Pros and Cons of Living in Gig Harbor

About an hour southwest of Seattle lies a hidden gem on the water with breathtaking views of both the Olympic Mountains to the west and Mt. Rainier to the east. A former fishing village, Gig Harbor has grown into a vibrant town that appeals to people of all ages. I have helped numerous clients move from Seattle, Kirkland, Bellevue, and California, and have heard several times that moving to Gig Harbor “was the best decision we’ve ever made.” I love this town, and it’s easy to see why--the smell of the fresh saltwater, the friendly community, and low crime rate are just a few of the reasons why I love this town so much--and why so many people are moving here. That being said, it may not be the right fit for everyone. Here are some pros and cons of living in Gig Harbor.

Pros:

1. Small-town feel (while still having plenty of things to do). There’s a small-town feel here, where you are likely to run into someone you know at the grocery store. It’s not so small, though, that you find yourself bored and wondering what to do. With plenty of shops, restaurants, and activities, you have lots of options to keep busy. 

2. Friendly community. Gig Harbor locals are extremely friendly. Unlike the Seattle Freeze culture up north, it’s not unusual for someone to strike up a conversation with you at the grocery store or for a neighbor to drop off a plate of cookies and introduce themselves when you move in. People here are friendly, and there is a deep sense of community here. Residents here get to know their local baristas, servers, business owners, and neighbors. With plenty of local churches, fitness gyms, mom groups, and gardening clubs, there are lots of opportunities to meet other people. 

3. Family-friendly. Gig Harbor is a fantastic spot to raise a family. It has some of the best schools in the state, lots of kid-friendly parks and playgrounds, and plenty of options for older kids to have fun (check out the laser tag, arcade, and bowling at Ocean5). For more ideas to keep the kids busy, check out this post of 22 fun things to do in the area with kids.

4. Low crime rate. The joke in Gig Harbor is that we forget to lock our doors because there isn’t much crime in the area. With violent crimes being 42% lower than the national average, you’re sure to feel safe walking around Gig Harbor. My favorite website for looking up crime data is here. You can research what each specific incident was about and exactly where it occurred. As an expert in this area, I can also shed more light on a specific neighborhood you are interested in, as there are a couple small pockets of Gig Harbor that have higher property crime rates. 

5. Plenty of ways to stay active. The number of gyms and trails make it easy to stay active year-round in Gig Harbor. The Cushman Trail is a favorite among locals, as its wide paved footprint makes it easy to walk, bike, or run. Walkers and runners may also like to explore the trails at Sehmel Park, McCormick Woods, and Kopachuck State Park–all of which are absolutely stunning and typically not crowded. There are several gym options as well, like boutique gyms Vie Athletics, FitLab 253, OrangeTheory, and Better if strength training is more your style.  

6. The Beaches. Downtown Gig Harbor is not the only way to access the water. There are plenty of other public beaches to explore if you are craving a relaxing beach day in the sun: Kopachuck State Park, Sunrise Beach Park, Bella Bella Beach, and the Narrows Park are our favorites. With so many beaches, Gig Harbor is the perfect spot for boaters, kayakers, stand-up paddleboarders. Check out Lee’s SUP’s for paddleboard lessons right in the heart of Gig Harbor (perfect flat water for beginner paddle boarders).

7. The Events. The Gig Harbor calendar is packed with lots of fun events that maintain a connected and involved community. As many PNW residents know,  summertime is when locals play, and I promise you won’t be bored with all of Gig Harbor’s events during the summer. The weekly farmers’ market and beachfront outdoor concerts are sure to please in the summer, and the “Sip & Stroll” and Christmas Boat Parade are fun events to attend in the winter. Check out this link for the full Gig Harbor event calendar. 

8. Very Little Traffic in Gig Harbor. If you are making the move from a city such as Bellevue, Seattle, or Los Angeles, you will be pleasantly surprised how little time it takes to get around the Harbor. Unlike in Seattle, where you have to plan 40 minutes to drive 3 miles, and then another 20 minutes to park, you will be able to drive around Gig Harbor with very little traffic and find plenty of parking. 

9.  Restaurants. Gig Harbor has plenty of restaurants for whatever excites your tastebuds. Tides Tavern, located right on the Gig Harbor docks, is famous for their fish and chips, and you won’t be able to dine any closer to the water. For more upscale dining, check out Brix, Anthony’s, Morso, or Green House–all of which have great atmospheres and delicious entrees. Just a 15-minute drive away, Tacoma has even more restaurants with many different cuisines for whatever you are craving. Foodies will love trying all the different flavors of the South Sound restaurants. 

10.  The Location. Gig Harbor is conveniently located, being only about 45 minutes away from the airport and an hour away from Seattle (without traffic). The South Sound is very unique in that we have the beautiful calm Puget Sound water and also two mountain ranges on either side. There are few places where you can walk along a beautiful waterfront, and then 2 hours later be in the mountains skiing down a black diamond run. The location is the best of both worlds; Gig Harbor appeals to both outdoorsy adventure seekers and those who prefer sipping a cup of coffee or glass of wine in the cozy indoors.   

11.  View and Waterfront Homes. Searching for a view or waterfront home? With so much shoreline, Gig Harbor has plenty of view and waterfront homes that typically hit the market in the spring and summer. Like the idea of owning your own beach and mooring a boat right in front of your house? Check out this map of the waterfront homes currently for sale. 

    
    

    12. Costco, Home Depot, and Target. Located right off Highway 16 in north Gig Harbor, residents love the convenience of having these stores nearby.
    

Cons:

1. Traffic to Seattle. For years my wife commuted from Gig Harbor to Bellevue, and the drive would take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours depending on the day, time, and weather. If you’re only commuting a couple days a week to Seattle or Bellevue, it’s definitely doable. The traffic can get old if you’re a 5-day-a-week commuter to the Emerald City, though, so plan carefully. 

2. Lack of Nightlife. Gig Harbor gets pretty quiet after 9pm, so if you are a night owl and looking for nighttime hang-out spots, you will most likely need to drive 15 mins to Tacoma’s bars and restaurants.

3. Rainy Weather. Puget Sound is known for its pleasant and sunny summers, followed by somewhat overcast and drizzly fall and winter seasons. I've found, though, that even on rainy days, we get some breaks in the weather to go out and enjoy a walk. We may not have year-round sunshine, but we enjoy the benefits of the rain: beautiful lush greenery and fresh, clean air. In my opinion, spring and summer are well worth the wait, and the rain makes for a great excuse to curl up by the fire and read a book or watch a movie.

   
   

4. Home Affordability. The median price in Gig Harbor is currently around $757k, which is well above Washington’s median price of $452k. This can give some buyers a bit of a sticker shock, but you can still find a great home with a backyard or a newer condo for under $550k. If you are wanting a bit more bang for your buck, feel free to reach out to me, and I can offer suggestions on different areas that are more affordable but are also nearby Gig Harbor. 

   
   5. Narrows Bridge Toll. If you are a frequent traveler to Tacoma, Seattle, Bellevue, or anywhere east of Gig Harbor, you may want to factor in the toll for the Narrows Bridge. The toll is currently at $5.25 and is only charged one way (the westbound trip is free). While it seems like a small price to pay to live in such a beautiful town, some may hesitate at the idea of paying a toll everyday on their way to work.

Ready to make the move to Gig Harbor or just ask a few more questions about the area? Feel free to send me an email or give me a call–I’m happy to answer any questions you have and show you any homes you may be interested in. Feel free to search current home listings on my website as well and let me know when you’re ready to schedule a tour.