Central - Tacoma, WA

Starting off as land inhabited by American Indians, Tacoma has grown into a flourishing business center for the state of Washington. The city of Tacoma was established in 1884 when Old Tacoma and New Tacoma merged as one. The city was known as the "City of Destiny," which was only encouraged by the Northern Pacific Railroad. The railroad attracted many more residents. While the Central neighborhood remains more laid back than its adjoining neighborhoods, it definitely doesn't lack in showcasing its history. Take a tour on the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad to experience a little more of Tacoma's historical value or join in on one of the neighborhood's annual events such as the Tacoma Craft Beer Festival.

Throughout the Central neighborhood, locals often take advantage of the many diners and food establishments. You can find any type of cuisine, from American classics to authentic foreign dishes without having to head to the center of the metropolis. Southern Kitchen Restaurant, which has won "The Bite of Seattle 1st Place Best Entree & Dessert" award three years in a row, has been a neighborhood favorite since 1995 when owner Gloria Martin began sharing her family's recipes. The menu includes reasonably priced dishes that include soul food options such as bread pudding, macaroni and cheese, peach cobbler, and tempting blends of lemonade. The homey, cheerful atmosphere and brightly colored dining room make it impossible to leave unhappy. On 6th Avenue, just down the way from Southern Kitchen and intertwined with many other dining options, sits Dirty Oscar's Annex. This gastropub opened its doors in 2010 and has been popular ever since. Sit down in the casual atmosphere while you sip on a cocktail made by one of the mixologists, or dine on some of the eclectic breakfast options such as elk hash, Dead Elvis French Toast, or apple-wood smoked salmon eggs Benedict for under $15 a dish. This restaurant only allows patrons 21 and over. If you find yourself craving a stacked deli sandwich, head to the far east side of the neighborhood to South 11th Street where you find Peterson Bros. 1111. Check out the variety of hot and cold sandwich options featured on the menu. For less than $10, you can fill your stomach with a chicken pesto hoagie, a turkey bacon melt, the famous Parkers meatball hero, or numerous other selections. All sandwiches come with chips and a pickle. Dive bars and pubs sit along 6th Avenue intermixed with shops and restaurants. Head further north to North 1st Street to find one of the neighborhood's hidden gems, Parkway Tavern. A large craft beer selection, shuffleboard and pool make this the place to hang at night. The dimly lit and overly decorated bar provide an interesting environment, perfect for gathering with friends.

Public transit that starts in the metropolis of Tacoma can ultimately take you almost anywhere you need to go. For instance, the Tacoma LINK Light Rail has many stations downtown, just minutes away with routes that take you all over the city. Cab services provide efficient transport whenever you call upon them. Uber covers the entire city and provides relatively cheap fare. The cost to get from the Central neighborhood to Seattle remains around $55 to $75 for the standard UberX ride. Otherwise, walking, biking or even driving around Tacoma and the Central neighborhood remain easy with its many sidewalks, quiet streets, and the faster routes such as I-705 and I-5 which can take you further north or south.

From small grassy areas with playgrounds to parks with hiking trails, Central has many wonderful park areas. Franklin Park in particular has always remained a favorite for families and individuals in the neighborhood. Walking trails, playgrounds, athletic fields and even a large splash area provide outdoor fun for all ages. Enjoy a picnic and the excitement the park brings. Take a ride on the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad or head downtown for one of the many museums to experience the culture of Tacoma. Downtown you can find the LeMay America's Car Museum, Chihuly Bridge of Glass, Washington State History Museum, and an abundance of other museums for art and history.

The cost of living in Central remains lower than most of the other eight neighborhoods within Tacoma's borders. A one-bedroom apartment in the neighborhood averages about $850 per month. Meals at one of the many restaurants average at around $14 per plate, while a cold brew will run at about $4 a pint. Take the Amtrak from Central Tacoma to Seattle's King Street Station for $27 with coach seat reservations. Fuel costs in Central and the rest of Tacoma steadily remain over the nation's average by about $0.06, if you prefer to travel by private vehicle.

Along 6th Avenue sits many of the Central neighborhood's shops and boutiques. You can find anything from vintage wear to hobby shops here, with many well-known brand name stores south or east of the neighborhood. For videogames, books, magazines and music, check out a local favorite, The Nearsighted Narwhal . The shop also features many free events including readings, shows and presentations. Local artists even sell their artwork and handmade items at the store. The variety of collectibles and gifts make this a one-stop shop for many. The retro wear sold at Nine Lives Vintage Wears appeals to a lot of the hip young women in Central. Find reasonably priced clothing and accessories stacked and hung all over the boutique. You can also find one-of-a-kind vintage decor and antiques for the home. This hidden gem even accepts items on consignment, but call before you come with anything because items may not be accepted if the shop already has a full inventory. Markets and grocery stores sit everywhere within the neighborhood, but primarily on 6th Avenue. Some of the main grocery stores in the vicinity include Metropolitan Market, Terra Organics and Safeway. Finding all household and edible items for the home remains easy regardless of where your home rests within the Central neighborhood. The 6th Avenue Farmers Market provides the neighborhood with fresh produce, seafood, dairy and meat. Even fresh flowers and handmade items can be purchased. Vendors from all over Washington gather every Tuesday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. from May 5 to September 29.