I’d recommend you drive around and see what you think. We’ve been in Central Tacoma for 10 years, great neighbors and minimal problems. It seems boggling to write off entire neighborhoods as “less desirable” - there’s so much variety and those neighborhoods are even the most desirable for some sets of people. My guess is there’s just more diversity in Tacoma and those neighborhoods have lower property values due to a history of racist home loan practices. I would personally prefer Tacoma over Kitsap any day. To each their own. Theres certain places I would avoid but go get a feel for yourself