Located across the water from Tacoma, Artondale offers something between rural and suburban living, with wooded surroundings and access to the waters of Puget Sound. Despite its apparent seclusion, the city also has easy access to Tacoma via the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. “Artondale is a bit more country than suburb,” says Jim Pullin, a managing broker at Skyline Properties who has worked in the area for over a decade. “It’s popular because it’s separated by the water from Tacoma proper; other suburbs don’t have that separation.” Lots of residents maintain an active lifestyle thanks to the number of outdoor activities provided by the water and Kopachuck State Park. “The people in Artondale love their community; they love where they live,” Pullin says. “They have a strong sense of community and are very friendly; the complete opposite of the Seattle Freeze.”
Many luxury properties feature docks on the shores of Artondale.
Expensive homes line the shores of Wollechet Bay in Artondale.
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Midcentury ranch-style homes and modern luxury properties
Housing in Artondale consists mostly of single-family homes on larger lots. Many properties have wooded backyards, and some homes feature views of Puget Sound. “There are more single families and fewer townhomes compared to the city,” Pullin says. “There’s a mix of ramblers or one-story homes. Another attractive thing about Artondale is that a lot of houses have a heavy amount of trees.” The median price for a home in Artondale is a little over $970,000, but prices vary significantly depending on proximity to the sound. “If they’re not waterfront or water view, you would still get water access,” Pullin says. “Lots of homes not on the water get access. If you have a boat, you buy to get private or public water access.”
Thanks to the waters of Puget Sound, Artondale has a fairly mild climate for its latitude, with cool winters and warm-to-hot summers. The area is part of the Gig Harbor Police Department’s jurisdiction. According to the department’s 2023 annual report, violent crime remains low in the area but property crimes rose significantly from 2022.
Large modern homes in Artondale offer stunning views of Puget Sound.
Ranch style homes sit cliffside with views of Carr Inlet in Kopachuck Ridge/Horsehead Bay.
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Kopachuck State Park for most recreation
The outdoors are central to life in Artondale — no surprise given that its adjacent to Puget Sound and both Kopachuck and Cutts Island state parks. “Hiking is really big out there; boating and fishing are also huge,” says Pullin. Kopachuck State Park provides these activities, plus some residents may kayak, swim or windsurf around the saltwater beaches. Renovations are underway for the state park, where it’ll receive a new kid’s area, welcome center and improvements to its beach area. The Cushman Trail, a paved multiuse path, runs through the region and connects to downtown Gig Harbor. Golfers tee up at the nine-hole course at the private Gig Harbor Golf Club, known for its views of Mount Rainier.
Kopachuck State Park offers residents wooded hiking trails, benches, and beaches.
Kopachuk State Park is the best place in Artondale to access pebble beaches.
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Bites and Shops in Gig Harbor and Tacoma
Retail and restaurants in the area are concentrated in neighboring Gig Harbor, particularly in the Uptown neighborhood and along state Route 16, which connects both Gig Harbor and Artondale to Tacoma. Uptown features a variety of local shops and restaurants, including the always popular Tides Tavern. The highway, meanwhile, offers big-box shopping, chain restaurants and the local Safeway supermarket, which also serves Artondale. Central Tacoma is also close enough that Artondale locals can go there for shopping or a night out without too much trouble.
Safeway it a pacific northwest staple in Artondale for groceries.
Tides Tavern is a favorite lunch spot for people living in Artondale WA.
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Major renovations to Artondale schools
The Peninsula School District oversees public schools in the area and has an A rating from Niche. Artondale Elementary has an A-minus rating and recently underwent significant renovations, adding flex spaces for smaller classrooms and a larger library and common room.
Artondale Elementary School is a highly rated public school in Gig Harbor.
Kopachuk Middle School has been newly renovated.
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Gig Harbor Maritime Festival
Artondale doesn’t host many events, but community activities often take place in Gig Harbor. The biggest of these is the Maritime Gig Festival, held every June, which draws thousands of visitors throughout the region.
Nearby you'll find a variety of retailers and restaurants in Gig Harbor.
Galaxy Theater is a great source of entertainment in Gig Harbor.
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Highway 16 is neighborhood route
Residents will need to have a car to access other metro areas. “Route 16 is the route in Tacoma,” Pullin says. “The Tacoma Narrows Bridge is a toll bridge, which is a bit of a hassle for residents.” Most locals work in Tacoma, which is a 13-mile drive via Route 16. Travelers who need to go outside Seattle are about 40 miles from the SeaTac International Airport, which provides nonstop flights to over 120 international and domestic locations.
Tacoma Narrows bridge in Tacoma.
Highway 16 leads from the mainland in Tacoma from the Tacoma narrows.
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