This article first appeared in Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty’s 2023 Forecast Report. To get your digital or print copy of this comprehensive look at the Pacific Northwest’s ever-changing residential real estate landscape click here.
Gig harbor is one of Washington’s most storied destinations. Arrive by sea, like Captain Charles Wilkes who steered the captain’s gig into the harbor for protection during a storm (giving the town its name), or cross one of Washington’s most famous bridges—the Tacoma Narrows. While the city of Gig Harbor may be marked as the area immediately surrounding the harbor, unincorporated Gig Harbor should not be ignored. Together, this area offers a full, rich variety of residential homes across all price points and styles, though you’ll probably notice more Traditional and Craftsman styles than any others. In-city and neighboring county and state parks mean that outdoor escape is never far away. And whether a waterfront home is perfectly perched on the harbor, along Carr Inlet, facing Fox Island, or has Henderson Bay in its sights, the area is ideal for those who seek quintessential Northwest aquatic adventures. A Gig Harbor commute to the business cores of Seattle and the Eastside, may be a lot for those who need to travel to the office five days a week. But for those who enjoy the flexibility of remote work or whose business takes them more often to the Tacoma business center, Gig Harbor’s easy distance to Tacoma is a major benefit.
View the latest market trends in Gig Harbor →
For residents of Gig Harbor, the choice to call this beautiful setting home is about a connection to the community and a lifestyle that can be replicated by few other locales. Visit downtown for a walk along the waterfront. Standing at water’s edge, you won’t see the infinite expanse of other shorelines, but instead the hills and homes that look down on the water create a residential enclave all its own. You’ll see the unique vantages as you walk along Harborview Drive, stopping at local watering holes, bookstores, boutiques, and cafes. Education is valued here, too. Gig Harbor schools are a part of the Peninsula Schools, a top 50 district in the state, and is in the top 10 districts for athletes in Washington.
While residents find comfort in the community, they will also discover there’s no shortage of activities. Play tourist in your own town, or explore the village before moving—join a dog-led truffle hunt on the peninsula, see the harbor from the water with a Venetian-style gondola ride, or take part in Pacific oyster monitoring. Of course, you could just head to the Tides Tavern for lunch, or meet your friends there after work for a beer, where you can soak in views of the harbor amid a vibe that’s more Cheers than fine dining. And that’s the beauty of Gig Harbor, in this small, tight-knit community, there’s an abundance of things to keep you busy and even more that offers serenity.
You can always change and update your home’s wall color, fixtures and appliances, and in many cases, you can adjust the layout and the floor plan of your home. But when you purchase a home, you are choosing a city, town, neighborhood—and these aren’t as easy to update with a paint sample and a brush.
Where you live matters. In 2023, we’re focusing on five different communities across the Puget Sound that offer specific opportunities for new residents. For some, it’s a rare influx of housing availability, for others it’s about yet-untapped city growth or the anticipation of equity gains in a transitioning city center, and for some the focus is on the unique opportunities that offer a lifestyle unlike any other across the region.
The real market that matters is the one that you live in, move to, work in, or retreat to when you’re ready for an escape.
We invite you to explore these communities and imagine your day-to-day in a different locale. As you think about your next destination, whatever your home goals may be, discuss with your Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty real estate advisor what you want out of your next neighborhood—our local expertise could help you find a hidden gem in an unexpected location.