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Tacoma Real Estate

Affordable Puget Sound entry point with waterfront properties, historic neighborhoods, and growing arts scene. Strong value with steady appreciation.

Median Price
$465,000
AVM Value
$480,000
Sales (12M)
2,800
Trend
up+2.5%

Market Analysis

Median Home Price
$465,000
AVM: $480,000
Sales (12 Months)
2,800
Properties sold
Days on Market
28
Average
Price Trend
up
+2.5% YoY

Market Forecast

Steady appreciation expected with affordability attracting buyers from Seattle. Growing arts scene and revitalization support property values.

Last updated: January 1, 2025

What Drives Property Values

Waterfront Access

High Impact

Properties with Puget Sound views or waterfront access command premium prices.

Historic Neighborhoods

High Impact

Historic homes with character and modern updates are highly sought after.

Proximity to Seattle

High Impact

Affordable alternative to Seattle with easy commute attracts buyers seeking value.

Growing Arts Scene

Medium Impact

Revitalization and growing arts scene enhance property values and community appeal.

Port and Military Economy

High Impact

Stable economy driven by Port of Tacoma and Joint Base Lewis-McChord supports property values.

Sought-After Amenities & ROI Impact

interior Amenities

Renovated Historic Homes

high demand
ROI Impact
85-95% ROI on historic renovations

Modern Kitchens

high demand
ROI Impact
70-80% ROI on kitchen updates

Modern Updates

high demand
ROI Impact
70-80% ROI on interior updates

location Amenities

Waterfront Views

high demand
ROI Impact
25-35% premium for Sound views

Cultural Attractions

medium demand
ROI Impact
5-10% premium for cultural access

technology Amenities

Energy-Efficient Features

medium demand
ROI Impact
65-75% ROI on energy improvements

Location Factors

Economy

Major Employers

  • Port of Tacoma
  • Joint Base Lewis-McChord
  • MultiCare Health System
  • Tacoma Public Schools
  • University of Washington Tacoma
  • State of Washington

Industries

Port and LogisticsMilitaryHealthcareEducationGovernmentManufacturing

Economic Stability: Stable economy with diverse employment base including port, military, healthcare, and education. Growing arts and culture scene.

Commute & Transportation

Average Commute Time

20-30 minutes locally, 45-60 minutes to Seattle

Transportation Options

  • Pierce Transit
  • Sound Transit (connections to Seattle)
  • Tacoma Link (light rail)
  • Highway access (I-5)
  • Sea-Tac Airport (30 minutes)

Proximity: 30 miles to Seattle, 3 hours to Portland

Schools

District Rating

B+ rating

Notable Schools

  • Stadium High School
  • Wilson High School
  • Tacoma School of the Arts
  • Various private schools

Higher Education

  • University of Washington Tacoma
  • Pacific Lutheran University
  • Tacoma Community College

Demographics

Population

220,000+

Median Age

35 years

Lifestyle

Diverse, arts-focused community with historic charm, waterfront access, and growing cultural scene

Neighborhood Insights

North End

Historic area with charming homes, waterfront views, and vibrant community.

Characteristics

  • Historic charm
  • Waterfront views
  • Vibrant community
  • Walkable
  • Cultural attractions

Price Range

$500,000 - $1,000,000

Lifestyle: Ideal for those seeking historic charm and waterfront access

Proctor District

Walkable neighborhood with local shops, restaurants, and community feel.

Characteristics

  • Walkable
  • Local shops
  • Community feel
  • Good restaurants
  • Family-friendly

Price Range

$450,000 - $850,000

Lifestyle: Urban living with community amenities

Downtown Tacoma

Revitalized downtown with cultural attractions, museums, and growing residential options.

Characteristics

  • Cultural attractions
  • Museums
  • Growing residential
  • Urban amenities
  • Historic buildings

Price Range

$300,000 - $700,000

Lifestyle: Urban living with cultural amenities

Investment Opportunities

Rental Market

Average Rent

$1,600 - $2,400/month

Rental Yield

4.0-5.0%

Demand

high demand

Appreciation Potential

Potential

medium-high potential

Historical Rate

2-3% annually

Steady 2-3% annual appreciation expected with affordability attracting buyers from Seattle

Equity Statistics

High Equity Homes

65%

Homes with over 50% equity

Fully Paid Off

22,000 properties

Good equity position with steady appreciation

Investment Strategy

Strong value proposition with affordability. Focus on historic homes with renovation potential. Rental demand is strong from military and port workers. Waterfront properties offer highest appreciation potential.

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