Key Center is tucked away from the rest of the world
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 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 on 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 biggest assets: land, parks, schools, and endless beaches, inlets and coves that are entirely unspoiled.
Residents in Key Center utilize the miles of shorelines and waterways to take their boats out.
You'll find residents canoeing in the Glen Cove in Key Center.
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Home prices vary, and locals tend to boat around the area
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.”
Single-story craftsman-style homes are abundant in Key Center.
Residents in Key Center can find custom multi-level bayside homes.
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Peninsula High has a strong athletics program
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 it the ninth-best public high school in the county. They also offer several strong athletic programs, including soccer, football, basketball, cross country, and golf.
Vaughn Elementary School rates a 7 out of 10 on test scores according to GreatSchools.
Front area of Key Peninsula Middle School.
Peninsula High School from above.
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Hiking trails stretch across the area’s recreation spaces
Volunteer Park’s 20 acres offer baseball fields, picnic areas, and a popular skateboard park. It also has walking trails, a disc golf course and an outdoor 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.
Residents of Key Center ride to Volunteer Park and land tricks at the skate area.
Welcome to Volunteer Park in Washington.
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There are a few local restaurants, and more on the mainland
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. The Angel Guild Thrift Shop is a great place to find inexpensive, yet high-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 offer 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 it's well worth the trip. 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, an upscale bistro that 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.
Angel Guild Thrift Shop is a nonprofit organization located in Key Center, Washington.
Residents stop by Home Country store famous for their pizza and teriyaki chicken.
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Written By
Sarah Albiston
Photography Contributed By
Kristinah Archer
Video By
Jacob McAllister
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Kathryn Kleber,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
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Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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