Tacoma traffic and Hilltop safety questions (Fircrest, Ruston: rental, crime, house)

[chickenballz]

Thanks to everyone that has answered my previous questions, but of course it leads to more questions. It looks like we may end up renting in Tacoma for the time being. My wife will probably end up going to the Tacoma Dome station to commuting into the city.

So we've been looking at the area and have been trying to figure out how long does it take to drive to the Tacoma Dome station during rush hour (and vice-versa). Google maps indicate it's pretty close to 15min whether it be Fircrest, North Tacoma, Procter, or West Tacoma. Is that accurate? How's Rte 16 and Ruston Way during rush hour (again just to get to the Dome).

Also there has been a bunch of posting with regards to Hilltop being an up and coming area. I've spoken with someone that lives there and definitely recommends living in Hilltop. I've also spoken with someone living in N Tacoma that says the reverse (although the individual did state it's much better than the 90's). Someone on this board also says the further south you go in Hilltop, the more quiet (I assume aka residential) it gets. Just wanted to see if people walk their dogs later in the evening and the likes with regards to safety (especially near the S 25th St and S M St area).

[chickenballz]

Bunch of views, but no comments?

[southking500]

I used to live in Tacoma, not far from the Hilltop. I had no problem walking around there during daylight hours, but I don't think it is that safe after dark. I also knew a few people who lived there without incident, but there were definitely issues with gangs, shootings, muggings etc.

Have you considered the Stadium District? The area above 3rd is the best. It's an easy walk down to the light rail that takes you directly to the Dome Station.

Tacoma's reputation as crime hotbed is overstated in my opinion. In the time I lived there I was never victimized or even felt threatened or unsafe. Just use your "street smarts" aka common sense.

[Chris Meyers]

Hilltop? Hilltop has had shootings and murders regularly for coming on 30 years!! Who would ever consider Hilltop for a new resident? Im just shocked that its even being mentioned heh.

[mkarch]

Originally Posted by chickenballz

Bunch of views, but no comments?

It's not an area most are familiar with aside from being fully engulfed in of the crack epidemic of the 80's. Local news used to lead with stories of shootings on the Hilltop for the better part of a decade. It certainly isn't that bad anymore but it hasn't gentrified a whole lot either. It's still seen as a less desirable place to live within Tacoma.

[DevanXL]

Hilltop area is getting better. Actually my family just sold a house there for over $200,000! More young people are moving to the area. Stadium district has a few restaurants and things to do. As for Safety, during the day you are completely safe but like in many cities, the riff-raff comes out at night. Be safe and smart. Don't leave doors unlocked, Walk around alone at night, stay out of sketchy neighborhoods, and keep your home lit. There are more property theft in hilltop then anything anymore. Invest into a security system. But besides basic household precautions you should be fine.

[chickenballz]

Thanks guys for the safety info. Anyone has input on the travel time/traffic info?

[CrazyDonkey]

I'd guess 10-15 minutes? It's not far to the Tacoma Dome:



The light rail to the Tacoma Dome Station is free, if you can find a rental close to a stop (runs every 12 minutes during the day):

[okawaa]

There are gangs in Hilltop. 23rd and MLK is particularly bad. M Street is known as Murder Street. There are gang beatdowns and drive-by shootings. Is it better than 1987? Yes.