South Tacoma, Washington

South Tacoma, Washington is generally bordered by Highway 16 and I-5 (the "South End" is distinct from "South Tacoma"). South Tacoma is primarily residential, which is unusual for Tacoma with its mixed neighborhoods (50% of South Tacoma is residential ; Tacoma's residential average is 31%). Industrial employment originally around the Northern Pacific Railroad and rail yards created a community which has preserved the original character and architecture of these 20th-century neighborhoods. 

Known as an area with affordable, historic homes, South Tacoma is predominantly compromised of ethnically and socioeconomically diverse neighborhoods of  owner-occupied single-family homes. South Tacoma contains several historical residential neighborhoods: Oakland / Madrona, South Tacoma, Lincoln Heights, Madison, Gray-Edison, Arlington, Manitou, and Orchard. The Lincoln and McKinley Hill, one of Tacoma's oldest neighborhoods, areas offer wonderful downtown views.

Wapato Park, in South Tacoma, receives thousands of visitors a year. Named for a small wild potato, Wapato Park offers beautiful gardens and expansive areas for picnicking and boating. Nearby  Point Defiance Park, at 702 acres, is one of the largest urban parks in the United States. Featuring a stand of old-growth forest, an actual Washington State Ferries ferry dock, a Carousel, the living history museum Fort Nisqually, a zoo, an aquarium, a marina, go-carts, batting cages, hiking trails, a Logging Museum, sports, aquatics, classes and activities.

South Tacoma's business district is a motor enthusiast's dream, from custom motorcycles to car dealerships. Specialty retail stores and boutiques are also part of the Mall in South Tacoma.

Mount Tahoma High School opened a brand new building in South Tacoma in the fall of 2004, and McKinley Park is getting a major remodel. There are plans for improved landscaping along the roads and for an art-and-music walking tour. Light rail is the way to travel here, and the Mall is the place to go - South Tacoma's neighborhoods are safe, affordable, and family-friendly.