A neighborhood with hidden treasures
Fox Island, or the Island, is a neighborhood that has many layers. For one, it’s surrounded by water, allowing for lots of water activities. Additionally, residents get a quieter and more relaxed way of living. “It’s close to amenities, and yet it feels remote,” says Stephanie Patrick, real estate broker at RE/MAX Exclusive. “It’s car-dependent; there are two main roads that go through it.” Deeper into the neighborhood, there are hidden spots like a gas station that’s a multi-use facility and multiple clubs for community interest and rebates. “I’ve had some friends that live there that were close with neighbors,” she adds. “It’s a friendly area, and neighbors care about the surrounding area and watch out for each other.” Fox Island is a smaller Tacoma suburb, having a population of just over 3,900. While some families live here, the demographics skew older and wealthier, with a median age of 50 and a median income of $157,000.
Bella Bella Beach for water sports and relaxation
During summer, locals are at Tacoma Demolay Sandspit Nature Preserve or Bella Bella Beach. “Off of Bella Bella, that’s the boat launch and people like to jet-ski,” Patrick says. “Bella Bella is a public beach, and they’ll do stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking.” Other times, locals might hang around the area to hold a picnic. The Fox Island Yacht Club is respected for its clubhouse and boating dock. However, the boating dock is a multi-use space, serving as a children’s play area and dance floor. Fox Island is not known for its walkability. Here, paved roads are met with hilly terrain and no sidewalks. “There’s not a lot of people that jog, but if they do, it's most likely on backroads,” Patrick says. The Fox Island Fishing Pier is where anglers can go to cast their lines or walk the grassy sections.
From condos to Northwest tradtionals
Fox Island is primarily single-family homes. There are condos further inland in the FoxLair Community. Here, residents have community amenities like a pool and private trails. Between $480,000 and $490,000, contemporary condos come with two bedrooms. Many single-family homes were built in the 21st Century. “A lot of water view and waterfront properties. Homes are more on the traditional side, mostly northwestern traditional,” Patrick says. “There are some modern, but not a lot.” Residents get privacy from neighbors with their larger lot sizes and shaded, tall trees. Homes under $1 million are ramblers or tri-levels with three to four bedrooms. Larger homes over $1 million come with water views, multi-car garages and four bedrooms.
Hidden spots at Fox Island Grocery and Deli
Since Fox Island is primarily a bedroom community, the area has little shopping and dining. Fox Island Grocery and Deli looks like a regular Shell station on the outside but walk inside to find it’s an actual one-stop-shop location. Locals can buy those last-minute groceries, grab an espresso from their drive-thru coffee shop or eat one of their handmade deli sandwiches and pizzas. Continue walking through this gas station to find the Zog’s Beer Garden, where locals often enjoy wine, beer and American pub food alongside a fire. Other shopping options can be found 8 miles away around Point Fosdick Drive, including Marshall’s, Kohl’s and Michael’s.
World's shortest parade at Fox Island Fair
The Fox Island Fair is the most beloved and largest event on the island. The Nichols Community Center turns its old schoolhouse grounds into a setting filled with live music, food, games and the world’s shortest parade. Fox Island Yacht Club organizes events for its members, from monthly Friday Night BBQs to cruises and boat rides. The Fox Island Yacht Club Annual Music Festival is where members can lay on their lawn chairs to the sounds of local rock bands. Along with the live music are food trucks and an outdoor bar. Outside the Yacht Club, folks like to participate in the Historical Society’s Pancake Breakfast and Memorial Day Ceremony.
Highly rated schools
Students can receive their education from Peninsula School District starting at Voyager Elementary, which received an A-minus Niche grade. Middle school years can be completed at Kopachuck Middle School. The A-minus school ranks as the fifth-best public middle school in the county. Diplomas can be earned from Gig Harbor High School, which received a B-plus from Niche. Students can participate in nearly 30 after-school clubs, including the Sports Medicine Club and ASL Club.
Fox Island Bridge serves as main connecting point
Fox Island is entirely car dependent. The Fox Island Bridge is the only connecting point between the metro Gig Harbor area. Commuters to Tacoma are 19 miles via the Washington State Route 16. The Tacoma Narrows Airport is 10 miles away, and while it’s not a designated commercial airport, it can cause some noise on the island. The nearest metro airport is the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, 42 miles away, providing flights to over 120 domestic and international destinations.
Photography Contributed By
Perry Cucinotta
