In the south sound, gig harbor lures people with the promise of tranquility, space, and some of the most striking views in the region. The city’s picturesque history stretches back to the 1840s—it was named after the small captain’s gig in which the Wilkes Expedition first arrived—and it has evolved into a scenic community known for its schools, creative backbone, and independent businesses. There’s a certain calm imbuing the area that attracts those looking to escape the rat-race pace of busier metropolises.
“When you cross the Tacoma Narrows Bridge on a beautiful day, see the snowcapped Olympics in the distance, and the beauty that surrounds Gig Harbor, you take the exhale you didn’t know you needed,” says Miriam Battson, president and CEO of the Gig Harbor Chamber of Commerce. “The pace here can be slower, and you may linger longer over coffee, a meal, or a glass of wine with a friend.”
A maritime community through and through, Gig Harbor has a bustling waterfront downtown, but other neighborhoods—Shore Acres, Point Fosdick, Fox and Raft Islands, parts of Artondale—feature shorefront real estate as well. “The abundance of waterfront accessibility makes Gig Harbor the perfect destination for those looking to live that waterfront lifestyle,” says real estate agent Becky Barrick of Becky Barrick & Associates, who notes that homes in Pierce County can cost 50-60% less than in King County. “However, if waterfront is out of the budget, then there’s an abundance of homes with gorgeous Sound and Mount Rainier views. Honestly, Gig Harbor is a jewel in the South Sound.”
7 Seas Brewing, a quiet place for waterfront dining. Photo by COURTESY OF VISIT GIG HARBOR
According to Battson, there are two main groups of people making the leap to Gig Harbor. “Remote workers are looking to trade hustle and bustle for tranquility,” she says. “Our school district is highly ranked and is willing to explore the needs of the future workforce and adapt to set students up for success. The second group we see are grandparents who want to be near their kids and grandkids who live north of here.”…