Well, I attend church in Hilltop and it strikes me as a roll-up-your sleeves kind of neighborhood. Opted not to buy there when we moved to Tacoma from the East Coast because we moved from a roll-up-your-sleeves kind of neighborhood and preferred to concentrate on raising our kids in a new area rather than raising a neighborhood. Right now, Hilltop needs people who are willing to work for the neighborhood and there are quite a few people there who are doing this right now but there is much work to be done. Needs more businesses, restaurants, a better grocery store than the Safeway currently there, better schools. Typically, house flippers come to these types of 'hoods to make a quick buck but I don't know if they make the neighborhoods better in the end. Actually, I think most times they end up forestalling the renaissance. So, if you are looking to roll-up-your sleeves and get to work getting better schools, businesses, and city services, then, it is your kind of place. If you are looking to flip in 2 years, it probably isn't for you.

Well I have a condo developement that I am undertaking quite near to hilltop. The Delin building 2825 s. Delin St. and there is also a few other developers pouring millions in such as the Gintz Group (27th st station). I edo see that the area is on the improve and local papers say it is one of the safest streets. I do not know if I truly believe that, but it is an area on the improve. Dan Voelpel from the Tacoma News Tribune has wrote a few articles, too. I would say that any real estate purchased now is worth its weight in gold in a year or two. I would say that buying there is a great investment. Even if yourland sits, you will benefit from the millions being inserted in the local economy from developers.

Finally a question where I know I am an expert ! I won't make this long winded but without a doubt Hilltop will be the gem/envy of all of Tacoma. With it's close proximity to downtown (gas prices,future transit services) and the transformation that will take place inside the MLK Mixed Use Center after an area wide zoning change is complete, I would look to the Central District for comparison. High density urban if you will. If you wanna know more give Tacoma's Urban Real Estate Specialist a call, I would be glad to help you.

I live just outside the 'hilltop' area and am seeing a lot of growth in the area. The crime rate has gone down considerably and the problems the area had in the mid 1990's is a thing of the past. Obviously, as in any urban area, you are going to have some problems, but with the views, the proximity to all the new hotels, restaurants, the university, the museums and the waterfront, make it a desirable place to buy. There are some beautiful homes in the area and they are pretty well priced! You can get a lot of house for less money than you will pay in other parts of the city. I have a couple of clients who have recently moved into the area (new condos) and are very happy with their decision.
There are a lot of developers buying in the area and either renovating or rebuilding with an eye to the future.
I would be happy to do some research in the area for you if you would like! Like I said, I live in Central Tacoma and am very happy there!

The reality is that there are many good reasons to buy in a variety of areas. Price will obviously be a great driver. I pulled home rents in this area and you can expect to get a minimum of $1100 and as much as $1500 for this unit, even on Hilltop. The reason is simple. As it becomes harder for people to buy, rent demands go up and so do rents. As far as improvements in this area they have been ongoing for the last couple of years and will likely continue even in the current market as developers continue to finish projects already in progress. That area is in a general state of growth. I hope this was helpful.

Thanks

Danny Altizer
Windermere RE South Inc
253-250-6474

If the area is gated.... the rent on a home with that sq ft could be $750 - $1050 a month. Also, depends on the exact address and location. Re-sale will be fine in a couple of years as the area is being rejuvinated by downtown renovation. If you have any further ?'s please feel free to contact me at scottschulz@windermere.com.

Although I can't comment on the Area....I did want to provide you with the one home that I found that has recently rented in Hilltop. I've gone ahead and attached photos and the information on the MLS so you can have a good feel for the home and rental payment. Hope it helps!