Why Live in Old Town
Old Town in Tacoma is a waterfront neighborhood defined by its views of Commencement Bay off Puget Sound. Many homes in this area offer water views, making the bay a significant part of daily life. The neighborhood, originally a lumber town, is built on a hill with narrow streets lined with craftsman-styled homes from the early 20th century, alongside more modern constructions. The area features larger lots where sawmill bosses once lived and smaller homes that belonged to workers. The Tacoma School District serves Old Town, with highly rated schools such as Lowell Elementary School and Stadium High School. Local parks include Wright Park, which offers sports courts, playgrounds, a picnic area, a trail, a pond, and a bowling club. Dining options are plentiful along the waterfront, with The Spar being a long-standing favorite. Residents often shop in nearby Proctor at Safeway, Metropolitan Market, or Stadium Thriftway. While driving is necessary for some errands, many locals prefer walking, biking, or roller skating. Community events like sailboat races, parades, and neighborhood gatherings are common, fostering a strong sense of community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Old Town a good place to live?
Old Town is a good place to live. Old Town is considered somewhat walkable and somewhat bikeable. Old Town has 6 parks for recreational activities. It is somewhat dense in population with 7.1 people per acre and a median age of 47. The average household income is $168,873 which is above the national average. College graduates make up 66.6% of residents. A majority of residents in Old Town are home owners, with 20.9% of residents renting and 79.1% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Old Town can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Old Town neighborhood guide.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Old Town?
The median home price in Old Town is $555,000. If you put a 20% down payment of $111,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.72%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $2,870 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $123K a year to afford the median home price in Old Town. The average household income in Old Town is $169K.
What are the best public schools in Old Town?
The best public schools that serve Old Town are:
What are the best private schools in Old Town?
The best private schools that serve Old Town are:
- Annie Wright Schools has an A+ Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 9:1 and an average review score of 4.4.
- Life Christian School has an A Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 12:1 and an average review score of 4.4.
- Covenant High School has a B Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 7:1 and an average review score of 4.4.
What are the most popular zip codes in Old Town, Tacoma, WA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Old Town, Tacoma, WA?
Home Trends in Old Town, WA
On average, homes in Old Town, Tacoma sell after 68 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Old Town, Tacoma over the last 12 months is $355,665, up 36% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$355,665
Median Single Family Sale Price
$420,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$355,665
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$156,500
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$202
Number of Homes for Sale
5
Last 12 months Home Sales
31
Median List Price
$555,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
6%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
36%
