Proctor District North Tacoma
When the Hume brothers were growing up, our cousins—who were also our best buddies—lived in the Proctor neighborhood. I loved visiting them. Even as a kid, I could sense that Proctor had good vibes—vibes I’ll try to unpack for you. My brother Matt was probably soaking in those same late-’70s, early-’80s vibes. He lives in Proctor now and absolutely loves it.
Proctor is one of those places people are just drawn to. It’s walkable. It’s got personality. And it feels like a real community—like one of those idyllic small towns you’d see on a show like Gilmore Girls. But it’s not for everyone, so let’s break it down.
The Homes
The Proctor District sits in North Tacoma. It’s known for its early 20th-century homes—think Craftsman style, original millwork, charming front porches, and lush mature landscaping. If Stars Hollow had a real-world cousin, it’d be Proctor. Its heart beats around 26th and Proctor Streets, where there are coffee shops on two of the four corners—and yes, people actually hang out there.
Metropolitan Market is technically a grocery store, but calling it that almost feels like underselling it. You walk in through fresh-cut flowers. There are artisan cheeses, baked goods fresh out of the oven, and friendly faces all around. They really do it right.
As I mentioned, Proctor is extremely walkable. My brother barely touches his car on weekends. Saturday farmers markets—when it’s warm—bring in local produce, flowers, crafts, and music. It’s the kind of place where you run into friends and end up having long, relaxed conversations.
Some Local Gems in Proctor
Across the street from the Market is the Blue Mouse Theater, a beloved local gem. It’s a single-screen movie house that opened in 1923—making it one of Washington’s oldest continually operating cinemas. It’s got vintage neon, a cozy balcony, and that perfectly creaky charm that only time can bestow. It hosts indie films, classic flicks, and legendary Rocky Horror Picture Show screenings that have been going on for decades.
There’s an old-school bowling alley in Proctor. A wine bar, of course. You’ll see joggers, strollers, dog walkers—it’s lively, but never hectic. For dining out, you’ve got restaurants like Cactus and Ice Cream Social.
Downsides
But no neighborhood is perfect. Let’s talk about the trade-offs. First, price. Homes in Proctor are expensive. You’re paying for the charm, the location, and the walkability. It’s a small neighborhood, so when a well-cared-for home hits the market, it often goes quickly and with multiple offers. If your heart’s set on Proctor, be ready to move fast.
And, of course, these charming old homes need maintenance. Knob-and-tube wiring, old plumbing, aging sewer lines—those quirks come with the territory. It’s all part of living in a neighborhood with this much personality.
