Fox Island, WA: A Luxury Buyer’s Guide to Waterfront Living Near Gig Harbor

Why Fox Island belongs on your short list

If you dream of luxury waterfront living in the Gig Harbor area, put Fox Island, Washington at the top of your search. This small island community in Pierce County offers a rare mix of privacy, postcard views, and easy access to Gig Harbor’s marinas, dining, and services. Residents enjoy a slower pace, miles of shoreline, and a close-knit vibe that many buyers seek for active retirement or a refined PNW coastal lifestyle.

What makes it special

• Views in every direction. Mount Rainier to the south, the Olympic Mountains to the west and north, Hales Passage, Henderson Bay, Echo Bay, and sightlines toward Gig Harbor.

• Island lifestyle with city access. A quick hop to Highway 16 puts Tacoma, University Place, and Sea-Tac Airport within practical reach.

• Waterfront culture. Kayaking, paddle boarding, boating, crabbing, and beachcombing are part of daily life.

• Tight inventory. Only ~1,600 homes, low annual turnover, and high demand for luxury and view properties.

Where is Fox Island and how does it relate to Gig Harbor?

Fox Island sits just off the Gig Harbor peninsula in Pierce County, WA. A short bridge connects the island to the mainland, keeping it serene without feeling remote. While Fox Island has its own ZIP code and post office, residents use Gig Harbor’s shopping, services, and healthcare. Families are served by the award-winning Peninsula School District, which ties the island closely to Greater Gig Harbor.

Quick orientation

• Approx. 5 miles north to south, with gentle elevation in the center that creates exceptional view corridors.

• Fast access to Highway 16 for Tacoma and Kitsap routes.

• Everyday errands typically happen in Gig Harbor within minutes.

The feel: island calm, Pacific Northwest grandeur

Crossing the bridge is a mental reset. On clear days, Mount Rainier rises left of the span while the Olympics frame the horizon to the right. Along the shoreline sit coastal-style homes, tucked coves, and sandy spits. Orcas occasionally cruise by in summer, and eagles patrol the sky year-round. It is the PNW at its most cinematic.

Lifestyle highlights

• 15± miles of coastline with sandy beaches, pocket coves, and shell-strewn tideflats.

• Paddle, kayak, and boat directly from many waterfront homes or nearby launches.

• Strong community identity. “I ♥ FI” bumper stickers are a real thing here.

Everyday amenities on the island

Fox Island leans intentionally rural. That is part of its charm.

• Island Grocery & Deli complex for staples, grab-and-go meals, and a surprisingly good wine selection.

• A local coffee stand and a lively taproom where neighbors meet for music and events.

• Fox Island Post Office and a few professional services.

• Everything else, including supermarkets, boutiques, medical services, and marinas, is just minutes away in Gig Harbor.

Community hubs and island history

• Nichols Community Center (the island’s historic 1930s schoolhouse) hosts classes, local theater, picnics, and community events. Athletic fields, a playground, and nature trails make it a true gathering place.

• Fox Island Historical Museum shares island stories and artifacts and is the perfect stop to learn about local lore.

• Chapel on Echo Bay is a beloved venue for intimate weddings and coastal celebrations.

Iconic landmark

• Tanglewood Island Lighthouse. Private today, yet still the island’s most recognizable profile across Hales Passage. It began as part of a mid-century summer camp and remains a symbol of Fox Island’s maritime past.

Parks, piers, and salt-air days

• Fox Island Fishing Pier at the south end is popular for salmon, perch, and peaceful sunsets. Picnic tables and beach access make it a relaxed outing spot.

• Public boat launch near the bridge provides access for day trips around Hales Passage and Henderson Bay.

• Yacht culture. A local yacht club and nearby clubs in Gig Harbor and Tacoma anchor a strong boating community with summer concerts and social events.

Schools and who lives here

• Served by the Peninsula School District: Voyager Elementary, Kopachuck Middle, and Gig Harbor High. School buses run island routes.

• A mix of active retirees, remote professionals, aviation and medical personnel, and long-time island families. The location works well for those who value quiet days, water access, and practical commutes to Tacoma and the South Sound.

Commute snapshot

• Gig Harbor shopping and services: typically ~10 minutes depending on where you live on the island.

• Tacoma via Narrows Bridge: an easy daily commute for many residents.

• Sea-Tac Airport: commonly ~45–60 minutes depending on traffic and time of day.

Utilities and practical details

• Water: Fox Island municipal water service for most properties, with a few private wells.

• Sewer: Unincorporated Pierce County. Most homes are on individual septic systems.

• Gas: No natural gas service on the island. Propane is the common solution for gas appliances and backup heat.

• Internet: High-speed options are available, including cable-based service for many addresses. Satellite solutions can complement coverage where needed.

The housing market: luxury waterfront and view homes

Inventory on Fox Island is limited and highly desirable, particularly for waterfront, dock-potential, and wide-angle view properties.

Key market notes

• Total housing count is only around 1,500–1,600 properties.

• Turnover is low, with many long-term owners. Some years see only a few dozen sales.

• Median sale price in 2024 hovered around $1.2M, reflecting the island’s premium for views, waterfrontage, privacy, and acreage options.

• Product mix includes:

  • Low-bank and medium-bank waterfront with sandy or pebbly beaches.

  • High-bank view homes capturing Rainier, Olympics, Hales Passage, and Henderson Bay.

  • Acreage estates in the interior for space, gardens, and privacy.

  • Small gated enclaves with CC&Rs for buyers who want a neighborhood feel.

Pro tip for buyers

• Because supply is tight, align early on must-have features such as dock potential, beach type, bank height, moorage needs, ADA or single-level living, and sunset vs. sunrise exposure. Pre-underwriting and a strong local agent strategy matter here.

Bridge basics and planning ahead

The Fox Island bridge is a vital connector and has served the community for decades. County planning work about future upgrades and replacement timing evolves over long horizons. The current takeaway for buyers is to stay informed and work with a local broker who tracks Pierce County updates and how they may affect traffic patterns during any future work.

Don’t miss: DeMolay Sandspit Nature Preserve

Before you go, visit the DeMolay Sandspit on the island’s north end. At low tide the sand extends dramatically into the bay, with wraparound mountain and water views that define Fox Island’s magic. Beachcomb for unique local “clay babies,” then head to Echo Bay for sunset color you will not soon forget.

Considering a move to Fox Island?

Whether you are seeking single-level luxury for active retirement, a modern coastal estate with dock potential, or a high-bank view home with floor-to-ceiling glass, Infinity Real Estate can help you navigate the nuances of Fox Island real estate and the broader Gig Harbor luxury market.

Work with a local expert

• 20+ years in Gig Harbor and Pierce County real estate

• Deep knowledge of waterfront valuations, shoreline types, and view premiums

• Proven strategy for low-inventory micro-markets like Fox Island, Raft Island, and Artondale

Let’s talk: Tell me your wish list, timeline, and budget, and I will curate private tours of the best Fox Island and Gig Harbor properties on and off market.

Thinking about buying or selling on Fox Island or in Gig Harbor? Reach out for a private consultation and a custom market brief tailored to your goals.

Infinity Real Estate | Luxury Waterfront Specialist, Gig Harbor & Pierce County

Fox Island WA real estate

DeMolay Sandspit Nature Preserve Fox Island

Echo Bay, Hales Passage, Henderson Bay homes

Peninsula School District homes