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. 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
Matthew Gerrish,
an experienced agent in this area.
Discover the potential of this charming single level home nestled on 1.5 private acres in the peaceful Vaughn/Key Peninsula area of Pierce County. Surrounded by forests, farms, & the beauty of the Pacific Northwest, this property offers the perfect opportunity to create your own country retreat while remaining just 15 minutes from Gig Harbor & nearby public beaches. Featuring 3 bedrooms, 2
$9,000 SELLER PAID BUYER CREDIT!! Private. Peaceful. Move-in ready. Built in 2020. On nearly 2 acres, like-new True Built custom rambler offers the perfect blend of modern comfort & PNW living. ALL NEW APPLIANCES! Expansive great room featuring soaring vaulted ceilings and oversized windows that bring the outdoors in. The chef-inspired kitchen offers granite countertops, soft-close cabinetry,
Tucked into a peaceful lake community, this beautifully remodeled 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home effortlessly blends modern style, comfortable living, and all the charm of the PNW lifestyle. Step inside to a bright, open-concept living space where vaulted ceilings create an airy, spacious feel and flow seamlessly into the beautifully updated kitchen with stainless steel appliances and a propane range.
Water-view home with incredible potential, ready for your personal touch. With a little sweat equity, this could easily become your dream home. The property features one bedroom, two full bathrooms, and a charming skylit attic space filled with natural light. Enjoy cozy evenings by the wood-burning fireplace, and take advantage of the open kitchen, complete with stove, refrigerator, and
Dreaming of waterfront living? Here is your chance for the best lot on the sound! Perched on a bluff above the stunning Carr Inlet, this 1.46-acre lot offers 150 feet of waterfront and endless views—including Mt. Rainier in full glory. Tucked at the end of a private drive, this cleared and level lot is ready for your dream home. Enjoy amazing beach access, daily visits from local wildlife, and
Incredible opportunity in beautiful Key Center. Don't miss this 3 bed, 2 bath, 2236 sq/ft rambler proudly situated on gently sloping .5+ acre with amazing pastoral views. Built in 1975 and well maintained and improved over the years, the home has enjoyed a variety of uses given its Rural Activity Center zoning. Single Family use is allowed along with several other options. Large rooms with
Double-wide manufactured home situated on a level lot with community lake access, offering a peaceful setting and room to make it your own. The home features a spacious family room, a flexible bonus space currently used as a bedroom, and French doors that open to a large covered back deck—ideal for enjoying the outdoors or entertaining. The property is being sold AS-IS and will require
Hard to find mostly level 4.96 acres on Key Peninsula Highway NW just minutes from Gig Harbor and Highway 16. Fantastic investment opportunity for a contractor's yard, agriculture-based business or a beautiful homesite. This site was originally being developed into a church and has storm water and hydrants in place. Water service is currently on site with easy access to power at the street. The
Escape to your own private retreat with this expansive light-filled home situated on 5.91 acres. Designed for comfort & function, this home offers exceptionally large rooms, abundant storage, huge island kitchen with commercial style viking cooktop, 6 burners + griddle, double wall ovens, pantry cabinets, spectacular vaulted living rm, XL bedrooms, a flex room, and expansive deck overlooking the
Nestled at the end of a quiet dead-end road in Gig Harbor's Minter area, this custom-built home offers a perfect blend of privacy, comfort, and PNW beauty. Situated on 5 peaceful acres- most of it wooded, with some 2nd-generation old-growth trees. This 3195 sf home provides a serene retreat while conveniently close to Gig Harbor amenities. Built in 2003, freshly painted inside and out, it offers
Breathtaking 9.5+ acres including separate parcel with access from 64th if desired. Come through the privacy gate down the beautifully treed drive to open pasture land with 4 paddocks, a charming pond w/lily pads and dock to sit and gaze from. An amazing elevated area for a home of your dreams to be built offered with a 3-bedroom septic design, drilled well and power box. The luscious grounds
Beautifully remodeled home with breathtaking Glen Cove Bay views! This move-in-ready 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom residence showcases tasteful updates throughout, creating a warm and inviting living space. Enjoy scenic bay views from the comfort of your home, paired with a functional layout perfect for both relaxing and entertaining. Recent upgrades include New metal roof, new electrical, new plumbing,
Luz del Carmen Acoltzi ViteSkyline Properties, Inc.
Enjoy breathtaking, sweeping views of the Olympic Mountain Range, Case Inlet, and Pickering Passage from this 1.3-acre lot with 100' frontage including tidal land (rare find). 180-degree views waiting for you to design and build your dream home to enjoy for years to come. Electric is available in the street. Deep well ready to hook up and use. Are you ready to harvest fresh muscles, oysters,
10 Acres, tons of potential with this land off Key Peninsula Highway. Wonderful investment opportunity! Lots of fruit trees, Fig, Apple and Grape. Well on property, needs generator and service. Power in street. Potential building sites or recreational land. Located in un-incorporated Pierce County, 10 acre lot on a rectangular parcel. Minutes to Key Center, schools and shopping. Property being
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