Let’s get into it…

Pierce County Neighborhood Guide

Hilltop

Overview: Hilltop sits at the top of the Tacoma hills, running from the I-5/Highway 16 interchange and Sprague Ave exit, north up Sprague to 6th Ave, and east to Tacoma Ave before the area transitions into Downtown Tacoma. Central Tacoma borders it to the west. The area is well known for its freeway and thoroughfare access and its proximity to Tacoma’s hospitals.

Restaurants & Businesses

Red Elm Cafe
Fulcrum
Luv.a.Latte
Quickie Too
Huckleberry Club
Le-Le’s MLK Restaurant
Mimi’s Teriyaki
Fish House Cafe
The Camp Bar
Chez Lafayette Creole Brasserie

Go Philly Cheesesteaks & Wings
Cactus
Dreamer Ice Cream
Burger Seoul
Queer Stability
OBK (On Bended Knee) Winery
Ropa Vintage Clothing Store
Tacoma Tool Library

Parks

People’s Park
Irving Park
Ferry Park
Edna Travis Park

Schools

Stanley Elementary
Edna Travis Elementary
Hilltop Heritage Middle School

Higher Education

Bates Technical College (Downtown Campus)

Community Features

Pierce County Courthouse
Tacoma Public Library
St. Joseph Medical Center
Tacoma General Hospital
Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital
People’s Community Center & Pool

Arts & Culture

Hilltop Artists
Rad Ceramics
Dome District Gallery
Artsi Creative Space
Murals along MLK Jr. Way, including works by Hilltop Community Leaders, the MLK Way apartment mural, and the Malcolm X Center mural

Architecture & Housing Stock

Hilltop has a wide variety of housing, from century-old homes to brand-new builds — late 19th-century Victorian homes, historic commercial brick storefronts, and modern multi-family developments.

Proctor District

Overview: Proctor District’s liveliest business activity centers around the N 26th and Proctor St intersection. Cross Orchard St to the west and you’re heading into the Pearl Street neighborhood; go east past Alder St and you’re in the Stadium District. N 6th Ave marks the boundary between North and South Tacoma to the south, and the small township of Ruston sits just to the northwest. The draw of Proctor is its well-lined tree streets and walkable “city-center” feel, which give it a small-town character while still being close to amenities like the Tacoma Mall and freeway access. Proctor is also home to a Metropolitan Market, known for its specialty and premium grocery selection.