District Profiles

Dome District
The Dome District is a diverse mix of retail, industry, and public facilities. Come here to find a quick bite to eat, your favorite tattoo, antiques, motorcycles and so much more. The Tacoma Dome, Pierce Transit’s Tacoma Dome Station, Sound Transit’s Commuter Rail and Amtrak can all be found here in addition to Tacoma’s well loved “Freighthouse Square” retail complex and the Tacoma Used Book Center.

Fern Hill Historic Business District
The center of the Fern Hill District is located at South 84th and Park Street. It is located on one of Tacoma’s first trolley lines. This district brings old world charm to the surrounding neighborhood with classic brick buildings and down home friendliness. An historic walking tour has been created for the area with copies available and Linda’s Used Books or through the Historic Preservation Office.

Hilltop Business District
Hilltop is located in the heart of Tacoma above the downtown. It is a quick and convenient spot to pick up a last minute gift, box of chocolates, drug store item, or grab a bite for lunch with choices ranging from barbecue to Thai to Vietnamese to hot bowls of Noodle Soup. Hilltop is also one of the oldest residential areas in Tacoma and historic walking tour maps are available through the Historic Preservation Office. Columbia Bank, Key Bank, The Evergreen Stage College, Multi Care and St. Joseph’s hospital are located here on the hill.

Lincoln International Business District
The Lincoln International Business District is centered at S. 38th Street and Yakima Avenue. The area is a pleasing mix of long time family owned businesses such as Lincoln Hardware and Lincoln Pharmacy. The district has a growing international presence with the TET New Year Festival, fabulous international cuisine, exotic foods and gifts. The district is bordered by beautiful Lincoln Park and historic Lincoln High School.

Old Town Business And Professional District
Old Town, located at the bottom of 30th hill and along Ruston Way is the birthplace of Tacoma and it is no wonder Job Carr settled here with the waterfront and spectacular views. Visitor’s can tour the Job Carr cabin museum in Old Town Park. The original charm persists among local merchants who can meet your needs for flowers, jewelry and unique gifts. There is a host of dining experiences from Tacoma’s oldest saloon, the Spar, to hot spots along the waterfront, and cozy eateries in the heart of the district.

Pacific Avenue Business District
A culturally diverse neighborhood, Pacific Avenue Business District is full of colorful buildings housing a variety of grocery stores, restaurants and other businesses. See your dentist, visit your veterinarian, stop by the library, fill a prescription, or enjoy a meal. Our annual Festival held 2nd Saturday in June invites neighbors and residents of all surrounding areas to meet local artists and craftspeople,sample delicious foods,see a classic car show, and meet new friends.

Portland Avenue Business District
An emerging neighborhood business area, the Lower Portland District is found along Portland Avenue from I-5 to East 44th Street. Partnerships with the Puyallup Tribe are bringing Native American art to the district and the Portland Avenue Community Center and Park provide wonderful open space and recreational opportunities for Tacoma residents.

Proctor Business District
The Proctor District begins on North 24th Street on Proctor in the center of Tacoma’s North End. One of the first established business districts, Proctor is known for its quality retail, family friendliness and great restaurants. Large upscale grocers serve as the anchor tenants to a locally grown mix of quality retail and restaurants. Blue Mouse Theater and Chalet Bowl are entertainment favorites of Tacoma families.

Sixth Avenue Business District
The Sixth Avenue Business District is located between Sprague and Proctor along Sixth Avenue. Eclectic truly defines this district with its coffee shops, doggie daycare, music and record stores, lumber yard, tattoo parlors, fast food and fine dining restaurants. Sixth Avenue is a hot spot at night with quality musical entertainment with local clubs and a wide array of dining choices. The Ave is an area you don’t want to miss day or night.

South Tacoma Business District
The South Tacoma Business District is an historic shopping area that’s been serving Tacoma’s needs for generations. You can find almost any type of merchandise or service along South Tacoma Way from 46th to 68th street, from printing, home security, ballet and dance lessons and family restaurants. This district is regionally famous for its auto row and specialty automotive shops. Pay homage to the car with the annual hot rod show and street fair.

Stadium Historical Business District
Located north of downtown, the Stadium Historic Business District is located in the heart of the city’s fascinating and historic North End neighborhood. The district is home to the incredible architecture of Stadium High School and the beauty of Wright Park and the Seymore Conservatory. Ranko’s Pharmacy, the Harvester, Ball Automotive and Stadium Thriftway are long time Stadium district businesses that have been serving their neighbors and Tacoma residents with quality service for a long, long time.

Ruston Pt. Defiance
Ruston Pt Defiance Business District is the city’s gateway to one of the nation’s largest municipal parks. At the entrance to Pt Defiance Park, this neighborhood district has the distinction of being our northernmost business district—it is also the only one located in the City of Tacoma and in the Town of Ruston. Situated along both sides of North Pearl Street, you’d never know it straddles the boundary between the two municipalities—you will feel right at home on either side of the street! Find Ruston Pt Defiance from the south by heading north on Pearl St. from State Route 16; from the south east by following Ruston Way along the waterfront until you reach the Town of Ruston.

Tacoma Narrows
The gateway to Tacoma across the double bridge is the Tacoma Narrows Business District. This fairly new district is located at the western most end of Sixth Avenue, between Mildred and Jackson. With breathtaking views of Narrows Passage, as well as the two Narrows Bridges, this district offers as much is visual beauty as it does in local business offerings. Tacoma Narrows gives you convenience—you can gas up and grab a drive through mocha; or slow paced enjoyment—slow cooked bar-beque, a leisurely walk in the park, or a wine tasting before the play. Whatever your tastes, you will find them in this gateway district.