Exploring Gig Harbor:
A Neighborhood Guide for Future Residents

Whether you’re moving for work, lifestyle, or retirement, Gig Harbor offers a variety of neighborhoods — each with its own personality, amenities, and appeal.

From historic waterfront districts and tight-knit residential communities to golf course living and peaceful rural retreats, Gig Harbor’s neighborhoods cater to a range of lifestyles. Many residents are drawn here not only for the scenic surroundings but also for the close-knit community spirit and quality schools with engaged parents.

The town’s story began in 1867, when explorers navigating the South Puget Sound encountered a narrow harbor entrance too small for their ship. Using a small rowboat called a “gig,” they discovered a deep, sheltered harbor that would later give the town its name. Over time, Croatian fishing families, including the well-known Skansie family, made Gig Harbor home, building net sheds and shaping the area’s strong maritime culture.

Today, Gig Harbor blends the charm of a historic fishing village with the conveniences of modern living offering everything from waterfront cottages and luxury estates to master-planned communities and wooded acreage.