Key Center

If it weren’t for the brilliance of 20th-century engineers who realized that only bridges made of concrete could withstand the power of water and erosion, much of the Puget Sound area might still be undeveloped. While Key Peninsula has been home to indigenous peoples for centuries, white settlers didn’t arrive until the 1900s. Even today, it’s still a bit hard for most people to find it and its residential core -- Key Center -- thanks to its complex geography. Located 35 miles northwest of Tacoma, it is surrounded by two neighboring peninsulas and three waterways, and then another 1,000 plus miles of Puget Sound shoreline, islands and bayside communities. While it is a great place for those who want to live off the grid, thanks to bridges, boats and work-from-home technology, Key Center has become a desirable destination for those who want to live in the quiet outskirts of Seattle and Tacoma. As close to water as it is to rural farmland, the one thing you won’t find here is traffic.

As Monty Sisson, Realtor with Coldwell Banker says, “People that buy here want to be left alone. And they want property. I’ve sold micro-farms, horse farms, wineries, and of course, waterfront homes. More often than not, buyers are coming from out of the Washington area. They’re gravitating to the affordability of the region, the mild weather and the natural beauty.” Key Center is the largest of three small towns on 16-mile-long Key Peninsula. But don’t be misled. It is very walkable and central to all the neighborhood’s assets: land, parks, schools, and endless beaches, inlets and coves that are entirely unspoiled. Lakefront homes sell for about $1,100,000. Family homes in small, gated communities sell for about $490,000. Multi-use properties, perfect for a home business, have recently sold for about $500,000. Getting around on Key Peninsula requires a vehicle; there is no public transportation. At the same time, says realtor Sisson, “Boating is pretty standard for homeowners around here. Being on the water is one of the best things about this area. Just the other day I saw a pod of whales right in front of me on the water.”

Kids attend schools in the Peninsula District, which has an A-minus rating from Niche. Vaughn Elementary offers pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. Niche gives them a B-plus overall grade. Key Peninsula Middle offers sixth through eighth grades and is ranked the 15th-best public middle school in Pierce County. Niche gives Peninsula High an overall grade of B-plus and ranks them the ninth-best public high school in the county. They also offer several strong athletic programs including soccer, football, basketball, cross country, and golf. Volunteer Park’s 20 acres offers baseball fields, picnic areas, and a popular skateboard park. It also has walking trails, a disc golf course and an outside concert area. Haley State Park is mostly undeveloped, with 180 acres of trails and treelined shores. Don’t wait for Halloween to visit My Haunted Forest. If you’re into medieval cosplay, this is the place for you.

When you’re too tired to cook, stop by El Sombrero Family Mexican on Olson Drive. Madrona Café is known for gluten-free breakfasts, bagel sandwiches and handcrafted coffees. Angel Guild Thrift Shop is a great place to get inexpensive, but good-quality gifts and toys for kids. Home Country Store is one of the only convenience stores on the peninsula. Prices will be higher than on the mainland, but they’ve got essentials as well as homemade pizza and chicken teriyaki every day. Living on a peninsula offers privacy galore. The downside, that locals accept as the price of admission, is having to drive a bit further to find grocery stores or upscale shopping. Uptown Gig Harbor is a half-hour drive away, but well worth it. This historic town and tourist destination has more than 50 retail and dining options so you might want to make a day of it. Check out Green.House; this upscale bistro offers outdoor dining and an extensive wine list.

If you’re looking for a Puget Sound house or a property with a few acres, Key Center’s assets will undoubtedly outweigh any challenges faced during the hunt.

Written By

Sarah Albiston

Photography Contributed By

Kristinah Archer

Video By

Jacob McAllister