood. Chances are, however, when locals want a substantial park experience close to home, they’re headed over to Wright Park, a vast green space with sports courts, playgrounds, a picnic area and a trail. It has a pond and bowling club too.
Seymour Conservatory in Wright Park showcases a historic Victorian-style greenhouse.
Old Town Dock is a favorite spot for sunny walks and bay views.
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Dining along the waterfront with big-box stores nearby
For a good meal, there are restaurants all along the waterfront. The Spar is an Old Town favorite that’s been around as long as anyone can remember. “It has a view of the water from 30th street, which is the main street. That’s where lots and lots of people go,” Mattingly says. “They don’t have a big name plastered along the building. People just know it’s there.” When they’re not dining on the waterfront, you might catch people shopping in nearby Proctor at Safeway or Metropolitan Market. Or they might go to Stadium Thriftway.
The Spar Tavern, a longtime Old Town favorite, hosts casual lunches near the bay.
Metropolitan Market features vibrant floral displays alongside specialty foods.
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Easy driving commutes with light rail access and general walkability
Getting to those places will require a little driving. There’s some new light rail near as well. But most people walk about, bike and roller skate in this place which resembles a postcard come to life. It’s a place that has sailboat races on Tuesdays during the summer that neighbors watch together from one another’s homes. “There’s the Christmas parade, the opening of boat season parade when you go to your neighbor's house, and everybody watches. And there’s a Fourth of July parade,” Mattingly says. If you move to Old Town, you should plan to become one with the town. Matting explains, “This isn’t a ‘I live here, and I don’t care who my neighbors are’ place. When you come to Old Town, you should expect to know your neighbors.”
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
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to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Old Town
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
3
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Old Town Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Old Town, Tacoma sell after 30 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Old Town, Tacoma over the last 12 months is $925,000, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
A rare Old Town Tacoma opportunity! Lovingly maintained and full of character, this inviting bungalow blends vintage charm with exciting possibilities for the future. Fir wood floors, vaulted ceilings with exposed beams, a main-floor primary bedroom, and an attached garage are just the beginning. Upstairs, a loft with partial views of Commencement Bay has its own full en-suite bath offering
Retreat to stunning views of Commencement Bay and enjoy all that the Ruston Way waterfront and historic Old Town have to offer, right from the doorstep of this classic townhome. The home boasts a private entrance, a viewing deck, and a private garden patio, along with a spacious great room and beautiful wood floors. The updated kitchen features wood cabinets, granite countertops and Stainless
From the moment you enter through the private entrance, you will be captivated by expansive marine views that create a tranquil backdrop throughout the home. The inviting living room has a cozy fireplace and picture-perfect bay views, flowing seamlessly into the dining area and breakfast bar which is ideal for both everyday living and entertaining. Enjoy the cozy deck to view water traffic,
Ignore the days on market- Sellers found their next home, recently vacated and they are motivated, this is your opportunity to own LOCATION & VIEW! Stunning Puget Sound views, modern updates, & a spacious backyard- you'll love living, relaxing, & entertaining in this move-in-ready Tudor. Watch the ships cruise the Sound, & take in the 4th of July fireworks right from your own property. The main
Stunning Water Views! ONE LEVEL No Stairs No Elevator from Garage to Unit. 15-20 short steps. Set in the heart of Old Town, this exceptional condo with fantastic Water views offers a relaxed and effortless way of living. Spacious interiors are filled with natural light from expansive windows, while the generous patio creates an ideal place to unwind. Storage is abundant, and the freshly updated
Unmatched Sanctuary in the Heart of North Tacoma's Old Town! This gem seamlessly blends the comforts of home with the beauty of nature, breathtaking views of Commencement Bay, Ruston Way, and Brown's Point. Enjoy privacy and tranquility in a prime Old Town location, surrounded by trees... Nestled above Ruston Way, this home feels like a secluded park in the midst of the city. 3 non-buildable
OLD TOWN LOCATION w/COMMENCEMENT BAY VIEWS! This is the Home you've been waiting for! Main Floor Airy Great Room w/Views of the Sound w/a Mini Split for Heating & AC, impressive Gourmet Kitchen w/New Soft-Close Cabinets, Quartz Counters, Full Tile Backsplash, Breakfast Bar and Stainless Steel Appliances. Everyone's Favorite: Main Floor Primary Bedroom w/Large Closets and an attached Luxurious
Investment opportunity in a prime Old Town location, just two blocks from the heart of Old Town and the waterfront. This charming 2 bedroom, 1 bath bungalow offers water views, a covered front porch, hardwood floors, a whole house electrical rewire & updated panel, and excellent potential for renovation or future expansion. The spacious crawlspace offers substantial standing room and possible
Charming brick clinker in one of Tacoma's most sought-after neighborhoods! Ideally located in Old Town, you're just minutes from the waterfront and close to the restaurants, shops, and conveniences of both the Proctor and Stadium Districts! This inviting 3-bedroom, 2-bath home is filled with natural light and features hardwood floors throughout the main level, a spacious living room, and a cozy
Luxury Living with a View! Wake up every day to breathtaking views of Commencement Bay from this stunning condo featuring soaring vaulted ceilings and dramatic walls of windows that flood the home with natural light. The open-concept living area creates an inviting space for relaxing or entertaining, while the expansive waterfront vistas provide a spectacular backdrop from sunrise to sunset. This
Built in 1968 and positioned on the corner of Carr Street and N 30th Avenue, Harbor View Apartments occupies one of Old Town Tacoma's most coveted residential addresses. The property's strategic location places residents at the heart of one of Tacoma's most vibrant and historically rich neighborhoods, with immediate access to the boutique shops, acclaimed restaurants, and waterfront amenities
New on Market Old Tacoma Development Opportunity They’re not making any new land in Old Tacoma. Here’s your chance ! In Old Town Tacoma a rare opportunity to own an oversized corner lot with breathtaking views of Commencement Bay. The recent UR-2 zoning allows for remarkable flexibility, enabling you to * build a single-family home with an ADU or DADU * subdivide the property * explore the
PERFECT LOCATION in OLD TOWN! Sweeping VIEWS of Olympics, Bay, Brown's Point & Beyond! Unparalleled Opportunity for anyone looking to capitalize on this early century Craftsman Charmer. Ideal location where you can wake up to majestic views of Puget Sounds most beautiful scenery. Roll out of bed & waltz down the street to coffee shops, restaurants, parks & the bustling waterfront. Formerly a
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