Gig Harbor, Washington is a beautiful place with an amazing view of the ocean. The area has been known for its attractive nautical surroundings and vibrant community since time immemorial. Just like any other town, anyone who would like to settle there needs to look at both sides of the coin. It combines cultural diversity, breathtaking beauty, and a strong sense of community among others that make many people love this charming harbor town. However, it also has its challenges.
When it comes to the advantages of living in Gig Harbor there are several ones, stunning natural landscapes, good schools to choose from, low crime rates, and many community activities that tend to bring people together as one big family. Its location near big cities such as Seattle and Tacoma enables small-town calmness with urban amenities in between.
On the other hand, these disadvantages include the cost of living above average national statistics which may be too expensive for some families, traffic snarl-ups, especially around Tacoma Narrows Bridge, a typical Pacific Northwest weather pattern that may not be ideal for those not used to frequent showers. For future inhabitants weighing these benefits against drawbacks helps them decide if they can manage this place as their new home.
The Pros of Living in Gig Harbor
Gig Harbor is not just a beautiful place but a locality where nature meets modernity. Are you considering moving or merely wondering what this enchanting city offers? Here’s more on why you should consider making Gig Harbor your home.
Safe Neighbourhood
It attracts attention due to its security features as well as cleanliness where one yearns for a quiet haven while searching for a house to live in. Both violent crimes and burglaries are much less common here than nationwide averages suggest. These streets and public parks are properly maintained throughout so that locals can boast about their residential environment. This safety net contributes towards better standards of living making it suitable even for aged parents and people with families.
Diverse Political Opinion
Gig Harbor enjoys a wide range of political views, which shows the mixing of different opinions and backgrounds that occur harmoniously in the community. This can be seen during local elections and public meetings, where local people have a chance to have an open dialogue on matters affecting them. The city encourages inclusiveness, thereby facilitating everybody’s participation in such conversations. It is particularly interesting for those who like thoughtful and equitable ways of running communities.
High Median Earnings
Relatively high median earnings are indicative of Gig Harbor as a place with wealthy residents as well as having a robust economy in general. This financial well-being supports quality life together with availing good amenities such as schools rated among the best countrywide, maintained parks among others, and an all-around medical care system. A higher median income is also reflected within the real estate sector where prices of property are generally above average thus making it more attractive to homeowners whose houses are long-term investments thereby creating a posh environment in town.
Numerous Outdoor Activities
It is like having immediate access to the outdoors when you live in Gig Harbor. This means that residents are lucky enough to enjoy a lot of activities without needing to go beyond their budget because it is close to Puget Sound. For hiking, biking, water sports, and much more, the area parades several parks and trails. Short rides from here will bring you to such places as Cliffside Nature Preserve, Kopachuck State Park, and McCormick Forest Park, each one provides its own unique outdoor experiences. Be it a quiet hike or an adventurous water sport, many natural opportunities can be found here.
Superb Educational Opportunities
Education is highly valued in Gig Harbor and this value is reflected in its public schools. The Peninsula School District represents the district which has numerous educational facilities from eight elementary schools, four middle schools, and six high schools. More than two dozen private schools supplement this district with a student population exceeding 8,000 students. This not only includes the best-ranked institutions but also the ones that are most conveniently located for parental comfort across different neighborhoods within the community.
Vibrant Community Spirit
Using various occasions and gatherings, Gig Harbor has been able to maintain a close-knit community spirit. Seasonal events including Halloween, Easter, and Christmas are also very popular with people in the community, along with the Outdoor Summer Concert Series. The inhabitants of this town have the chance to socialize herein as well as develop lasting friendships through such events. These local businesses contribute to this ambiance of friendliness by often acknowledging their customers by names and personal likes which make it feel like a small town.
Strong Real Estate Investment
Buying a house in Gig Harbor can be justified because its real estate market is strong. This is due to continuous increases in property rates which result from being one of Tacoma’s most desirable suburbs. Additionally, trends in the market show an increase in values on housing making it an ideal choice for permanent residents or investors as well. In addition, those looking for larger plots should consider relocating early because soon there may not be any available pieces of land.
Comprehensive Local Amenities
Gig Harbor boasts all the basic amenities necessary for comfortable living despite its small-town appeal. Restaurants, shopping centers, professional services offices, and healthcare facilities are some of these amenities provided within the city limits. A variety of such features means that the distance between one resident’s needs and their supply does not stretch far thus increasing convenience factors especially. This is contributed by high-quality service standards here due to overall affluence within this society ensuring availability and demand for quality.
More Affordable than Other Upscale Areas
For those who cannot afford to live in other expensive towns such as Bellevue and Kirkland, this can be a cheaper option. The current real estate data shows that the mean cost of a house in Gig Harbor is far lower than those of Bellevue and Kirkland making it an attractive area for a luxury home or community without exaggerated costs.
Safety, Community, and Natural Beauty are all combined to make living in Gig Harbor desirable to many people. It’s hard to beat the scenic views, sense of community, or investment chances that are available in Gig Harbor if you are looking for somewhere unique to live.
With so many features and a high standard of living, there are downsides to living in Gig Harbor. These are some of the possible difficulties that might make people not want to stay in Gig Harbor any longer.
The Cons Of Living in Gig Harbor
Higher Living Costs
The Economic Research Institute estimates that it is about 16% more expensive to live in Gig Harbor than the national average. Average home prices are mainly responsible for this value, which is above $800,000 as compared to Tacoma’s average of around $521,374. There are some benefits such as well-planned communities and beautiful natural surroundings that residents do enjoy, but the issue becomes an important consideration when thinking about living here financially. People who intend to move into this town should consider these costs vis-à-vis the kind of lifestyle and amenities they expect from the town for their financial objectives.
Traffic Jam Congestion and Toll Bridges
As Gig Harbor gains popularity, its traffic increases too. A lot of new inhabitants and other visitors also lead to such an increase. Furthermore, daily commuters from Puget Sound come through Tacoma Narrows Bridge where tolls may become quite significant amounts over time. Prospective dwellers must look at such matters carefully because constant payment of toll fees as well as increased traffic can affect everyday life, seriously increasing travel times.
Problems with Commuting
For those who work in Seattle, commuting can be very tiring. The peak rush hours can last up to 80 minutes one way. This means roughly two and a half hours commuters would spend per day just traveling back home or going to work daily on these roads only! For most people though, the beauty and calmness associated with Gig Harbor may serve as justification for long-distance travels like this while options including telecommuting a few days weekly exist thereby reducing stress levels on them thereof. Moreover, he could decide on another option, instead of driving he can take a ferry and in just 56 minutes get to Seattle which is a more pleasant way of traveling along with enjoying the scenery on the way.
Limited Nightlife Options
Gig Harbor goes to sleep early, making it potentially unsuitable for those who desire a happening nightlife. Most local businesses and eating places close early in the evening, which means that there are limited opportunities for late-night dining or entertainment within the town itself. Nevertheless, this quieter atmosphere in the evenings suits well with the taste of families and retired individuals, comprising most residents in this town, preferring to stay calm.
Gig Harbor’s proximity to bigger cities is a boon for those seeking more vibrant nighttime activities. Tacoma and Seattle are both easily reached by car so various fun spots open at night can be visited without any difficulties. These cities have something exciting for everyone from attending concerts or music gigs to having dinner as night falls to visiting different hipster-friendly bars where one can revel till dawn breaks.
Weather Patterns
Isolation from Larger Cities
For instance, the charm of Gig Harbor’s removed peacefulness makes it somewhat cut off from the hustle and bustle of larger cities. This factor can be an attraction for some people who prefer peace and tranquility but it can also work against others who enjoy urban life more or those who take advantage of cultural and social facilities offered by bigger towns.
Still, these possible downsides notwithstanding, many people believe that Gig Harbor has more advantages than disadvantages due to its beautiful landscape environment, strong community sense, and good quality of living. For those contemplating relocation, it is important to visit Gig Harbor firsthand and see how all this applies to one’s personal preferences before making any decision based on facts concerning these matters concerning preference or lifestyle requirements.
Final Thoughts
So what do you think, does Gig Harbor sound like a place you would still want to call home? Alternatively, maybe you are working remotely locally so aspects like traffic, tolls and commuting time may not be as significant. After all the plus points listed earlier on there is no doubt that the benefits outweigh even perceived drawbacks.
Of course, affordability is still a huge concern. For some people the high cost of living coupled with the real estate market in Gig Harbor is prohibitive. Therefore when thinking about moving to another area one needs to pay attention to their budget and financial objectives. However, the investment remains attractive for many who can afford the costs because of the quality of life and natural beauty found in the area.
However, Gig Harbor is not only a place to live, it’s a place where you belong. The town offers a combination of safety, community spirit, natural beauty, and lifestyle that may be difficult to find elsewhere. It is an all-encompassing charm whether one is taking a peaceful walk in leafy parks, participating in local festivals, or just relaxing in one’s scenic backyard.
PNW Movers are professional movers serving Gig Harbor and can assist with your move. Our team members are knowledgeable about the area and offer seamless moves for stress-free experiences.
In conclusion, it is up to you but choosing Gig Harbor as your new home might just make you fall deeply and passionately in love with it. With its enchanting landscapes, friendly neighborhoods, and a lifestyle that many find captivating, Gig Harbor could be the ideal setting for the next exciting chapter in your life. If these qualities appeal to you, Gig Harbor might just be what you are looking for!
