If you’re looking for a home in the evergreen forests outside Tacoma, Washington, you might consider the peaceful, rural community of Wauna. Bordered by the deep blue waters of the Puget Sound, it’s perfect for outdoorsy types who want a reprieve from the buzz of city life. “It has a rural feel, the water is beautiful, and you’re in an amazing school district — and you’ll get it at a better price than Gig Harbor,” says Realtor Paige Schulte of Neighborhood Experts, who is a top seller in the area.
The sun sets on the coast of Wauna.
Stunning homes line the hills of the rural streetscape.
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Homes can have lush greenery and waterfront views
Home to just over 4,000 residents, Wauna derives its name from a Native American term meaning “mighty water,” an appropriate title given the breathtaking views you’ll get from the shoreline. Take a drive through the neighborhood's winding, country roads and you’ll see a broad mix of home styles tucked away in bristly greenery, including some that brush up against the pebbly shoreline of the sound. Spacious contemporary homes, midcentury styles, ranch homes and stunning luxury homes can all be found here. Many of them offer large front and rear windows so you’ll have gorgeous views of the surrounding scenery and peek-a-boo views of Mount Rainer in the distance. Generous setbacks, large lots and leafy foliage provide residents with plenty of privacy. Home prices typically range from $250,000 to upwards of $1.5 million, with larger, newer homes near the waterfront selling for the highest price point.
One of many beach bungalow-style homes lines the coast of Wauna.
Large contemporary homes sit in the hills of Wauna, Washington.
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Trails, a lake and a state park are near Gateway
Scenic hiking destinations are close to home for Wauna residents. Make sure you check out Gateway Park, a lovely green space with a playground, grassy picnic areas and a dog park. It's also a trailhead for 360 Trails, a 3-mile loop that's perfect for hiking, biking and horseback riding through the Key Peninsula woodlands. Nearby, you can spend the day at Horseshoe Lake Park, a laidback recreation area where you can swim, fish and canoe. Head south to the opposite side of Henderson Bay and you can relax outdoors at Kopachuck State Park, a 280-acre park with sandy beaches, rugged hiking trails and lots of opportunities for fishing and shellfish harvesting during open season.
Hiker with her dogs starts at the trailhead for 360 trails.
A family plays together at the Gateway Park in Wauna WA.
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Peninsula School District is highly rated
Students can attend highly rated schools in the Peninsula School District. Minter Creek Elementary School holds a B-plus rating from Niche, Harbor Ridge Middle School holds an A-minus and Peninsula High School holds a B-plus, putting them among the upper echelon of schools in greater Tacoma. Peninsula High offers a wide range of sports programs and clubs — you'll find everything from a chess club and a trap shooting club to award-winning football and cross-country running teams. “People really want to be in this school district,” Schulte says.
Entrance to Minter Creek Elementary on a blustering day.
Harbor Ridge Middle School lined with trees for privacy.
Peninsula High School offers multiple programs and scores a B-plus on Niche.
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Restaurants are in Wauna, while stores are nearby in Gig Harbor
While dining options are limited within the neighborhood, you’ll have several places you can go for a quick bite. Wauna Burger is a great spot for a juicy burger and fries, while those in the mood for deep-dish takeout might try a pie at Seabeck Pizza. For big box stores and major chain grocers, you can head just a few miles east to a nearby shopping center in Gig Harbor with a Costco, Albertsons, Target, Home Depot, Petco and Walgreens.
Seabecks has been a local staple in Wauna, WA, since 1985.
The extraordinary little rock shop Wild Earth Rocks is one of Wauna's local gems.
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Tacoma is a 30-minute drive away on Route 16
Route 16 is just a few miles from the neighborhood, making for an easy commute to regional employment centers and cultural destinations. Hop on the highway, and it’s about a 30-minute drive to Tacoma and about an hour to downtown Seattle. With homes along the woodsy waterfront of the Puget Sound, Wauna might be the rural lifestyle you’re looking for in the Pacific Northwest.
Photography Contributed By
William King
Video By
Zoe Sarris
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Christel Osterstrom,
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.
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Desirable Bell Mar II Gated Community with Magnificent Views of Mount Rainier, Henderson Bay, and Cuts Island State Park. Utilities at each lot. Flat Topography. Beach Access from walking trail and road. Seller also has 3 other lots available to build in this high end neighborhood.
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