Rosedale

Thinking of a home nestled along a picturesque bay might conjure images of the Florida Keys or the New England coastline. But direct your attention across the country to Washington state, and you’ll find a nearly secluded rural neighborhood tucked into Henderson Bay on the Puget Sound. In addition to spectacular views at sunrise and sunset, Rosedale is part of Gig Harbor, a maritime community just across Route 16. This lushly green neighborhood is filled with tall pines, natural beauty and several small working farms where locals buy fresh eggs and produce. There are also a handful of cherished local businesses like Chalet in the Woods or Rosedale Gardens. If those aren’t enough, you’ll also be just 15 minutes from a large retail district in Gig Harbor North.

“The most important thing about Rosedale is the small-town feel. It’s attractive because it’s more rural and has incredible waterfront views,” says Jennifer Hawkins, the managing broker for Hawkins-Poe. “It’s a suburb of Gig Harbor, which is where you’d go for community events, shopping, or things like that. Rosedale itself only has one shop called the Rosedale Market.”

Living in Rosedale offers residents a mixture of old and new construction, with houses having been built from the 1880s through the present day. There are a wide range of styles represented with everything from traditional farmhouses to contemporary waterfront properties. While bayside lots are rare, those who are able to secure one have incredible views of the Sound from their front or back porches. The Raft Island subdivision is indeed on its own island and allows inhabitants to enjoy boating and fishing throughout the year. Homes rest on large lots and many of the older homes have been remodeled. Prices range from $530,000 for a four-bedroom ranch-style residence to $3.5 million for a contemporary multi-level home on the bay.

Students in Rosedale attend schools in the Peninsula School District. It’s been rated one of the best districts in Washington state for athletes as well as having earned a cumulative A-minus grade from Niche. One pathway children might follow from primary school to graduation is through Discovery Elementary, Harbor Ridge Middle and Gig Harbor High. Discovery Elementary offers Y-Care for parents, a before- and after-school program for students in conjunction with the local YMCA. Harbor Ridge Middle is known for its extracurricular activities like debate, jazz band & Spanish culture club along with sports such as volleyball and wrestling. Gig Harbor High was established in 1979 and has a Fine and Performing Arts Department with multiple musical ensembles.

Residents of Rosedale don’t have to journey far for fun in the great outdoors. In addition to the bay itself, there are several dedicated green spaces including Sehmel Homestead Park. Named for the German immigrant family who lived on the land for over a century, the space is 98 acres of meadow, wetlands, forest, and a pond. Twenty-two of those acres are devoted to recreational pastimes like baseball, softball, tennis and basketball. A Boundless Playground lets children of all abilities enjoy their time outside while four miles of wooded trails let anyone take in the scenery at their own pace.

The area also has several beloved local shops like the Chalet in the Woods and Rosedale Gardens. The Chalet is indeed set back in the forest on over 12 acres of gardens, pines and pastureland for grazing sheep. It sells European clothing and gift items like Roselli’s handmade axes, Saint James’ fisherman sweaters and its own line of table linens, towels, aprons, and more. Be sure to call before you go as the store is open by appointment only. Roseland Gardens is no less enchanting a space for visitors. The year-round gardens and plant nursery welcomes homeowners to create the paths, rock work and ground cover their lawns deserve with the store’s professional services. For those seeking inspiration, why not take a walk through the 15 acres of formal gardens to see the blooming flowers, artworks and fountains?

The Rosedale neighborhood lies along the Puget Sound and offers fantastic views of the Pacific Northwest alongside a strong community near Tacoma.

Written By

K.T. Phillips

Photography Contributed By

Kristinah Archer

Video By

Michael McAdams