Cresswind Charlotte
Charlotte, North Carolina
Gig Harbor, Washington
What It Is Like to Retire in Gig harbor
Gig Harbor is a charming and scenic town on Puget Sound in Washington State with a gorgeous harbor lined with boats, hills and tall evergreens, one that would compete with any New England town. It is known as "the Maritime City" because of its maritime heritage. It has great access to several state and city parks, and historic waterfront that includes boutiques and nice restaurants.
Where to Retire in Gig harbor and Home Prices
Zillow reported the median home value to be $765,000 in early 2024, well above previous years. There are many options for housing. Waterfront homes typically range from $2 million to $6 million. View homes will range up to $1 million and beyond. There are many family neighborhoods throughout the city, including Canterwood, a golf/country club gated community with 760 largely craftsman-style homes, which range from $1 million to $2.5 million. Prices in this city are still less expensive than those in the Seattle suburbs to the north.
What Is Special about Gig harbor
Other than the great fishing and boating, Gig Harbor is home to locally owned shops and galleries, 3 book stores, city and State Parks for shelling, kayaking, scuba diving, crabbing, and camping. And the view can be to die for. Shopping has become much more convenient, with multiple grocery stores, Costco, Target, a hospital and many restaurants within the city. It also boasts a fully outfitted YMCA, complete with scores of exercise machines and even an indoor walking track for rainy days, and many workout classes.
What Is Not Special about Gig harbor
High cost of living, above average crime rate, winters are wet and chilly.
Who Will Like Retirement in Gig harbor
About 25% of the population is above the age of 65, as it is a popular place for retirees who enjoy boating and the outdoors. There are marinas, parks, great restaurants, shops and a new hospital.
Local Economy Is Driven by
Commercial fishing is not as important to the town's economy as it once was. Many white collar workers commute to Tacoma. Health care, education and tourism are important economic drivers in Gig Harbor.
Climate and Physical Environment
January's average temperature is 41 degrees, with July's average at 64 degrees. The annual rainfall here is about 37 inches. Summers here are among the best in the country.
Restaurants & Cultural Scene
Gig Harbor has many great restaurants and pubs, many of course offering seafood and waterfront dining. The harbor town is in a beautiful setting for boating, hiking and many types of outdoor activities. But for the cultural scene you can head to Tacoma or Seattle, although Gig Harbor has many concerts, an annual Christmas tree lighting, a Lighted Boat Parade, a holiday lighted-car parade, and many other festivals. Organized kayak clubs also exist.
Crime
The crime rate is above the national average and is mainly theft and property damage, not violent crime.
Medical facilities
St. Anthony Hospital is located here and provides many types of health care.
Transportation
The shopping area of Gig Harbor is walkable and many areas are bike friendly. During the summer months there is a trolley that goes between the waterfront district and the uptown shopping area. The Tacoma Narrows Bridge is a toll bridge between Tacoma and Gig Harbor.
Comments on "Gig Harbor"
Mike says:
This looks like a beautiful area - but very pricy! With a median home price of $765K and up from there, there are only a small percentage of potential buyers who could even consider such an area. This is just eye candy for the average person - not realistic ...
Moderator Flo says:
If you’re interested check Zillow. There are options under $400,000!!!!