Key Peninsula in Gig Harbor
The Key Peninsula is a very large area with the best aspects of rural living that is accessed by crossing the Purdy Bridge. This is a location that I feel is really suited for those who want to get away from the bustle of the busy urban lifestyle for a quiet dose of nature.
This area offers all the wild natural beauty that people love about the Pacific Northwest. Miles of forests, lakes and a country vibe are highlights here. This area is also probably the most affordable in Gig Harbor.
There are many small, distinct communities located throughout the Key Peninsula.
3.5 miles to freeway
- homes
Want to live here?
Local real estate agent Darren Rivers created this site as a guide for people who are moving to the Gig Harbor area. If you need a local real estate agent, Darren is a clear choice. He not only is passionate about serving his clients and has intimate knowledge of Gig Harbor, but he is one of the top Re/Max realtors in the country.
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Location
North of Gig Harbor lies Purdy, this is where you will find the Purdy Bridge that gives access West to the Key Peninsula. the Purdy Bridge sweeps over the narrow channel between Henderson Bay and Burley Lagoon and has been an iconic part of the landscape since it was built in 1936.
The bridge was built when the Key Peninsula was a remote place where few people lived but it has exploded in growth over the last few years as people are searching for more opportunities for affordable housing, building lots, and remote locations where they can enjoy working from home.
This means this area is getting busier and as a result, the Purdy Bridge is strained to capacity, during peak commuting times. It can get very backed up but these periods are short and I feel it is not a deterrent to people wanting to move out here.
Again the Gig Harbor area that Key Peninsula attaches to, lies on the West side of Puget Sound, a large protected inlet, that opens to the Pacific Ocean in Western Washington.
This area can be difficult to commute to depending on what part of it you live in. This is a very large region with many different districts. It’s difficult to pin down times for commutes because it just depends how far you are located from the Purdy Bridge.
From the Purdy Bridge to Downtown Gig Harbor it is only a 10-12 minute drive without traffic. Gig Harbor North can be reached in 7 minutes. On the other hand, if you live further out like in Vaughn it will take 25 minutes to reach downtown Gig Harbor and a minimum of 32 minutes to get to Tacoma. Living in the furthest areas such as Longbranch will add 15-20 minutes to any of these commutes.
Seattle can be reached from the Purdy Bridge in less than an hour without traffic, but back ups on I-5 can add an hour to that during peak times.
Attractions
The biggest attraction here is the great Pacific Northwest and all the natural beauty it offers. The area offers easy access to Puget Sound for boating, fishing and all types of water sports and activities. It’s also known for proximity to Seattle, Mt. Rainier, the Olympic Peninsula and all the natural beauty that the Pacific Northwest offers.
The nearby Gig Harbor North neighborhood offers the large modern YMCA with recreational programs and services for all ages including a swimming pool, climbing gym, sauna, indoor running track, youth center, and more. This community based non-profit offers empowerment and an inclusive space where people of all ages can learn, grow and improve health.
In Gig Harbor North you will also find the medical facility St. Anthony’s Hospital.
15- 20 minutes away is access to beautiful downtown Gig Harbor with shopping, dining, water activities and the Maritime Museum , which is not only a great place for history education but a dynamic community event space with live music and other public events.
Outdoor Activities
This area offers a great deal for the outdoors enthusiast. Top-notch golfing can be found at the beautiful Trophy Lake Golf Course, and Horseshoe Lake Golf Course. There is also easy access to Gig Harbor North where the prestigious Canterwood Golf Course and Country Club is located and nearby Port Orchard offers McCormick WoodsGolf and Country Club.
For boaters, there is a marina in Long Branch and one in Lakebay also, along with numerous boat launches and lakes in the Key Peninsula offering great options for boating, fishing, swimming and other water sports.
This region also has a variety of parks and lakes. Some of the state parks here include, Square Lake, Joemma Beach, Haley Park and Penrose Point. All of these offer water access and trails. It is a hikers paradise and great for general nature aficionados from bird watchers to nature photographers.
Aside from boaters and golfers, this area also attracts equestrian enthusiasts and they will find a strong community here. Key Peninsula is dotted with horse farms and riding facilities due to the many horse properties in the area.
Shopping
This rural area is mainly residential but does have a small district of shops and restaurants at the Lake Kathryn Village Mall. You will find the basics here a Post Office, Dollar Tree, Pharmacy, Dominos, Burger King and such.
For more serious shopping you can cross the Purdy Bridge to the nearby Gig Harbor North which offers big box locations like Costco, Home Depot, Albertson’s and Target that you won’t find in other parts of Gig Harbor. just to the South of that area is the charming and historic downtown Gig Harbor where you will find small local shops and boutiques for “retail therapy” and dining options.
For other shopping options, you can drive another 10 minutes South to the Uptown District where there are many big box retailers such as Home Goods, Marshall’s, J. Jill, Chico’s, and Ann Taylor Loft to name a few.
You can find everything you need in Uptown from coffee shops, restaurants, major grocery stores, services such as dry cleaners, and even a large Cinema.
The amenities of the area are too much to list but some highlights are a medical center, a large, classy family fun center with bowling, dining, shopping, and other activities The newly built gourmet grocery, Metropolitan Market offers upscale options in a big box atmosphere. Around the corner from Metropolitan Market is the smaller local grocery, Harbor Greens offering a beautiful plant and flower selection, unique gifts, and a small deli.
Type of Properties
This area is mainly all single-family homes, these include, acreage, equestrian, agricultural properties and some with waterfront and views. There is a great variety of sizes, eras, and settings from private homes in the woods to beachfront properties.
Many homes have no HOA but there are also structured developments and small communities like .
The Key Peninsula is characterized by a variety of rural land uses on large lots. Residential home sites, agricultural lands, and forest lands
You will find an eclectic mix of architectural styles and eras here.
More on Key Peninsula
Shopping
This rural area is mainly residential but does have a small district of shops and restaurants at the Lake Kathryn Village Mall. You will find the basics here a Post Office, Dollar Tree, Pharmacy, Dominos, Burger King and such.
For more serious shopping you can cross the Purdy Bridge to the nearby Gig Harbor North which offers big box locations like Costco, Home Depot, Albertson’s and Target that you won’t find in other parts of Gig Harbor. just to the South of that area is the charming and historic downtown Gig Harbor where you will find small local shops and boutiques for “retail therapy” and dining options.
For other shopping options, you can drive another 10 minutes South to the Uptown District where there are many big box retailers such as Home Goods, Marshall’s, J. Jill, Chico’s, and Ann Taylor Loft to name a few.
You can find everything you need in Uptown from coffee shops, restaurants, major grocery stores, services such as dry cleaners, and even a large Cinema.
The amenities of the area are too much to list but some highlights are a medical center, a large, classy family fun center with bowling, dining, shopping, and other activities The newly built gourmet grocery, Metropolitan Market offers upscale options in a big box atmosphere. Around the corner from Metropolitan Market is the smaller local grocery, Harbor Greens offering a beautiful plant and flower selection, unique gifts, and a small deli.
Type of Properties
This area is mainly all single-family homes, these include, acreage, equestrian, agricultural properties and some with waterfront and views. There is a great variety of sizes, eras, and settings from private homes in the woods to beachfront properties.
Many homes have no HOA but there are also structured developments and small communities like .
The Key Peninsula is characterized by a variety of rural land uses on large lots. Residential home sites, agricultural lands, and forest lands
You will find an eclectic mix of architectural styles and eras here.
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