Gig Harbor and its surrounding towns are quite popular for active adults who are looking for the perfect place to spend their golden years. With incredible scenery, a friendly community, and a host of great living options, it’s no wonder so many are choosing to call Gig Harbor home.
Top Reasons to Retire in Gig Harbor
1. Incredible Scenery
Gig Harbor is known for its breathtaking scenery in every direction, including the Puget Sound, the Cascade mountains & Mt. Rainier in all its glory, the Olympic mountains, and lush forests. Outdoor enthusiasts will find unlimited opportunities for recreation and staying fit, from hiking and biking to kayaking and sailing.
2. Convenient Location
Despite its small-town feel, Gig Harbor offers quick and easy access to the metropolitan cities of Tacoma and Seattle with their bustling scenes for food, culture, and entertainment. For those with wanderlust, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is just a short drive away, making travel easy and accessible. Another very important consideration due to Gig Harbor's proximity to Tacoma and Seattle is exceptional health care. Primary, Urgent, Emergency, and the full range of Specialty services are available right in Gig Harbor or directly across the bridge.
3. Welcoming Community
Gig Harbor boasts friendly, community-minded residents who are very welcoming to newcomers from anywhere. This tight-knit community provides a warm reception to new residents and plenty of social opportunities. It's easy to meet new friends and become part of the community.
4. Diverse Living Options
Hardly a "cookie cutter" town, Gig Harbor has something for everyone, spanning the gamut of property size, home size, age, features such as water and mountain views, privacy on acreage, proximity to town and more. Prices range from roughly $450,000 to $6,000,000, with a median of approximately $800,000. Because Gig Harbor is popular for retirees and second home owners, it offers a variety of low-maintenance options to fit any budget. These are often referred to as "Lock and Leave" homes for those who travel frequently or spent part of the year elsewhere. Popular "Lock and Leaves" include single-level homes, condos, townhomes, and rental opportunities in various price points and are located throughout Gig Harbor.
5. Variety of Community Activities for All Interests
Gig Harbor offers a wide array of community activities in any season. From art walks, festivals, and fundraisers to enjoying live concerts or movies at the park, there's always something to do. Additionally, community groups like New Neighbors provide the perfect platform (at almost no cost) for residents to engage in activities and make new friends, fostering a strong sense of community.
Types of Retirement / "Lock and Leave" Communities in Gig Harbor
1. True 55+ Communities
Communities where at least one resident must be 55 or older, Children under age 18 are not allowed as permanent residents. These communities are designed specifically for retirees and offer various amenities and services.
2. Fee Simple Ownership
These include condos, townhomes, and standalone homes that may or may not be 55+ . They offer the freedom of ownership with varying levels of maintenance provided by a homeowners' associations (HOA).
3. Hybrid Communities
In these communities, you own the house but lease the land it sits on. Many homes in these communities are single level, manufactured homes, offering a unique and flexible living arrangement.
4. Rental Communities
These are 55+ communities where you sign a lease and pay monthly rent for your residence. They offer comprehensive maintenance services, community amenities and social activities.
Popular Retirement / "Lock and Leave" Communities throughout Gig Harbor
This is by no means an exhaustive list. There are many more, but here are some examples spread throughout the Gig Harbor area.
Central Gig Harbor (in and around downtown)
- The Ridge: Affordable fee-simple condos priced between $500,000 and $650,000. (Spadoni Ln, Gig Harbor, WA 98335)
- Heron Pointe & Dolphin Reach Condos: Luxury condos with exceptional views of Puget Sound priced from $1million to $2.5 million. (Soundview Dr, Gig Harbor, WA 98335)
- Spinnaker Ridge: A community that lives like a 55+ (although not an official 55+ community) with 57 homes and duplex style townhomes. Exterior maintenance is included in the HOA dues, and it has a pool and clubhouse amenities. (Erickson Dr, Gig Harbor, WA 98335)
- Hennington Place: 8 unit waterfront condo building - each unit also owns a 50' boat slip. (N Harborview Dr, Gig Harbor, WA 98332)
- Harbor End Condos: Single-level condos with full exterior maintenance and landscaping covered by the HOA. (31st Avenue Ct NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98332)
- Rosedale Village: 55+ rental community with 161 single-level duplex style homes, each being 1300 to 1500 sf and a 1 or 2 car garage. All maintenance is provided. Pets are welcome. Monthly rent ranges from $2800 to $3600 per month (4203 Rosedale St NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98335)
South Gig Harbor
- Quiet Forest Park: Affordable, fee-simple, mostly single level condos with full exterior maintenance. (behind Gig Harbor Library off of 45th St Ct)
- Madrona Woods: Gated, fee simple, 55+ community with single-level condos, large garages and golf course access. (21st Ave NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98335)
- Trellis Grove: A luxurious gated community with single-level homes. Very close to the Narrows Bridge for easy access to Tacoma, SeaTac Airport etc. (26th Street Ct NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98335)
- Narrows View & Point Evans Condos: Stunning views, mid-range price points, and easy access to Highway 16. (Narrows View Cir NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98335)
North Gig Harbor
- McCormick Ridge: Fee Simple, Low HOA dues with high-quality, low-maintenance townhomes offe
- The Lakes: Large hybrid community with 140 lots for residents who are 55+ featuring spacious single level homes, and wide walkable streets. (146th St NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98332)
Gig Harbor provides a diverse array of living options for retirees, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a true 55+ community, a lock-and-leave home, or a luxurious condo, Gig Harbor has it all. For a more detailed look at the top reasons to retire in Gig Harbor, check out my YouTube channel for the video “Retirement Communities” https://youtu.be/rDUgQGzHCPw?
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