Gig Harbor Living

A scenic coastal town with marinas, parks, and a vibrant small‑town core—beloved for its views, schools, and easy access to outdoor adventure.

Why Gig Harbor?

The broader market offers everything from historic in‑town homes to view properties and newer neighborhoods near shopping and services.

A Neighborhood with Character

Community spirit runs strong with events, trails like the Cushman, and countless shoreline spots to enjoy the Puget Sound lifestyle.

Living in Gig Harbor means:

  • Postcard coastal town with views of Mt. Rainier
  • Top‑rated Peninsula School District
  • Downtown boutiques + Uptown big‑box conveniences
  • Marinas, parks, and the Cushman Trail system
  • Neighborhood options from historic to newer builds
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Want to live here?

If you’re considering a home in Gig Harbor, Darren Rivers is your local expert. With 25 years in Gig Harbor and deep knowledge of Gig Harbor, he can help you find the perfect property. Reach out today to start your search.
photo Darren Rivers Realtor Gig Harbor

Locations

If you choose to work in Seattle, about 44 miles away, the typical car commute from Gig Harbor in rush hour is about 1 hour and 45 minutes each way. If there’s an accident that can add considerably to that time.  Without traffic, this drive takes 50-60....

Location | Gig Harbor

If you choose to work in Seattle, about 44 miles away, the typical car commute from Gig Harbor in rush hour is about 1 hour and 45 minutes each way. If there’s an accident that can add considerably to that time.  Without traffic, this drive takes 50-60 minutes.

For commuting to Seattle, like the rest of the area, the biggest traffic congestion is through Tacoma and Fife. Heading south to Olympia can face backups in the area of Joint Base Lewis-McChord, one of the nation’s largest military bases. Bremerton is about 25 min. away and offers ferry service to Seattle.

Tacoma is under 20 minutes away and offers job opportunities and larger city amenities like specialized medical care.

Gig Harbor now has its first full-size Hospital, St. Anthony’s, but often people who need specific types of surgeries and treatments will need to go to Tacoma.

 

Attractions

Some of the attractions that keep the locals busy include: Performance Golf Center, where you can work on your golf swing while hanging out with friends and skipping having to walk the golf course....

Attractions | Gig Harbor

Some of the attractions that keep the locals busy include:

  • Performance Golf Center, where you can work on your golf swing while hanging out with friends and skipping having to walk the golf course.
  • The beautiful Harbor History Museum, which inspires curiosity about local history and cultural traditions as they connect to the world around us. Admission is free and they have popular annual events such as “History rocks” with outdoor concerts.
  • Oceans 5 a family-friendly, year-round, indoor hangout that features a gaming arcade, 10 pin and duckpin bowling on 22 lanes, laser tag and a restaurant.
  • Tides Tavern for adults only fun, the Tides has been a classic Gig Harbor experience for generations. The Tavern, located in a historic building full of charm, sits right on the Gig Harbor waterfront and features a vibrant social scene, gorgeous deck dining and great burgers.
  • Skansie brother’s Park is large, centrally located in downtown and sits right on the water. This park has a very long walking dock, public restrooms and is a great place to view the Gig Harbor lighted boat parade in the winter and concerts and farmer’s markets in the summer.
  • Gig Harbor Gondola, Gig Harbor may be the only place in Washington you can take an Italian-style authentic gondola ride, making it a very unique attraction. The Harbor also offers lots of other boat cruise options and water rentals like kayaks and paddle boards.
  • Kopachuck State Park. There are too many park options to list here, but this deep woods park with beautiful beaches is a highlight to get away from it all.
  • Cushman Trail, mentioned in the outdoor activities section this is a great walking and destination biking trail that runs through green belts tracking along Highway 16.
  • Galaxy Theatre Uptown, as it’s name, implies is a step above a typical movie theatre with plush seating and a beer and wine bar.
  • BMX Park, a very popular addition is a hub for kids activities and just watching the bikers and skateboarders doing tricks.

 

Outdoor Activities

I’ve always found the outdoor lifestyle Gig Harbor offers to be one of my favorite things about living here.

It’s obvious that Gig Harbor offers all types of water sports....

Outdoor Activities | Gig Harbor

I’ve always found the outdoor lifestyle Gig Harbor offers to be one of my favorite things about living here.

It’s obvious that Gig Harbor offers all types of water sports options from fishing to wake boarding and all kinds of boating, but it’s the general culture of fitness and being outdoors that sets it apart.

Gig Harbor is full of parks and hiking trails. You will find outdoor tennis courts and a strong golfing community. The Cushman trail allows one to bike through Gig Harbor while avoiding traffic and enjoying tranquility.

You can find a group, class or club around many outdoor activities that also include things like archery, sailing and horseback riding. These all have strong communities and cultures you can engage in.

 

Shopping

Small business has always been essential to Gig Harbor’s unique vibe.

Chalet in the Woods, a gig Harbor staple for the last 30+ years, and reflection of the areas strong Scandinavian community, is....

Shopping | Gig Harbor

mall business has always been essential to Gig Harbor’s unique vibe.

Chalet in the Woods, a gig Harbor staple for the last 30+ years, and reflection of the areas strong Scandinavian community, is described on their website as: “a European gift and clothing store in a garden setting. The Chalet is situated on 12 lovely acres of gardens, woodlands, and pasture for a flock of Oxford sheep and lambs.” It doesn’t get any more “Gig Harbor” than that.

The Downtown shopping District also features a charming historic vibe with many small businesses including gift shops, boating stores and boutiques.

The addition of The Uptown Shopping Center is a pleasant and stylish outdoor mall with corporate entities like J. Jill, Anne Taylor, Chicos and Panera Bread mixed in with small businesses like Blue Agave Mexican Cafe and Cutters Point Coffee, along with gift shops and clothing boutiques.

The construction of Gig Harbor North brought in big box stores like Home Depot, Target and Costco for convenience. This means you don’t have to go across the bridge for these amenities.

 

Type of Properties

Gig Harbor has just about as many options for homes and properties as you can think of. The areas early development means you can still find vintage and historical houses and even farm properties, but you also will find modern style condominiums and....

Type of Properties | Gig Harbor

Gig Harbor has just about as many options for homes and properties as you can think of. The areas early development means you can still find vintage and historical houses and even farm properties, but you also will find modern style condominiums and stunning modern waterfront luxury homes.

There’s really something for everyone here, in many sizes and price points from manufactured homes in retirement parks to waterfront equestrian estates and upscale golf community homes.

Whatever you are looking for, you will probably find it from a beach cabin to a classic home in a suburban family neighborhood.

Living in Gig Harbor FAQ

What makes Gig Harbor unique?

Gig Harbor is one of the most desirable areas in the Puget Sound offering a balance of natural beauty, quaint harbor town vibes and everyday convenience.

Are there waterfront homes in Gig Harbor?

Yes, many properties in Gig Harbor enjoy water views, private docks, or nearby beach access (varies by location).

How close is Gig Harbor to amenities?

Gig Harbor is just minutes from major amenities. Downtown offers waterfront charm, Uptown brings a modern mix of shops and dining, and Gig Harbor North adds convenient big-box options—all with Highway 16 nearby for easy regional access.

What outdoor activities are available near Gig Harbor?

Residents enjoy boating, kayaking, fishing, hiking, and local parks and trails throughout the area.

Latest posts in and around Gig Harbor!

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Darren Rivers

Long-time Gig Harbor resident and realtor. Darren has raised two kids in town and helped hundreds of clients buy and sell real estate here.

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 Have questions about Gig Harbor Real Estate or just want to chat? Don’t hesitate to reach out!