Neighborhood Profile: McKinley/Eastside
Like many areas of Tacoma, the McKinley Hill/Eastside neighborhood is on the upswing after a period of urban decline in the 1960s and 70s. Bordered to the north by Interstate 5, Pacific Avenue to the west, and reaching as far south as 72nd street, the area encompasses nearly seven square miles. Construction of a streetcar line and close proximity to the termination of the Northern Pacific Railroad made the McKinley Hill area an attractive location at the turn of the century. Today, new generations are discovering the area’s charming historic houses and the neighborhood is undergoing significant revitalization. In 2010, it was named one of the best neighborhoods in the country to buy an old house in by This Old House and preservationdirectory.com.
Post Defiance spent a weekend enjoying the facets of this vibrant and interesting community. Check out highlights of the neighborhood below.
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- McKinley Hill’s location afford it some of the best views the city has to offer. The upper portions of the neighborhood have sweeping views of Mount Rainier on clear days.
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- The north end of the neighborhood boasts views of Tacoma’s downtown skyline and port areas.
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- Stanley & Seaforts (115 E 34th Street) is a great spot to take in arguably the best view of the city while enjoying upscale happy hour fare.
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- Like many of the neighborhoods in Tacoma, McKinley is filled with charming older homes.
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- Many of the houses were constructed between the 1890s and the 1920s, with styles ranging from Victorian to Craftsman.
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- Towards the southern end of the neighborhood newer construction is tucked between the historic neighborhoods. Cul-de-sacs and subdivisions give these neighborhoods a more suburban feel than the typical grid layout of the older neighborhoods.
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- Cultural diversity: McKinley is shaped by its cultural diversity. Buddhist community and meditation centers are situated beside apartment complexes.
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- McKinley Park (907 Upper Park Street and 500 E McKinley Way) is a 26.7 acre park that was given to the city as a gift in 1901 by the Tacoma Land and Improvement Company. It contains a newly revamped playground and skate park, and hiking trails.
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- Within the past couple years, an off-leash dog area was designated in McKinley Park in a forested location with a trail leading down to a fenced area just beside Interstate 5.
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- Top of Tacoma: Top of Tacoma (3529 McKinley Ave) opened in October 2007 and has been a mainstay for the McKinley neighborhood since. In warmer weather they have an outdoor seating area in the front. Grab a beer and order the nachos. Piled high with cheese, olives, jalapenos, salsa, sour cream, and your choice of meat, they are among the best Tacoma has to offer.
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- Portland Avenue Nursery: Established in 1941, Portland Avenue Nursery (1409 E 59th St) has grown into a four acre facility. In addition to flowers, shrubs, and trees, you can find a variety of containers and cedar furniture here. With their knowledgeable staff and wide variety of plants, this nursery offers a nice alternative to anyone trying to avoid a box store for their gardening needs.
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- McKinley Playfield: Conveniently located off a large throughfare, McKinley Playfield (4321 McKinley Ave) is a popular park among neighborhood residents. The five acre playfield has a basketball court, a tennis court, a soccer field, a playground, and a sprayground that was packed when we stopped by on a sunny June day.
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- Swan Creek (2820 Pioneer Way E) is a densely forested park spanning 373 acres. The main trail runs just over two miles and follows the creek southward from the Pioneer road entrance. This is a great spot for birdwatchers, hikers, people walking their (leashed) dogs, and the master plan calls for a wide variety of improvements including bike trails and an offleash dog park.
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- Swan Creek is a quiet getaway for anyone wanting a little piece of nature in the city.
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- Rogers Off-leash Dog Park (3151 E L St) is a 1.5 acre fully fenced dog park nestled in the neighborhood off of McKinley Avenue. The tight-knit and friendly dog community here make this park the Cheers of Tacoma dog parks — everybody knows your dog’s name.
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- The upper portion of the park also features playground equipment, a basketball hoop, and a community garden was recently installed in the area above the dog park.
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- Taqueria El Antojo: Taqueria El Antojo (3801 E McKinley Ave) has the combination of quality Mexican food that is both affordably priced and served incredibly fast. Enjoy an entree like carnitas or carne asada with fresh-made tortillas, and top off your meal at their colorful salsa bar.
One Response to “Neighborhood Profile: McKinley/Eastside”
Very informative. I don’t know much about McKinley but now I have a much better sense of it. Really liked the photos (all good) with the detailed captions. Great job! Thanks.