Best Places to Live: Gig Harbor
For a quiet retirement—or just a slower pace.
By Rachel Gallaher March 23, 2026
This article originally appeared in the March/April 2026 issue of Seattle magazine.
In the south sound, gig harbor lures people with the promise of tranquility, space, and some of the most striking views in the region. The city’s picturesque history stretches back to the 1840s—it was named after the small captain’s gig in which the Wilkes Expedition first arrived—and it has evolved into a scenic community known for its schools, creative backbone, and independent businesses. There’s a certain calm imbuing the area that attracts those looking to escape the rat-race pace of busier metropolises.
“When you cross the Tacoma Narrows Bridge on a beautiful day, see the snowcapped Olympics in the distance, and the beauty that surrounds Gig Harbor, you take the exhale you didn’t know you needed,” says Miriam Battson, president and CEO of the Gig Harbor Chamber of Commerce. “The pace here can be slower, and you may linger longer over coffee, a meal, or a glass of wine with a friend.”
A maritime community through and through, Gig Harbor has a bustling waterfront downtown, but other neighborhoods—Shore Acres, Point Fosdick, Fox and Raft Islands, parts of Artondale—feature shorefront real estate as well. “The abundance of waterfront accessibility makes Gig Harbor the perfect destination for those looking to live that waterfront lifestyle,” says real estate agent Becky Barrick of Becky Barrick & Associates, who notes that homes in Pierce County can cost 50-60% less than in King County. “However, if waterfront is out of the budget, then there’s an abundance of homes with gorgeous Sound and Mount Rainier views. Honestly, Gig Harbor is a jewel in the South Sound.”
According to Battson, there are two main groups of people making the leap to Gig Harbor. “Remote workers are looking to trade hustle and bustle for tranquility,” she says. “Our school district is highly ranked and is willing to explore the needs of the future workforce and adapt to set students up for success. The second group we see are grandparents who want to be near their kids and grandkids who live north of here.”
This influx of people has spurred a wave of development, both commercial and residential. “Due to our proximity to the Port of Tacoma, Naval Base Kitsap, and Joint Base Lewis-McChord, we have seen businesses select our community due to the work-family balance and proximity to all the needed services,” Battson explains. She says that the city is currently working on ways to address the need for affordable housing, especially for first-time buyers, which will only enhance the appeal of Gig Harbor and strengthen the community’s social fabric.
While the city continues to grow, its longstanding friendliness, resident civic engagement, and easily accessible outdoor activities remain unchanged, helping to retain the relaxed, supportive appeal that draws so many people here in the first place.
Population: 12,921
School Districts: Peninsula
Attractions: Harbor History Museum, Gig Harbor Gondola, Ocean 5 Entertainment Center, Skansie Brothers Park and Netshed, Kopachuck State Park
Community Events: Maritime Gig Festival, Gig Harbor Tree Lighting, Sip & Stroll, Chalk the Harbor & Waterfront Art Walk
Average Home Price: $762,000 (as of December 2025)
See the full Best Places to Live series here.
About Best Places to Live
At Seattle magazine, we usually keep the focus on our titular city. For this series, though, we looked just beyond it—to a handful of Western Washington spots getting buzzy attention. Some are growing fast, others offer a slower, more community-focused pace. From more space in places like Black Diamond or Woodinville to strong schools and busy dining scenes in Bellevue, each has its own pull. We spoke with realtors, residents, and chamber members to understand what sets these six cities apart.
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