Gig Harbor, a Place to Find Shelter
Every once in awhile, a truly special property comes along. My listing, Gig Harbor Coastal Estate, is exactly that. So much so, that it deserved it’s own write up on the Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty blog.
Via Alyssa Morrison of Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty:
Gig Harbor is where you find shelter—and that’s how the town got its name, from Captain Charles Wilkes during a heavy storm in 1840. He brought a small boat, called a captain’s gig, into the harbor for protection. When later mapping the Oregon Territory, he dubbed the inlet “Gig Harbor.”
To the nearly 8,000 residents who call the neighboring Tacoma town their home, it’s a safe harbor that in part still harkens back to the economy of yesteryear. Boatbuilders are still found along the waterfront, and many commercial fishermen call it their homeport. At just 20 minutes from Tacoma, and Seattle a little under an hour away, there’s more than a few reasons why savvy homebuyers are seeking out Gig Harbor as their home port.
Charm & Appeal
The Tacoma Narrows Bridge carries drivers from the mainland to Gig Harbor and the Olympic Peninsula.
Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty broker Mary Norris has helped both buyers and sellers in the Gig Harbor area and says, “It’s one of the most beautiful places to look for a home along Puget Sound.”
RSIR broker Rocky Poulin’s specialty with Hopper Group RE is the South Sound (King and Pierce counties,) and when it comes to Gig Harbor, boasting its status as a gateway to the Olympic Peninsula, he says, “The people are friendly and it’s so easy to get around. Despite the growth and popularity, Gig Harbor continues to maintain the small-town feel.”
Location is a large part of the appeal. “Just like Sausalito is a retreat for those who live in the Bay Area, Gig Harbor is both a world away and a short drive from Seattle-Tacoma business centers,” says Norris. “It’s a great place to look for a home, especially for those wanting to live a waterfront lifestyle.”
RSIR broker Rocky Poulin stands with client Richard Winter in front of his Gig Harbor home.
Tacoma can be reached just over the Tacoma Narrows Bridge is and Poulin says if you’re a frequent flier, the trip to Sea-Tac airport isn’t bad either at just 45 minutes away. Seattle is close enough to catch a Seahawks game on any given Sunday. Plus, “Water is at your doorstep and snow skiing is still within an hour and a half drive,” adds Poulin.
Richard Winter, who worked with Poulin to purchase his Gig Harbor abode, says they’ve really been enjoying the small-town environment. “We also really love the harbor and enjoy paddleboarding and kayaking. It’s been easy to make friends and I can see this quaint little town being our permanent home.”
For Residents and Visitors
Here, life on the water also comes with amazing fish and chips. Tides Tavern has some of the best fish and chips in the country, according to Coastal Living. Enjoy a happy hour cocktail or a nightcap crafted locally—Heritage Distilling boasts an expanded tasting room, meet up with your friends at 7 Seas Brewing for a beer, or go wine tasting at one of the nearby wine bars or wineries.
Standup paddleboarding is one of the activities that Gig Harbor residents can enjoy living the waterfront lifestyle.
With your hunger curbed and thirst quenched, get ready to dip your toes into the seaside activities that make Gig Harbor so special. Angle off docks or board an offshore charter to catch some fish of your own. Take Winter’s advice and rent a kayak or stand-up-paddle board. There are a few options for coastal tours, one of them including a cruise of the harbor in an authentic Venetian gondola.
Residents are encouraged to attend the city’s Art Walk by boat.
On the water and off, there’s an abundance of outdoor activities to keep you busy. Gig Harbor is surrounded by parks: Purdy Spit, Kopachuck State Park, Narrows Park, and Penrose Point State Park just to name a few.
Year-round artists and connoisseurs can enjoy the monthly ArtWalk, named one of the best small town art walks by Sunset Magazine. As temperatures warm up, so does Summer Sounds at Skansie. One of the town’s most popular summertime traditions, the outdoor concert series runs every Tuesday from June to mid-August. Once the music winds down, the movies start-up: with September comes the annual Gig Harbor Film Festival.
“Gig Harbor is a friendly town where someone can easily build a life with community,” says Winter.
“I advise my buyers to also keep in mind that this area maintains its value and will continue to maintain strong real estate home values. It is a destination spot!” adds Poulin.