The Maritime City

Nestled along the stunning shores of Puget Sound, Gig Harbor offers a laid-back coastal lifestyle that perfectly balances adventure and tranquility. This isn’t just a place to live—it’s a way of life. Whether you’re paddling across calm waters at sunrise, enjoying an evening of waterfront dining, or strolling through the historic downtown, you’ll feel a deep connection to both nature and community.

What truly sets Gig Harbor apart is its strong sense of community. Neighbors know each other by name, local businesses support one another, and there’s a genuine spirit of inclusivity. Whether you’re a young family, a retiree, or somewhere in between, you’ll find a place where you belong. Year-round events like the Gig Harbor Film Festival, the Maritime Gig Festival, and weekly farmers’ markets bring people together, celebrating the town’s rich history and vibrant culture.

Gig Harbor is more than just a place to call home—it’s a lifestyle defined by community, adventure, and coastal beauty. Whether you’re raising a family, embracing retirement, or simply looking for a fresh start, you’ll find a welcoming community and an unparalleled quality of life here.

Come experience the magic of Gig Harbor for yourself.

Lifestyle & Atmosphere

Where Adventure Meets Tranquility

For those who crave adventure, Gig Harbor’s waterfront is your playground. Spend weekends kayaking through the harbor, setting sail for a day on the Sound, or paddleboarding along scenic shorelines. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, enjoy a sunset cruise or savor fresh seafood at one of the many waterfront restaurants. The natural beauty of the area invites exploration, while the tranquil waters make it a perfect retreat from the everyday rush.

Family & Community Focused

Gig Harbor is a place where families thrive. With top-rated schools, beautifully maintained parks, and a calendar packed with community events, kids have endless opportunities to learn, grow, and play. From summer concerts in the park to holiday light festivals, there’s always something happening to bring families and friends together.

Charm Meets Convenience

Gig Harbor offers the best of both worlds—charming boutiques, locally owned coffee shops, and a walkable downtown, alongside all the modern amenities you need. From Metropolitan Market to Albertsons, Costco, Target, and Home Depot, and even major medical facilities, everything is within reach.

Close to Tacoma, Seattle & Seatac

While Gig Harbor feels like a peaceful retreat, it’s incredibly well-connected. Tacoma is just a short drive away, and Seattle is easily accessible for commuters or those seeking big-city excitement. For travelers, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Seatac) is within easy reach, making weekend getaways and international travel effortless.

Gig Harbor’s Deep-Sea Roots

Gig Harbor’s maritime heritage is deeply rooted in its Croatian fishing and boat-building traditions, dating back to Eastern European settlers who established a thriving fishing industry in the late 19th century. Today, commercial fishing fleets still operate in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest, and the town’s boat-building craftsmanship remains a key part of its identity.

A defining symbol of this history is the iconic Net Sheds, historic waterfront structures where fishermen once mended their nets. Preserved as landmarks, they stand as a tribute to Gig Harbor’s seafaring past. The town continues to honor its roots through events like the Maritime Gig Festival and the Blessing of the Fleet, keeping its fishing legacy alive in both culture and daily life.

map of gig harbor

The City of Gig Harbor is a small, defined area centered around the historic waterfront (the red dotted line on the map). Greater Gig Harbor extends beyond city limits into a larger, unincorporated area. Fox Island is located southwest of Gig Harbor and connected by a bridge.

Real Estate Overview

Gig Harbor has something for everyone, spanning the gamut of property size, home size, age, features, and more.  Prices range from $450,000 to $8M with a median of approximately $850,000.

Property Types

Great diversity and variety in the type of homes and properties available.  With over 100 miles of shoreline in the greater Gig Harbor area, there are many opportunities for waterfront and/or stunning view homes that can include Mt. Rainier or the Olympic Mountains.  Additionally Gig Harbor is home to many cozy neighborhoods separated by large tracts of greenspace and parks, as well as golf course living.

Market Trends

Gig Harbor is a coveted location, therefore we experience market trends and dynamics that are hyperlocal and different from surrounding areas.  For example, the median prices are substantially higher than the rest of Pierce and Kitsap Counties (with the exception of Bainbridge Island)

Neighborhoods In Gig Harbor

In Town Gig Harbor

The heart of the city, featuring a charming waterfront, boutique shops, and a vibrant dining scene.

Canterwood

A prestigious gated community known for its golf course, upscale homes, and quiet, tree-lined streets.

Harbor Hill

A growing residential area with newer homes, parks, and convenient access to shopping, dining, and Highway 16.

Peacock Hill/Crescent Valley

A growing residential area with newer homes, parks, and convenient access to shopping, dining, and Highway 16.

East Gig Harbor & Maplewood

A scenic waterfront area with stunning views, quiet residential streets, and easy access to downtown.

Narrows

Stunning water views, larger properties, and quick commutes to Tacoma.

Point Fosdick

A mix of high-end waterfront homes and suburban neighborhoods with proximity to shopping and recreational areas.

Midway

A central location with a mix of residential and commercial spaces, offering convenience and accessibility.

Wollochet/Wollochet Bay

A waterfront community with beautiful bay views, marinas, and a mix of luxury and traditional homes.

Artondale

A peaceful, family-friendly neighborhood with wooded lots, parks, and a strong sense of community.

Cromwell

A quiet, rural area known for waterfront properties, small farms, and a laid-back lifestyle.

Fox Island

A scenic island connected by bridge, offering stunning views, waterfront properties, and a tight-knit community.

Horsehead Bay

A secluded waterfront neighborhood known for boating, fishing, and vacation-style living.

Kopachuck

Home to Kopachuck State Park, featuring wooded trails, waterfront access, and serene residential areas.

Raft Island

A private island community with a relaxed, coastal feel, connected to the mainland by a bridge.

Rosedale

A charming rural area with farms, equestrian properties, and a slower pace of life.

Henderson Bay

A waterfront community with breathtaking views, beach access, and peaceful surroundings.

Purdy

A small town at the northern gateway to Gig Harbor, known for its waterfront, marina, and local businesses.

Wauna

A quiet residential area with a mix of waterfront and forested properties along Henderson Bay.

Key Peninsula

A sprawling, rural region with forests, farms, and waterfront communities. 

Live, Play & Explore

Dining

Recreation

Shopping

Events

Schools & Education

Gig Harbor offers access to some of the top-rated schools in the Puget Sound area, making it an excellent choice for families seeking both luxury living and exceptional education.

PUblic Education - Peninsula School District

The Peninsula School District (PSD) is a top-rated district known for its commitment to academic excellence and student success. With a mission to prepare every child to be a successful and engaged global citizen, PSD serves the Gig Harbor and Key Peninsula communities with three high schools, four middle schools, and ten elementary schools. The district emphasizes innovation, rigorous academics, and a culture of belonging, ensuring students receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for the future.

private education options

Gig Harbor also offers a variety of private school options for families seeking alternative education. Lighthouse Christian School provides a Christ-centered K-8 education, while Gig Harbor Academy offers an independent, experiential learning environment for preschool through fifth grade. Harbor Montessori School serves students from infancy through eighth grade, focusing on individualized, hands-on learning. Other options include St. Nicholas Catholic School, which integrates faith and academics for preschool through eighth grade, and Hosanna Christian School, which offers a tailored Christian education. Several additional private school choices are available in nearby Tacoma.

higher education opportunities

For those pursuing higher education, Gig Harbor provides access to Tacoma Community College (TCC), which has a satellite campus in Gig Harbor and a main campus in Fircrest, offering associate degrees and certificate programs. Nearby four-year universities include the University of Puget Sound (UPS), Pacific Lutheran University (PLU), and University of Washington Tacoma (UWT), all providing a range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Additionally, specialized institutions like the Milgard School of Business, Northwest College of the Arts, Bates Technical College, and Clover Park Technical College offer career-focused training and professional development opportunities.

Demographics

Gender & Age

Source: Census.gov & Census Reporter
The population is composed of about 55.2% female and 44.8% male residents. The median age in Gig Harbor is 47.6 years.

Population

(depending on source)
Gig Harbor - 12,000 to 14,000
Greater Gig Harbor - 60,000 to 70,000

Education

Source: Census.gov
50.6% of residents aged 25 and over hold a bachelor's degree or higher

Race & Ethnicity

Source: Census.gov
The population is 81.5% White, with 12.5% multiracial, 3.1% Asian, and smaller percentages of Black (0.6%), Native American (0.7%), and Pacific Islander (0.8%). Hispanic or Latino residents make up 5.2%.

Median Income

Source: Census.gov
$106,042

Political Affiliation

Source: Best Neighborhood
Gig Harbor tends to be slightly Democratic based on recent voting patterns. However, compared to nearby cities, it has a higher proportion of Republican voters

Let’s Find Your Dream Home in Gig Harbor

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