Gig Harbor vs Tacoma: Why Everyone's Choosing a Bayfront Life
Science agrees! As Geary et al (2023) discovered, even 10% more access to green spaces and areas of water, like in Gig Harbor, can lead to 7% fewer mental health disorders. It’s no wonder that people are looking for ways to move into the country, but this is not the only reason for the exodus from urban spaces in recent years.
If you’re torn between the peaceful experience of places like Gig Harbor vs. Tacoma and its big city energy, this article will help you understand why more buyers are starting to choose a bayfront life. Learn about each location’s:
Property prices
Commuting times
Lifestyle perks
Waterfront living
For some, the lure of the big city will be too much. But if, like many, you’re looking for a quiet life, read on to learn why Schulte & Co. is certain that Gig Harbor is the place to be.
Deep Dive on Gig Harbor vs. Tacoma
One of your first questions might be: “How far is Gig Harbor from Tacoma?”
Gig Harbor and Tacoma’s centers sit around twelve miles from one another, necessitating only a ten to twenty-minute drive. While this is not far, the commute could start eating into time with your loved ones.
Traveling from Gig Harbor to Tacoma has its moments of beauty, however. Even outside the greenery and calm serenity of Gig Harbor’s waterfront, you can enjoy the long, straight trip across the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, otherwise known as the Gig Harbor/Tacoma Bridge, for a moment of peace.
Unlike many other commutes, the drive provides both a direct route with limited traffic and a smooth flow. The open space offers a moment to breathe before reaching your destination.
Is Tacoma a Good Place to Live?
Tacoma is a wonderful place to live if you plan to have a busy life. With a vibrant downtown, it has a lot of things to experience for both tourists and locals, including:
Museums
Public art displays
Theaters
Restaurants
Community events
The location is also home to its own university and both burgeoning tech and educational sectors. It’s not quiet, but it is fulfilling for those looking to advance their careers, as well as those who want to experience a cultural center without the high prices of other urban centers.
The city also offers several different options for housing. Whether you want classic suburban homes or modern apartments, you can find something to match your style. Some neighborhoods are even undergoing a revitalization, but make sure to check local Tacoma crime rates before you move into a new build to learn its history.
Gig Harbor Property Pros and Cons
Gig Harbor’s beautiful waterfront is a very popular location for those looking for a calming and positive experience. The limited number of homes available there also lends itself to a feeling of exclusivity next to the water.
The community appeal is top-tier for those with families, while the location’s schools are among the best in the region. If you purchase a property that is part of an HOA, you may also have access to other water amenities, such as private docks or shoreline green spaces.
The location is wonderful if you want to move somewhere not because of the number of things you can do, but due to the quality of the water view at sunset, or the time you will spend with a loved one. The peace and quiet knows no bounds, and the daily experiences are bound to be ones you remember for years to come. It’s the epitome of the good life if you want:
A calmer lifestyle
Waterfront views
Quiet mornings
Peaceful skylines
Incredible schools
The major downsides to the location are simply its cost and the distance to urban centers like Tacoma or Seattle. After all, how far is Gig Harbor to Seattle? It’s around 50 minutes each way, making it a full-day event.
Gig Harbor Now recently noted that individual properties can easily fetch over $900k. It’s a significant investment that may demand more thought than buying a smaller apartment in a Tacoma building. However, should you decide to take the plunge, the lifestyle there is unlikely to disappoint.
How Bayfront Living Affects the Mind and Body
As mentioned before, living closer to the water can boost your mental health. However, even walking in the opposite direction of the water makes Gig Harbor a great place to enjoy the outdoors. With plenty of parks and trails to make the most of, you can easily increase how active your lifestyle is, allowing for more regular movement.
Other options for activities can take advantage of the waterfront location of Gig Harbor, so don’t be surprised to discover experiences along the shoreline, such as:
Kayaking clubs
Boating communities
Paddleboard lessons
Fishing trips
Such a connection to nature is bound to help foster a positive mindset that offers the most time in the great outdoors.
For many, you can use Gig Harbor as your quiet home away from the office. Whether that involves commuting to Seattle or Tacoma, Gig Harbor’s lifestyle allows you to return to somewhere more peaceful every evening. The journey is also a great chance to relax, allowing your favorite podcast or music to wash over you as you perform your daily ritual, switching from the office to home.
Alternatively, if you’re more of a “home office” worker, Gig Harbor may be precisely what you need to focus.
Why Wait? Embrace waterfront Living Today
Many people find the decision between living in Gig Harbor vs. Tacoma easy. There’s a reason why Gig Harbor continues to attract everyone, from families to professionals to those enjoying their retirement.
It’s more than a simple waterfront community. It’s a whole lifestyle one invests in.
Schulte & Co. understands that the area’s pace of life makes it perfect for those prioritising a peaceful future. We have the experience necessary to get you the life you deserve.
Contact Paige Schutle today and learn how our concierge property agency service can get you the location of your dreams.
