AI-Scored Rankings • Updated 2026-04-03

Best Apartments in Tacoma, WA — Scored by AI

ListWise scores every Tacoma neighborhood on safety, walkability, schools, commute time, and rental value. See which areas actually match your lifestyle — not just what's cheapest.

$1,700/mo
Median Rent
219,346
Population
8
Neighborhoods Scored
MultiCare Health System
Top Employer
Local Insights

Why Tacoma? What Renters Need to Know

Tacoma's median rent is around $1,700/month — considerably less than Seattle 30 miles north. The North End and Proctor District command $1,850-$1,900 for Tacoma's best neighborhoods, while the South End and Hilltop offer lower-cost options with higher trade-offs.

Quick Facts

Population 219,346
Median Rent $1,700/mo
Top Employer MultiCare Health System
Neighborhoods 8 scored by AI
Rent vs. National$1,700 vs $1,500 national median

Rent Comparison

Tacoma median rent is $200 above the national median of $1,500/mo.

Largest Employer

The largest employer in Tacoma is MultiCare Health System, making the North End area and nearby neighborhoods popular for commuters looking to minimize travel time.

Top Neighborhoods

Top Neighborhoods in Tacoma

Ranked by ListWise's composite AI score. Top 3 shown free — unlock all 8 for the full picture.

#1

North End

Score: 88/100
Safety B+
Walk Score 68
Avg Rent $1,900
Schools 8/10
#2

Stadium District

Score: 85/100
Safety B+
Walk Score 72
Avg Rent $1,800
Schools 7/10
#3

Proctor District

Score: 87/100
Safety B+
Walk Score 75
Avg Rent $1,850
Schools 8/10

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#4

Hilltop

Score: 62/100
Safety C
Walk Score 70
Avg Rent $1,300
Schools 4/10
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#5

Ruston

Score: 84/100
Safety B+
Walk Score 55
Avg Rent $1,750
Schools 8/10
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#6

South End

Score: 68/100
Safety C+
Walk Score 52
Avg Rent $1,400
Schools 4/10
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#7

Fircrest

Score: 86/100
Safety B+
Walk Score 48
Avg Rent $1,800
Schools 8/10
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#8

University Place

Score: 83/100
Safety B+
Walk Score 42
Avg Rent $1,700
Schools 7/10
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See All 8 Tacoma Neighborhoods Ranked

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How It Works

How ListWise Scores Tacoma Apartments

1

Tell Us Your Priorities

Rank what matters: safety, schools, walkability, commute, budget, nightlife. Every Tacoma renter is different.

2

AI Scores Every Listing

We pull real-time data from MLS, crime stats, school ratings, transit APIs, and walk score databases for Tacoma.

3

Get Your Ranked List

Receive a PDF + Excel report with Tacoma properties ranked by YOUR priorities. Delivered within 24 hours.

FAQ

Frequently Asked About Tacoma

What is the average rent in Tacoma?

Tacoma's median rent is around $1,700/month — considerably less than Seattle 30 miles north. The North End and Proctor District command $1,850-$1,900 for Tacoma's best neighborhoods, while the South End and Hilltop offer lower-cost options with higher trade-offs.

Is Tacoma a good alternative to Seattle?

Tacoma has become an increasingly popular Seattle alternative, offering dramatically lower housing costs while maintaining Puget Sound access and Sounder commuter rail service to Seattle (about 45 minutes). The city's arts scene and food culture have improved considerably, and the Museum of Glass is a world-class attraction.

How is Tacoma's reputation changing?

Tacoma has worked hard to overcome its historical 'Aroma of Tacoma' (from former industrial smells) reputation. Downtown revitalization, the UW Tacoma campus, cultural investments including the Tacoma Art Museum, and significant real estate appreciation signal genuine transformation — though some neighborhoods still have significant challenges.

What is the commute from Tacoma to Seattle like?

Sounder North commuter rail runs between Tacoma and Seattle, taking about 55 minutes. I-5 driving can take 45-90+ minutes depending on traffic. Many Tacoma residents working in Seattle use park-and-ride options or hybrid work arrangements to manage the commute.

What are Tacoma's outdoor advantages?

Tacoma's position on Commencement Bay gives residents direct access to Puget Sound for kayaking, sailing, and wildlife viewing. Mount Rainier National Park is about 60 miles east. Point Defiance Park — one of the largest urban parks in the US — offers 700 acres of trails and a zoo within city limits.

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Data is for informational purposes only. Verify all information independently before making housing decisions.