tacoma neighborhoods (Seattle, Federal Way, University Place: crime rate, homes, safest neighborhood)

[everwinter]

Sumner or South Prairie. You can get to downtown fairly quickly & they have a real nice running/walking path for you.

Pierce County Foothills Trail

Also they're closer to the mountains, and you'll have room to breathe & play.

[chazbabylon]

It's really very simple. If you want to move to Tacoma and you prefer the suburban climate, then go to Brown's Point or anywhere else on the northeast side. If you prefer a more urban feel, then stick to the North End (Old Town, Stadium District, Yakima Hill, Prospect Hill, etc.)

I hear Hilltop is not that bad anymore (but I don't have any experience with this area) and downtown is beautiful (just be aware of those around you).

There are those who say University Place and Puyallup are OK, but I prefer a city climate so I wouldn't know.

My advice: stay away from the east side of I-5 and pay a little more for your rent in the North End. It's worth it.

[Randy@Tacoma]

Well put.

Tacoma is a city. Come on people. There are 200,000 of us. I've never been robbed, mugged, shot (or even heard gun shots fired, etc.) and I've lived in the Hilltop for the last 4 years. Love it! I'm a student and the UW Tacoma downtown. This is a great place if you like mid sized cities with character. Don't expect the energy of Seattle, nor the crime of L.A. or Oakland. There are rough pockets, but just make an informed decision about where you move to. Its simple: check the area out first. Don't base your decision solely on statistics, after all, the stats you'll find are 9 years old. A lot happens in that amount of time. Within 9 years, the Hilltop has become a relatively attractive neighborhood for example.

Tacoma's wonderful. Come and experience it with us!

[BERKELEY BOI]

cOME ON TACOMA ? ISNT SCARY

[gametaipan]

is the salihan neighbourhood scary? i was going to buy a home by this area:

E 47th Street Tacoma, WA 98404

Please tell me if i am making the biggest mistake of my life...

[Jake840]

I have a friend who purchased a home in Salishan years ago. I will ask him how things are going in there.

[Jake840]

I haven't talked to my friend yet but I can give you some info. I grew up in East Tacoma and went to school near Salishan. I can tell you that it is a lot different then how it use to be. There used to be some big gang problems when I was younger but you don't really hear about that now.

Here is an article in the NY Times about the neighborhood: In Tacoma, a Residential Rebirth

As for crime here are some official stats for the past 12 months to compare Salishan to Proctor District. I use Proctor because it is pretty well know and desirable area.

Salishan:
Violent Crime:31
Property Crime:223
Drug Crimes: 7
Warrant Arrest, Fraud, Traffic: 134
Other: 8
Total: 403

Proctor:
Violent Crime:26
Property Crime:435
Drug Crimes: 12
Warrant Arrest, Fraud, Traffic: 170
Other: 5
Total: 648

Of course you have to take into consideration that most of Salishan is currently vacant due to the redo of the neighborhood. The 1/2 mile radius I used does go outsie of Salishan as well.

[gametaipan]

thank you for the response, i went ahead and bid on the property, if u have more info after talking to your friend please update me here. Thanks

[VelcroQueen]

Salishan used to be the housing-dregs of Tacoma, but it is changing. Keep in mind that I said "changing" -- presently. There is still trouble there, but it is improving steadily. The Proctor neighborhood was once a wonderful place, but it has become troubled in the last few years, while some of it still remains a haven from most crime.

[Randy@Tacoma]

Proctor, trouble? Blasphemy! No offense, but its THE best part of town. Salishan - Now, I agree, its an area in transition. The new development is truly stunning! If you bought a house there, you're in great shape! (I'm an Urban Studies major at the University of Washington Tacoma - I can speak about our fair city with some credibility) But generally, the Eastside is the most troubled part of the city. They're trying, but I'm skeptical (with the exception of Salishan again... Magnificent place!)