Tacoma, Washington is a mid-sized city with around 215,000 residents. Like most cities, some neighborhoods in Tacoma are safer than others. When determining the safest parts of Tacoma, it’s important to look at factors like crime rates, access to amenities like grocery stores and parks, and community engagement. Based on research from neighborhood sites and local law enforcement data, a few areas stand out as particularly safe places to live in Tacoma.
Northeast Tacoma
Many residents and visitors consider Northeast Tacoma to be one of the safest and most desirable parts of the city. This area encompasses neighborhoods like Skyline, North Slope, and Crescent Heights. Crime rates in these neighborhoods are well below the citywide average. Northeast Tacoma offers quick highway access, proximity to downtown, and views of Puget Sound and Mount Rainier.
The low crime rates and residential character make Northeast Tacoma popular with families. The area has several public parks, like Skyline Park and Jane Clark Park, with amenities like playgrounds, sports fields, and walking trails. Community events like summer concerts in the park and neighborhood watch programs bring residents together.
Shopping centers along 6th Avenue provide easy access to grocery stores like Met Market and necessities like banks and pharmacies. The main campus of Tacoma Community College sits in the heart of Northeast Tacoma, providing learning opportunities for residents. With its abundant amenities and engaged community, it’s clear why Northeast Tacoma is regarded as one of the safest options within the city.
North End
Tacoma’s North End is another area that continually tops the list of the city’s safest neighborhoods. Encompassing neighborhoods like Old Town, Stadium District, and Proctor, the North End is one of Tacoma’s most walkable areas. The residential streets offer a mix of older, historic homes and newer condos and apartment buildings.
Compared with other parts of Tacoma, the North End boasts low property crime and violent crime rates. The proximity to downtown amenities and major employment hubs means high foot traffic around retail shops, restaurants, and cafes. This visibility discourages criminal activity. Large anchor institutions, like Tacoma General Hospital and University of Washington Tacoma help make the North End a stable community as well.
Popular gathering places like the Tacoma Farmers Market, Point Defiance Park, Proctor Farmers Market, and Ruston Way draw North End residents together routinely. The neighborhood retail districts along North 26th and North Proctor Streets are lined with boutiques, bookstores, and markets that foster community. North End’s combination of involved residents, pedestrian traffic, and community resources help make it one of Tacoma’s safest areas.
West End
Tacoma’s West End is a historic neighborhood bounded by 6th Avenue to the east, The Narrows to the west, and A Street to the north. With its proximity to both downtown and the waterfront, this centrally located community has a wealth of amenities. It also has lower crime rates than Tacoma’s average, especially for property crimes.
The West End residential areas offer homeowners historic early 20th century houses and water views. Ruston Way along the scenic Thea Foss Waterway features pedestrian paths and retail shops. Community parks like Dickman Mill Park, Edit Pitcher Park, and McCarver Park have playgrounds and fields for youth sports. Locally-owned restaurants, cafes, and stores line the streets, while larger grocery stores and pharmacies cater to everyday needs.
Active community groups help bring neighbors together and keep streets safe. The Safe Streets campaign works to reduce speeding and traffic accidents, while the Neighborhood Watch programs allow residents to monitor and report suspicious activity. Overall, the West End’s engaged residents, central location, and pedestrian-friendly streets contribute to it being one of Tacoma’s most secure communities.
South End
The South End zone of Tacoma encompasses the neighborhoods south of South 19th Street. Though not as acclaimed as the North End, the South End has several safe residential enclaves to offer. Crime rates in this area tend to be near or even below the citywide average.
Neighborhoods like South Tacoma, Fern Hill, and Lincoln offer families affordable single-family homes, access to schools and parks, and a sense of community. Shopping centers along South Tacoma Way provide grocery stores, banks, gas stations, and other amenities for residents’ daily needs. Light commercial zones along South Tacoma Way also provide employment opportunities.
The South End’s proximity to major roads like I-5 makes commute times to downtown Tacoma and other major hubs like Joint Base Lewis-McChord short. Local parks like McKinley Park, South Park, and Wapato Hills offer walking trails, sports fields, and playgrounds where families gather. Annual events like the Fern Hill Summer Concerts bring residents together frequently.
Though the South End lacks some of the historic appeal and walkability of neighborhoods like the North End, it offers better affordability. For families seeking safe, budget-friendly housing options, South Tacoma neighborhoods deliver lower crime rates and a relaxed pace of life.
University Place
Though not officially part of the City of Tacoma, the adjoining city of University Place deserves a mention as one of the safest areas in the metro region. University Place borders Tacoma’s North End and West End neighborhoods. This community possesses exceptionally low crime rates compared to Tacoma and other nearby cities.
Most neighborhoods in University Place have violent crime rates at or near zero. Property crime rates are also remarkably low here. The city has earned accolades from sources like SafeWise as one of the top 20 safest cities in Washington.
University Place provides easy access to shopping centers like University Place Towne Center. Located just minutes from downtown Tacoma and area higher education institutions, it attracts educated middle-class residents. The city’s family-friendly parks system, highly rated schools, and engaged university population help make this one of the most secure places in the metro area.
Safest Neighborhoods in Tacoma – The Verdict
When determining the safest neighborhoods in Tacoma, the data points to certain advantages. Walkable communities with engaged residents, low crime rates, and amenities that foster community interaction generally rank highest. Based on these factors, neighborhoods in Northeast Tacoma, the North End, West End, and South Endemerge as some of the most secure places to live in Tacoma.
The adjoining community of University Place also possesses remarkably low crime rates compared to Tacoma and other nearby cities. For homebuyers and renters prioritizing safety and community engagement, these neighborhoods offer the best options within the city.
However, safety encompasses more than just crime statistics. The built environment, community identity, and accessibility of amenities all contribute to how secure a neighborhood feels. Ultimately, the right neighborhood comes down to personal priorities. Thorough research and first-hand visits help homeseekers determine the safest and best community for their needs in Tacoma.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate like in Tacoma?
According to FBI data, Tacoma’s violent crime rate as of 2021 is 4.98 incidents per 1,000 residents. Its property crime rate is 32.47 incidents per 1,000 residents. Both rates are moderately higher than the national average. However, crime is not evenly distributed throughout Tacoma. Some neighborhoods experience significantly lower crime rates than others.
What are the safest neighborhoods in Tacoma for families?
Many of Tacoma’s safest neighborhoods are also very family-friendly. Northeast Tacoma, Stadium District, Fern Hill, Lincoln, and neighborhoods in University Place tend to be popular with families. Their low crime rates, community parks and events, and family-sized housing options make them secure choices for raising kids.
What makes a neighborhood safe?
Several factors contribute to a neighborhood’s safety. Low and decreasing crime rates indicate secure areas. Neighborhoods with engaged communities, active neighborhood watch programs, and community events also promote safety. Walkability, visibility, and access to amenities encourage pedestrian activity that can deter crime as well.
How do I check crime rates in my neighborhood?
The City of Tacoma Police Department releases monthly crime data on their website. This allows you to view crime statistics for different neighborhoods and areas. You can also access the annual Tacoma crime report from the FBI for a broader overview. Consulting sites like NeighborhoodScout provides crime rate comparisons across neighborhoods as well.
What areas of Tacoma should be avoided?
Though most of Tacoma is relatively safe, some areas have significantly higher crime rates than others. Neighborhoods like South Tacoma, Eastside, and parts of Central Tacoma tend to have higher instances of both violent and property crimes based on police data. Newcomers to Tacoma should be especially cautious in these areas.
Conclusion
Living in a safe neighborhood is a priority for many homebuyers and renters. While no community is immune from crime, extensive research helps identify the lowest-crime areas within a city. In Tacoma, neighborhoods like Northeast Tacoma, North End, West End, and parts of South End provide an optimal balance of security, community engagement, and amenities. Understanding the factors that make these neighborhoods safer places to live and raise families can aid in making the best housing decision for you.