Gig Harbor North

With glistening waters as its backdrop, Gig Harbor North is a lovely blend of convenience, captivating natural beauty and waterfront fun.

Known as the gateway to the Olympic Peninsula, it encompasses all that the Puget Sound has to offer, with quick access to historic downtown. The neighborhood is also the most recently developed area of all Gig Harbor. “Gig Harbor North has exploded over the last decade,” says Darren Rivers, Realtor of Keller Williams West Sound. “Lots of newer stores, and it has really changed dramatically. “There are a lot of new developments. Harbor Hill is one, and it has over 3,000 homes.” Gig Harbor North is filled with a variety of single-family houses, from modern cottages, detailed two-story Craftsman homes, rambler-style houses and stunning Northwest Contemporary estates near the harbor. You can also find condos and quite a few secluded cabins if you want to be off the beaten path. Most homes were built in 2016 and range from $560,000 to $925,000. Higher-end homes can go for up to $1.5 million, and residents enjoy landscaped, fenced-in backyards and spacious multi-car garages. “It’s nice, you are a little closer to your neighbor, and you have smaller lots, but there is a much wider variety of homes to live in, and it’s closer to amenities and freeways,” says Rivers. High-end homes offer covered patios, hot tubs and stone paths leading to cozy outdoor fireplaces and courtyards. And with a soaring green belt of spruces and Douglas Firs, Gig Harbor North residents have ultimate privacy and peace.

Students attend Swift Water Elementary, Harbor Ridge Middle and Peninsula High School. Swift Water offers an annual STEM Night for students, a spring book fair and school supply kits to those who need them. Ranked by Niche as the No. 10 best high school in Pierce County, Peninsula offers art and chess clubs, as well as water polo and swim teams.

The 109-acre McCormick Forest Park is a favorite in Gig Harbor North, with four miles of trails perfect for hiking, biking or horseback riding. Located on the Kitsap Peninsula, the park is blanketed with Douglas Firs, and some of the trails offer views of the McCormick Creek canyon, making for a scenic, peaceful afternoon stroll. Head down to the harbor to paddleboard, kayak, fish or take a ride on a Venetian-style Italian gondola. Or practice your swing at Canterwood Golf and Country Club, one of the area’s most prestigious private golf courses. This tranquil oasis offers an 18-hole golf course, year-round tennis, a cabana-clad pool and an expansive chipping green. “There’s also the Cushman Trail that’s a paved trail that goes all the way into Tacoma,” says Rivers. “People can ride their bikes or walk their dogs and not worry about cars or being on the street.”

Gig Harbor North offers a few restaurants within the neighborhood, like Papa Murphy’s Take ‘N Bake Pizza, Sushi Bento and several chains. However, with the neighborhood just five minutes from Gig Harbor’s bustling main commercial hub, residents can quickly access a variety of shops and restaurants. “There’s Devoted Kiss Café for breakfast, a wine bar called Morso Bistro and Brix 25 for fine dining,” says Rivers. “All of these places have great views of the harbor.” Get day-to-day needs at Costco, Albertson’s or Target, but downtown is the place to go for mom-and-pop shopping.

A tight-knit community, there’s always something to get involved with in Gig Harbor North. The annual Gig Harbor Maritime Festival and Gig Harbor Art Festival are two of the biggest, most popular events, but Rivers says there’s always something happening downtown as well. “Every summer, there's a farmers market, every Tuesday night, there’s a free concert at Skansie Brothers Park, and there’s a community parade once a year all the schools and little league teams march in,” he says.

A waterfront gem with a close community and laid-back lifestyle awaits in Gig Harbor North.

Written By

Amy David

Photography Contributed By

William King

Video By

Taylor Noll