Kopachuck Ridge/Horsehead Bay

People move to Kopachuck Ridge/Horsehead Bay for two reasons: waterfront living and privacy. With spectacular views, hillsides of massive evergreen trees, and miles of beaches, it's no wonder real estate prices are some of the priciest in the Puget Sound area. This 5-mile-long, mostly residential community, sits on the west edge of Lower Gig Harbor Peninsula, one of numerous peninsulas in the Puget Sound. Henderson Bay and Carr Inlet are the nearby waterways. Perhaps the most remote of communities on the peninsula, Kopachuck Ridge/Horsehead Bay was settled in the 1880s by home seekers who built tiny fishing cabins to accommodate their desire for solitude and waterfront living.

Today, the median home price of $1,220,000 reflects the growing popularity of the community and the continued desire by residents for solitude. Some of the costliest homes in Pierce County can be found here. Custom-built homes along quiet streets and cul-de-sacs offer eye-catching views of Henderson Bay and Mount Ranier. Five-acre equestrian estates can be found for about $3,700,000. Waterfront homes with three levels and a private dock sell for around $6,000,000. Realtor Monty Sisson with Coldwell Banker explains the appeal of Kopachuck Ridge/Horsehead Bay, “People who come here love the water and they also want land. That’s why micro-farms and small equestrian farms as so popular around here. For the most part, buyers on the peninsulas want to be left alone to pursue their interests.”

Kids attend schools in the Peninsula District, which has an A-minus rating from Niche. Voyager Elementary teaches kindergarten through fifth grade and has an overall A-minus grade from Niche. Voyager has a notable Special Education Parent Advisory Committee that helps enrich students’ education by partnering with staff and community leaders to promote broader educational opportunities. Kopachuck Middle offers sixth through eighth grades, has high proficiency scores and also has an A-minus grade from Niche. The Gig Harbor Tides has a B-plus rating from Niche and they offer both AP courses and a program for gifted students. As Realtor Sisson adds, “While newcomers can certainly afford private schools, they often choose the county schools here because they are highly-regarded and well-loved by the community.”

Another way that residents enjoy their privacy is by engaging in outdoor pursuits. Kopachuck State Park welcomes boating, sailing, fishing, and beaches for those who enjoy spectacular sunsets. It’s 6 miles from the town of Gig Harbor, and features 280 acres of forested hiking, a mile of saltwater shoreline and panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains. Cutts Island State Park is a marine park known for breathtaking views and for being home to local seals. Island living can limit buildable acres, so locals don’t begrudge the fact that Gig Harbor Golf Club offers only nine holes. Its spectacular views of Mount Rainer and of towering evergreen trees that line much of the course will make it easy to overlook too many visits to the sand traps.

Living on Kopachuck Ridge/Horsehead Bay is remote, to say the least, but that’s exactly why people like it. Rural island living does not normally offer many nearby shopping or dining options and that’s the case here, but locals have ways to draw customers. As evidenced by its name, Island View Market & Pub meets the needs of locals in two ways. They also support local farmers and growers. Rabbit Haven is a non-profit rescue and shelter for domestic rabbits. They offer adoptions and they welcome volunteers. Visitors will likely choose one or the other. When you’re ready for an afternoon of shopping or a night out, locals drive about 20 minutes to Uptown Gig Harbor. This historic town and tourist destination has more than 50 retail and dining options. Some will take their boat into the historic harbor and relax for a day or two. Check out Green.House; this upscale bistro offers outdoor dining and an extensive wine list.

The Puget Sound area offers plenty of waterfront communities with exclusive outdoor amenities. But if you’re looking for an extra level of privacy, you should spend some time learning about Kopachuck Ridge/Horsehead Bay. It may be the wisest investment of time you’ve spent in ages.

Written By

Sarah Albiston

Photography Contributed By

Kristinah Archer

Video By

Kellan Beaver