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The Pros & Cons of Living in Gig Harbor: A Balanced Look

Jennie Wetter March 2, 2025
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Gig Harbor is a spectacular place to live. If you’ve watched any of my videos, you already know I’m one of its biggest cheerleaders. But to keep it real, I want to share both the pros and the cons of living here—because no place is perfect, right?

That being said, you might notice that many of the cons have a silver lining—it all depends on your perspective.

The Weather: A Tale of Two Seasons

The biggest factor that’s both a pro and a con is the weather. If you love long, warm summer days with blue skies and mild temperatures, you’ll be in heaven here from June through September. Gig Harbor summers are truly spectacular, with over 70% sunny days and 16+ hours of daylight at the solstice.

Winter, on the other hand, can be a test of patience. The days are short—just 8.5 hours of daylight in December—and gray skies dominate. Rain is frequent, with up to 50% of winter days seeing some precipitation. But here’s the thing: life doesn’t stop.

Even on the rainiest days, you’ll see people out walking, running, and boating. Plus, Gig Harbor’s mild winter temperatures (averaging 45°F) make it far more manageable than the harsh winters of the Midwest or Northeast. And if you miss the sun? A quick trip to Hawaii, Arizona, or a ski resort can recharge you (thanks to SeaTac Airport being just 35 minutes away!).  And guess what?  Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines just merged making it even faster and easier to get to the Aloha state and the sun!

What About Rain?

Perhaps you’ve heard… Yes, it rains here during certain months of the year. The peak rain month is November (up to 8 inches), while August averages less than half an inch.

The upside? All that rain keeps our surroundings lush, green, and full of life. Unlike other parts of the country, we don’t have to worry about water shortages or wildfires.

Population Growth & Traffic: More People, More Challenges

Gig Harbor is growing fast. From 2010 to 2020, the city’s population increased by 69%. That’s a staggering number for a small town, and it’s no surprise—people love it here!  (Remember, Greater Gig Harbor is much larger than the City of Gig Harbor population, but it’s still a huge growth percentage for the incorporated area in just 10 years.)

Of course, with more people comes more congestion. Gig Harbor wasn’t built with big-city infrastructure, and our scenic coastline makes road expansion tricky. That said, “traffic” is relative. If you’re coming from Seattle, Los Angeles, or the Bay Area, you’ll find Gig Harbor’s traffic to be nothing. If you’re used to small-town roads or you visited while growing up, you might feel the squeeze.

Cost of Living: Worth the Price?

There’s no way around it—Gig Harbor is expensive compared to other areas of the South and West Sound. The median home price at the end of 2024 was $850,000, with the average price exceeding $1 million.

Why?

  • We have over 100 miles of coastline, which means there are loads of options for waterfront and water-view homes but those are always at a premium.

  • There’s high demand and limited inventory.

  • It’s simply a desirable place to live.

If you’re moving from a high-cost metro area, you might find Gig Harbor to be a bargain. If you’re coming from a lower-cost region, be prepared for sticker shock.

Politics: A Purple Blend

Gig Harbor is a true mix of political views. It’s not overwhelmingly red or blue but rather a friendly, balanced blend. No matter your perspective, you’ll find like-minded neighbors and a welcoming community.

No State Income Tax: A Definite Pro

One undeniable financial perk? Washington has no state income tax. That’s more money in your pocket compared to states like California or Oregon.

Career Opportunities & Work-Life Balance

People often ask, “What do people do for work in Gig Harbor?” Thanks to proximity to Tacoma, Seattle, and SeaTac Airport, career options are diverse. Many residents:

  • Commute to Seattle or Tacoma for jobs in tech, healthcare, or business.

  • Work remotely (which has become more common).

  • Have military careers (Joint Base Lewis-McChord is nearby).

Plus, the work-life balance here is unbeatable. Whether you love outdoor adventures, waterfront dining, or cozy coffee shops, Gig Harbor makes it easy to enjoy life outside of work.

Final Takeaways: Is Gig Harbor Right for You?

Here’s the truth—Gig Harbor is amazing, but it’s not for everyone.

  • If you love mild summers, waterfront beauty, and outdoor adventure, you’ll thrive here.

  • If gray winters and high home prices are deal-breakers, it might not be the perfect fit.

My advice? If you’re moving from a warm, sunny climate, take a winter vacation your first couple of years. A week in the sun makes a huge difference!

Still Have Questions? Let’s Chat!

 

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