South Tacoma - Tacoma, WA Area Guide

South Tacoma became an official part of Tacoma in 1891, subsequently experiencing substantial growth during the automobile era. The area quickly became a hub for automotive companies, and is still known today for housing a large number of car dealerships.

In the 1960s, South Tacoma constructed the Tacoma mall, attracting the attention of national retailers and shoppers. Since the installation of Interstate-5, South Tacoma has experienced substantial growth and a higher influx of people.

The Museum of Glass of is a must-see. With live glass-blowing, rotating art exhibitions and educational programs, the experience is unlike any other.

The annual Tacoma Jazz and Blues Festival is held every summer with live performances on four different stages and a beer garden to help you quench your thirst. The artist line-up features varying one-of-a-kind musicians performing to honor the history of jazz and blues in the area.

There are a number of notable pubs, bars, and eateries throughout South Tacoma. One of the local favorites is Marrow Kitchen and Bar, specializing in seasonal Northwest cuisine. Marrow is especially known for their unique, often edgy, dishes that are an explosion of taste. Many diners come for the specialty cocktails that while pricey, make up for their cost in creativity and refinement. When you taste one of the locations more popular dishes, you will understand the restaurant's namesake. The unrivaled taste of the bone marrow is one that puts this restaurant into the running of one of the best places to dine in Tacoma. Marrow is also known for serving one of the juiciest burgers in town.

If you are craving a steaming, aromatic Americano and a good book, stop by Bertolino's Coffee House day or night. This local hangout is open 24 hours a day and features a menu full of delicious coffee beverages with some of the lowest prices you'll find in South Tacoma. While South Tacoma does not have much of a bar scene, Downtown Tacoma is only four miles away, and will stir up excitement in those looking for nightlife.

When it comes to transportation, the majority of South Tacoma's residents find it most convenient to drive to their destinations. However, public transportation options are still readily accessible and reliable in this neighborhood. The Tacoma Link Light Rail serves 1.6 miles in through downtown Tacoma. The Tacoma Dome station is the nearest station to South Tacoma, serving as the southern starting point for the light rail. From here, residents and visitors can take the light rail all the way to the theatre district at which point the service terminates. The transportation is free to everyone, however fares will be charged beginning in September of 2016.

Interstate-5 runs directly through South Tacoma providing a quick and easy commute 35 miles north to Seattle providing access to the city and SeaTac airport.

In September of 2014 the Tacoma area unveiled a new and improved system aimed at making the town more bike and pedestrian friendly. This project included putting up signs and markings on 13 miles of roads to designate bike lanes and crosswalks.

For quicker, more direct transportation options try prearranging service with a local cab company or using Uber.

Neighborhood residents enjoy the amenities of nearby Wapato Park, one of the best parks in the area. The grounds are beautifully maintained, with a serene lake as the focal point. Visitors can walk or run around on a path that follows the perimeter of the lake, and take in the views and natural wildlife. There is a playground for kids to enjoy and an off-leash dog park for your four-legged friends.

If you head a few miles east of the neighborhood, you will come across Swan Creek Park. With a total of 373-acres, this park is an outdoor enthusiasts dream. Hike along the stream and gaze down at the salmon swimming and splashing about. Swan Creek proudly offers Tacoma's only mountain biking trails for riders of all ability levels. You are also invited to take part in the community garden.

South Tacoma residents benefit from a lower cost of living than the majority of the surrounding neighborhoods. The neighborhood make-up includes mostly small rental properties and medium-sized single family homes. The average monthly rental rate is $820 per month, lower than over 70% of neighborhoods in the state of Washington. The cost of gas in South Tacoma is significantly lower than the prices you will find in Seattle, but remain consistent with the national average.

If you order a domestic beer in a local bar, expect to pay around $3.50. For imports, prices run closer to $5.

Home to Tacoma Mall, this neighborhood boasts one of the best shopping centers in the area. With 150 stores and restaurants, shoppers have a lot of options to keep them busy. Expect high-end stores like Nordstrom and more affordable retail options like H&M. The mall has tech lovers covered with Apple and Gamestop. Once you work up an appetite from a full afternoon of shopping, grab some lunch at BJ's Restaurant and Brewery or the Blazing Onion Burger Company.

For everyday shopping needs, there are a number of different options located through South Tacoma. For basic grocery needs you will find Trader Joe's and Safeway. If you prefer gourmet markets, check out Marlene's Natural Foods Market & Deli.

From June to September, the Tacoma Farmers Market comes to South Tacoma every Sunday. The market is a great place to purchase locally grown fruits, vegetables, and flowers. You will also find live entertainment and arts and craft vendors, the perfect setting for a family outing.